Regardless of how this season turns out, the Detroit Pistons are now part of history, unfortunately, it's the type of history that no franchise wants on its record.
The Pistons were soundly eviscerated for their 21st straight loss last night, which tied the all-time franchise record. They already crushed the single-season record, but are now tied with the 1979-80 and 1980-81 Detroit teams that lost 21 straight over two seasons.
Losing 21 in a row isn't easy, as there are only nine teams in NBA history that have amassed a losing streak of at least 20 games. I guess if you are going to be terrible, you may as well lean into it.
Better days have to come but don't expect them to be here soon. According to The Ringer, all of those teams that had 20-game losing streaks took at least four years to get back to .500 in the aftermath.
Your restoration folks!
Cade Cunningham joins elite club of all-time greats in first 100 games
Cade Cunningham played his 100th game for the Detroit Pistons last night and made some history of his own in the process.
Cunningham became just the 6th player in NBA history to record 1,800 points, 600 assists and 500 rebounds in his first 100 games. The other five are Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Steve Francis, Magic Johnson and Oscar Robertson.
You might not know it by listening to fans, as a small segment of the fanbase has turned on Cunningham and is blaming him for the lack of success.
As the team's best player, Cade does have to shoulder some of the blame, but when you consider the lack of talent around him, coupled with the fact that he always has at least two defenders draped on him, what Cunningham has done is impressive.
But so far, none of Cade's individual success has led to wins, as he is just 25-75 in his career, the only number that will matter to him.
You can say that Cade is just stat-stuffing on a bad team (and I am certain some of you will) but it's not easy to put up points and assists when you are the only player the other team plans for, and when your teammates can't hit shots.
These two records juxtaposed aptly summarize the Pistons' last three seasons, as it's been a ton of losing while Cade Cunningham puts up big all-around numbers on poor efficiency. It's fitting that Cade joined this club during a Pistons' loss in which he went 1-of-8 from long range.
Troy Weaver may have found his guy but he's done nothing to elevate him, and it shows, both in his individual stats and the abysmal team record.