The Detroit Pistons had a dramatic 2024, completing the worst season in team history, firing their front office and coach and seemingly turning things around under Trajan Langdon and JB Bickerstaff.
The Pistons will enter 2025 in 10th position in the Eastern Conference with Philadelphia right behind them. Detroit is in position to play a meaningful game for the first time since the Blake Griffin era, but there are things we'll need to see in the new year if they are going to get there.
More Defense
After a decent defensive start that briefly had them in the top-10 in the NBA, the Pistons have regressed. The've dropped to 20th in defensive rating and 21st in opponent's points per game.
It was especially bad in December, when the Pistons were 28th in the league in defensive rating.
The good news is that the offense is starting to click, as they were 7th offensively in December. They are up to 17th overall offensively, a big leap from last season, but it's being offset by their terrible defense.
JB Bickerstaff has been reluctant to make changes in his rotation (more on that in a minute) but he may have to consider putting one of his better defenders in the starting five.
A 4-game winning streak
Ahh, the elusive 4-game winning streak. The Pistons haven't had one forever and just can't seem to get over that hump to make a real run, though they came close recently.
They are going to need one if they want to make the play-in, as Philly is surging, and other than maybe the Bulls, the rest of the teams ahead of the Pistons are hopefuls for the playoffs and will likely be adding to their rosters, not subtracting.
Detroit will need to string together some wins, starting with the upcoming four-game home stand.
More Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland II
I don't care how it happens, but we need to see more of Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland II in the new year. Whether it is moving one of them (Ausar) to the starting five or just increasing their minutes off the bench, there is no way Tim Hardaway Jr. should be playing significantly more minutes than either of them.
Neither THJ nor Tobias Harris are shooting the ball well anyway, so even though these veterans have played important roles early, it's time to unleash the future with the two #5 picks that are sitting on the bench.
A trade that makes the team better (long or short term)
I don't expect the Pistons to make a roster-altering trade before February's trade deadline but there are myriad ways they can improve the roster for the short and/or long term.
If the Pistons want to use THJ's expiring contract and a second-round pick or two, there are players they could acquire that could fill needs without disrupting the core.
Detroit can also take on draft picks for renting their cap space, a less exciting option but one that could help them to make a big deal in the future.
I would just like to walk away from the trade deadline feeling better about the team one way or another, preferably with a player who can play and a couple of picks if I'm being greedy.
A play-in berth
It's time.
Cade Cunningham is playing at an All-Star level, Jaden Ivey has been great and they have a decent supporting cast. This team is far from perfect and definitely not a title contender, but there is no reason they can't make the play-in tournment.
From there, who knows, as anything can happen and Detroit may even surprise someone and advance. Even if they flopped, these players and more importantly, the long-suffering fans of Detroit, deserve something to get excited about.
Playing a high-stakes game or two is more important than draft position. The Pistons don't have to go all-in for a star, but they should go all-in on the idea of playing meaningful basketball in 2025.
Thanks to all of you for reading in 2024 and have a safe and happy New Year! Cheers!