The Pistons are entering the All-Star break with the highest win percentage in the NBA, and they need to be focused on winning a title this season. Although Detroit’s young core is still developing in many ways, their postseason ambitions need to be targeting a championship this summer. Aiming for anything less could be wasting a golden opportunity.
The Pistons need to take full advantage of their situation
Detroit’s dominance this season can’t be overstated. They are currently 40-13 and have won games under any circumstances. Even against the other top 10 teams in the league this season, the Pistons have a dominant 10-3 record.
Their reign of terror over their own conference is even more stark. The Pistons have a 26-7 record against other Eastern Conference teams. Nobody else comes close to that mark, and the Pistons have shown they can beat top rivals like the Knicks and Celtics consistently.
All things considered, the Pistons have a fantastic opportunity to make the Finals. Two of the conference’s best players in Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton are still sidelined, opening the way for a new conference champion. Tatum might still return for the Celtics, but he likely won’t be at his best by the playoffs.
The Pistons need to be concentrated on winning a championship this year rather than collecting more data about their young core. Even though the Pistons are bound to improve by way of their youth next season, their rivals will also get much better with the return of key pieces.
However, the Pistons’ front office hasn’t shown the proper urgency of a true championship contender. They failed to address their biggest holes of shooting and offensive creation at the trade deadline. The current roster leaves Cade Cunningham to carry the brunt of Detroit’s offensive load, especially in the playoffs.
Adding another reliable creator or shooters, even if they cost draft capital or some young pieces, could’ve given Cade more breathing room. Of course, his teammates’ elite defense should make his life easier. But the playoffs can often slow down and be decided in the halfcourt, where the Pistons still have questions to answer.
Hopefully the Pistons will maintain the right focus for the rest of this season and find ways to fix their weaknesses before the playoffs. It’ll be the first postseason with real expectations for their young core, but already a great chance to compete for a title. Superstar Cade Cunningham will have a lot of weight to carry on his shoulders. Anything the organization can do to lighten that load could have serious championship ramifications.