In a recent episode of the Bill Simmons podcast, the hosts discussed some of the questions hanging over the Detroit Pistons as they prepare to enter the 2025-26 season and it was mostly negative.
Simmons talked about how important the Pistons’ vets were last season and expressed doubt that their production would be replaced by Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert.
Simmons said that “Miami quit on Robinson 14 times over the last five years,” and mentioned his defense as a big liability that his shooting wasn’t going to balance.
He wasn’t high on Caris LeVert either, which led him to pick the Pistons to finish with fewer than their 47-win projection, though added that this could all change if the Pistons make a monster trade.
Zach Lowe was a little higher on the Robinson and LeVert additions but he too picked the Pistons to go under.
Simmons expressed the same concerns that many Pistons fans are likely feeling about Duncan Robinson, but Homer #1 is hear to counter all of them.
The Detroit Pistons need several things to happen for them to improve
Robinson and LeVert are not going to replace Malik Beasley’s shooting, but I do think the myth of Beasley has gotten a little out of hand. As good as he was last season, Beasley was still a one-dimensional chucker who couldn’t guard anyone so I am not sure how Robinson’s defense is going to kill the Pistons if Beasley’s didn’t.
Robinson is a more versatile offensive player who has already shown he can work in the dribble hand offs and pick and roll as a passer or shooter and is a guy who has gotten increasingly better at attacking close outs.
LeVert is certainly an X-Factor and the Pistons have to hope he shoots closer to 40 percent from longe range. But he’s also a more dynamic player than his predecessor, so the Pistons are hoping a more versatile offense will make up for some of the spacing issues. It is a concern, and I think this one is valid.
The Pistons will need Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson to make the kinds of leaps everyone expects, which will also offset some of the scoring and shooting they lost.
The Pistons are obtimistic that their new additions and development from the young players will be enough, but if it isn’t, we could see them with a similar record or even worse. Development is not linear and improvement is not guaranteed, but the Pistons are hoping a more versatile offense and improvements from the young guys will be enough to keep them progressing.