The Pistons made a lot of changes to their bench this offseason as key veterans from last season’s team departed in free agency and new additions were brought in. But the core of the team remains largely the same - the team has the same projected starting lineup as it would have had if healthy last season, and stability in the front office and coaching staff. For the first time in a long time, the Pistons are going into a season without massive overhaul.
Stability is rare but valuable in the NBA
This will be the Pistons’ first time entering the season with a returning head coach in four years. The increased stability should give them an advantage in long-term team building. JB Bickerstaff emphasized the sharp difference between this offseason and last year, when he was still filling out his coaching staff over the summer. This year, he says that the coaches were able to customize training for each player more precisely and focus on weaknesses they observed last season.
The players themselves will no doubt be relieved to not have their team change as dramatically this offseason. For Cade Cunningham, this will be the first of his five seasons in the league when he has not had a brand new teammate in the starting lineup. The team’s chemistry will be better since most of them have played with each other and created a bond. And it actually helps new arrivals fit into their designated roles better as well.
As a team, the Pistons are aware of their overall strengths and weaknesses. The lack of a big offseason move shows faith from the front office in what they currently have, and allows players to focus on the court rather than looking over their shoulders for the chance of being traded. This will be especially important for Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren, both of whom may become restricted free agents in a year.
The Pistons young core has finally proven enough for the front office to show full confidence. Trajan Langdon’s conservative approach to this offseason is no coincidence nor is it evidence of incompetence. Quite the contrary - the front office has intentionally given the youngsters a stable foundation to build from.
Part of this patient approach also involves judging success through gradual means. Langdon emphasized the importance of building a good process and getting better over the course of the season. Hopefully this will also mean the team avoids freaking out over their early win-loss record and won’t make rash decisions at the trade deadline.
Cade Cunningham and company have what it takes to take another leap with internal growth. Now that the team has found a winning formula, it’s up to the players to execute and find success in the regular season and playoffs.