In case you haven’t noticed, there is something special happening in Detroit right now. The Pistons have won 12 straight, are in first place in the Eastern Conference and are playing an entertaining style of basketball that has a little something for everyone.
Bill Simmons ranked the Pistons 4th in his recent NBA League Pass rankings, meaning there are only three other teams he’d rather watch. Zach Lowe didn’t agree, calling the Pistons a “battering ram” of a team, which is fair, but fans around the league are starting to catch on that these Pistons are worth tuning in for.
Detroit Pistons: Entertainment for every kind of basketball fan
If you like watching superstars dissect an offense, then the Pistons give you Cade Cunningham, one of the league’s most exciting young stars. He’s something for the throwback fans who like pace, cerebral, ethical basketball, and a guy who doesn’t constantly hunt fouls.
If you are into high-flying athleticism, the Pistons have plenty of that and are arguably the most athletic team in the league. Guys like Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland can jump out of the gym, and Jalen Duren is a constant threat for a rim rattling dunk.
This is an unselfish squad that plays true team basketball if you are into that sort of thing. They defend like mad banshees, dive to the floor and pick each other up, so if you like watching dynamic defensive play that often turns into a dunk on the other end, then you’ll love the Pistons.
Do you like narratives? The Pistons have plenty.
This is a team that won 14 games total just two seasons ago and now has 14 wins in November. They’ve had a ton of injuries and only recently got Jaden Ivey back, adding even more athleticism and speed to the rotation.
They’ve gotten unexpected contributions from underdogs like Daniss Jenkins, a two-way player who wasn’t expected to see much action this season but has stepped into an important role and played it well.
And if you like teams that mix it up, the Pistons don’t back away from a scrap. They play with an edge and aren’t afraid to get physical, deliver a hard foul or take care of business if someone lays a cheap shot on their superstar. They’ve been better about it this season when it comes to getting technical fouls, but Isaiah Stewart and Ron Holland are ready to go if the need arises.
You are probably ready to throw up in your mouth if you are a fan of a different team, but for sheer entertainment value, it doesn’t get much better than the Pistons right now, who play an old-school style that still manages to be exciting.