Detroit Pistons: Ranking the 8 best young NBA trios to start a franchise with
#2: Detroit Pistons
- Cade Cunningham
- Jaden Ivey
- Jalen Duren
You could also potentially put Ausar Thompson on this list depending on how you feel about Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren, who both made the All-Rookie team last season. I know there are a lot of people rolling their eyes right now and calling me a Homer for having the Detroit Pistons this high, and you might be right.
But I believe in Cade Cunningham and that he has the chance to be the best player on this list. He was averaging nearly 20/6/6 last season on one leg before shin surgery ended his season after just 12 games. Cade has “HIM” written all over him, and with additional strength and a full season of good health (knock on wood), Cunningham can make the biggest leap of this group and be a candidate for the Most Improved Player award if not the All-Star team.
Jaden Ivey should be a great sidekick, as he improved as the season went on and was very good on catch-and-shoot 3’s, something he should get a lot more of next season.
Jalen Duren was not as raw as people predicted last season, and I think his overall ceiling may be higher than Ivey’s. He’s already a good passer, something Monty Williams will take advantage of, as well as one of the best young rebounders in the game. When he adds a little offense and starts protecting the rim more (it’s coming), he has an argument as the most promising young big in the game.
Yes, I am Homer #1, but these three have the mentality to take the Detroit Pistons to the next level and eventually lead them to sustained success.
#1: Oklahoma City Thunder
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Jalen Williams
- Chet Holmgren
But it is OKC that has the perfect combination of current production and future upside, as SGA is already a first-team All-NBA player and one of the best guards in the league. Williams made first-team All-Rookie after an outstanding season that really came out of nowhere for a lot of people.
People shouldn’t sleep on Chet Holmgren either, as he is going to be an elite rim protector right away and a guy who will be very efficient around the rim. Don’t be surprised if he wins Rookie of the Year next season after the Thunder make the playoffs.