There’s plenty of time this year for the Detroit Pistons to make a mark on the regular season, and possibly the playoffs. But true contention likely won’t come for another year or more.
With that in mind, we look at the likelihood of current players comprising what appears to be a solid core of young guys. Age, pending free agency and roles all play a factor in developing this list. It’s possible that players like Marcus Sasser could forge a longer-term role as well, changing how this list might look at the end of the season.
The Detroit Pistons core
Cade Cunningham
No surprise here. Coming into the 2024-25 season, there was a question if Cunningham was a true #1 that a contending team can build around. Detroit’s point guard has seemingly answered that question. He has five more years remaining on his first max contract. Cunningham is now as close to untouchable as a player can be in an NBA where Luka Doncic was just traded.
Ausar Thompson
If this article had been written two months ago, Thompson may not have been in this category. But coming off a bout with blood clots, his improvement has been obvious and sudden. The athleticism, defense and rim running was never in doubt. The outside shot still needs work, but Thompson’s confidence is increasing on offense. A year from now, he could be knocking on the NBA All-Star door.
Likely core players
Jalen Duren
There are still some aspects to Duren’s game that need improvement. It would be beneficial if he could develop a shot outside of 10 feet. He may never be a true rim protector. A rash of turnovers is still possible from time to time. But Duren is an outstanding rebounder, an improving finisher, a top-flight athlete and a willing defender while averaging a double/double in points and rebounds. .
Ron Holland
Holland may be on a similar development path to Thompson. They are different players to be sure but have some similar skills. Holland runs the floor can guard multiple positions and provides a level of athleticism that some of his teammates lack. The shot mechanics look solid. He can handle the ball and seems likely to be able to create his own shot. Holland could be an NBA starter if he can grow into a reliable three-point shooter. Regardless, he has a role in the league for several years at least.
Valuable role players
Malik Beasley
This may seem a bit harsh considering how productive and efficient the free-agent signee has been for the Pistons. But strip down the numbers and Beasley is one of the best outside shooters in the game. He has plenty of other skills, but what he does best makes him an important player on a contending team, not a core player. His pending free agency only emphasizes this, especially with paydays coming for younger teammates.
Isaiah Stewart
We all know that Beef Stew is a bit undersized for center, but he gets the most out of that size with strong interior defense and shot blocking skills. Stewart may never be a 40 percent three-point shooter, and his next contract may be too pricey for the Pistons to keep, but they don't have to worry about that for now. He could also be a tradeable contract in a move within the next couple of years. But if he stays, Stewart will be a valuable piece on a rising team.
Tobias Harris and Simone Fontecchio
While they are on Detroit’s roster, they’ll have an important role. That’s especially true for Harris, who has picked up some of Ivey’s scoring prowess after his injury. But when their contracts expire, Harris and Fontecchio will likely be moving on – if they’re not traded first.
Core or not core – that is the question
Jaden Ivey
This was the most difficult player to list as Ivey was coming into his own before breaking his fibula. Detroit has arguably (or perhaps obviously) played better since Ivey’s injury as Thompson has proven to be versatile and valuable. The Pistons might prefer to keep Ivey and sign him to an extension, especially given significant improvement in his three-point shooting, but the finances may not work out. After all, Thompson and Holland may need max or near max contracts soon as well.