The Detroit Pistons, after a monster 62-20 regular season last year that saw them grab the number one seed in the Eastern Conference, are heading into the new season with a huge cloud hanging over their heads. Jalen Duren, a key piece, is still without a long-term agreement with the team, he wasn’t even on their media day roster, and the clock is ticking on his qualifying offer. It’s a rough start for a team that had everyone buzzing just a few months ago.
From Eastern Conference Dominance to Playoff Heartbreak
Last season was supposed to be the Pistons’ year, right? They came roaring back after a first-round exit in 2025, ripping off 62 wins and looking unstoppable as the East’s top seed. Cade Cunningham hit an All-NBA first team selection, dropping career-high assists and looking like the real deal. But man, the playoffs hit different. They barely survived an “all-time comeback” against the Magic in the first round. Then, their offense just evaporated against the Cavaliers, costing them the second round series in six games. Duren was straight up “missing in action” for the entire postseason, and that absence clearly set the stage for this current offseason drama. How quickly things can change from top seed to total uncertainty.
Roster Shake-Up and Depth Concerns
Even with the Duren situation causing serious headaches, the Pistons did make some moves. They brought in John Collins from the Clippers, Isaiah Joe from OKC, and drafted Ebuka Okorie 17th overall in the 2026 Draft. But they also lost Tobias Harris, Caris LeVert, and Isaiah Stewart. The core of Cunningham and Ausar Thompson is still there, and that’s fun to think about. But Thompson really needs to step up his offensive game to help this team reach its potential. Okorie’s a great option to play off Cunningham, but he’s probably a year or two out from being a starter. Honestly, looking at this roster, it feels like they are not as deep as last year, and the depth they do have is way more limited in what those guys can actually do. The vibes are just not good.
A Tough Road Ahead for the Motor City
With all these question marks, it was always going to be tough for the Pistons to replicate that 62-win season. The betting lines for the upcoming season reflect that, with the over/under for wins set at 48.5. Winning the Central Division is at +130, the Eastern Conference at +850, and the Finals a long shot at +2500. Even with all the respect in the world for Cade Cunningham and what he can do, I am expecting a pretty large step back for Detroit basketball this season. The Duren situation has cast a serious shadow, and until that gets sorted out, or the team shows they can overcome it, an under 48.5 wins prediction feels right on the money.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mavs Moneyball.
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