The Oklahoma City Thunder have the best player development system in the NBA. Until something drastic changes over there, I think it will remain that way. But are we sure the Pistons don't have the second-best development program in the league?
It may not measure up in terms of pure volume, but this Pistons roster is made up of guys who have either spent their whole careers in Detroit and have improved significantly, or guys who have come to Detroit and found new life. It's not a coincidence anymore; it's a concerted effort by this franchise to maximize the games of every guy who walks into the facility. And they're doing a wholly impressive job of that.
Cade Cunningham is obviously the face of this franchise, and he's the face of the franchise's development program, too. He was the No. 1 pick so expectations were high already — but his growth from promising player on a terrible team to MVP candidate on the East's best team is remarkable nonetheless.
It's around Cade, though, where we're starting to see the full scope of the work being done behind the scenes in Motor City, and since Cade was sidelined, we're seeing the fruits of that labor.
Daniss Jenkins has become a cult hero in the city (and a litmus test for ball knowledge outside Detroit), Jalen Duren is now an offensive force, Paul Reed looks more refined than he ever did in Philadelphia, Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland are both rotation pieces nightly, and even a guy like Tolu Smith
Pistons are gaining reputation as a team that can find talent anywhere
The Pistons have gotten enough production from previously unknown prospects that, any move they make in the offseason, will raise eyebrows... At least in Detroit. Pistons fans might actually prefer if no one else pays attention to what they're doing so no one else snatches up the guys they want.
Once a team gains a reputation as an elite development franchise, all transactions are worth monitoring, no matter how small. When Tolu Smith signed a two-way deal in January, no one batted an eye, and he just saved the Pistons' season a few days ago. Okay, that's dramatic, but being such a big contributor in one game already makes the decision worthwhile — and I doubt that will be the last we hear from Smith.
Being a great NBA team for one season requires a talented roster. Being a great NBA season year-in and year-out requires a franchise to do the dirty work behind the scenes, and the Pistons are already showing they can (and will) do just that. It's all very encouraging for a fanbase that deserves success.