The Detroit Pistons used their 2026-27 preseason schedule to get many of their new pieces in sync. Their 3-1 exhibition record showed the team is still committed to defense and working together to find success on the basketball court.
After last season's 60-win regular season and newfound postseason success for the Pistons, Detroit will have plenty of motivation heading into this year. Preseason action does not always translate to the regular season. However, disciplined teams can still find a way to use that momentum to build on.
Detroit's preseason was not perfect, and they certainly may have some growing pains to get through. There were still many areas of encouragement they can be hopeful about once the regular season starts.
Cade Cunningham is still playing in MVP form
The most important piece of the Pistons is still operating at an elite level. Detroit point guard Cade Cunningham earned the honors of a first-team All-NBA spot and an All-Star starter last season. His preseason production and involvement on both sides of the ball make it look like he's primed to show out as one of the best players in the NBA again.
Cunningham's all-around numbers weren't eye-popping, but he left an imprint on the game by consistently dictating the pace, exploiting matchups, and setting up his teammates for open looks. There was improved comfort with his 3-point shooting as Cunningham connected on 50 percent from beyond the arc. The Pistons' franchise player also showed great leadership, bringing high energy on the defensive end.
Cunningham's brilliant play last season had him discussed in MVP consideration. He finished his fifth year with the Pistons second in assists with 9.9 and 16th in scoring, averaging 23.9. If the continued team success can be complemented with that elite two-way production and improved scoring efficiency, Cunningham can absolutely find himself at the top of MVP consideration.
Jalen Duren looks motivated this upcoming season
After a long offseason of contract controversy with the Pistons, Jalen Duren finished the final two preseason games like he had a major chip on his shoulder. Detroit's starting center flashed back those peaks of dominance remembered from last regular season.
Duren had his best preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, scoring 24 points. Pistons' head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has repeatedly emphasized easing Duren back into the flow of the game after the contract extension. Duren's return was a shock against Minnesota, but his production was even more so.
The offensive arsenal of the Pistons' center looked like it was in peak form. Duren showed a quick burst off the dribble for layups at the rim, a turnaround jumper, and the normal fast-break lob connection with Cunningham. There were even flashes of improved rim protection and better defensive navigation through pick-and-roll sets.
Forgetting the struggles of last season's playoff run by Duren will be difficult. Expectations and hopes for improvement will be heightened, especially after agreeing to a five-year, $200 million extension. The talent has never been a question for Duren's game. If it can be channeled correctly throughout the regular season and playoffs, it will provide a major lift for the Pistons' ceiling.
Ebuka Okorie looks ready to play sooner rather than later
The Pistons added more firepower in the NBA Draft when they selected point guard Ebuka Okorie with the No. 17 pick. Even in his first dose of NBA action, the 21-year-old rookie played to a comfort level far beyond his league experience.
Okorie averaged just over 10 points throughout his four preseason games. His strong ball-handling and rim-finishing skills were on display on numerous occasions. Defenders struggled to stay in front of Okorie, even when multiple defenders tried to slow down his crafty finishes.
Detroit is still in dire need of other offensive creators next to Cunningham. The limited experience for Okorie should not deter the Pistons from playing him if he looks ready. This franchise has relied heavily on calling up former G League players like Daniss Jenkins and Tolu Smith to play heavy minutes. If Okorie continues to grow and shine in the areas of need for the Pistons, Bickerstaff may have a hard time keeping him on the bench.
Strength in numbers may remain an advantage for the Pistons
Article Continues BelowThe NBA is widely regarded as a superstar league that carries teams. Detroit has two drafted stars that are continuing to grow their skills into their prime. However, the Pistons have used depth routinely as an advantage against their opponents.
Bickerstaff openly pushes back against the normal NBA routines of condensed rotations. He has confidently played deep into his bench in order to make the Pistons more unpredictable. Even with new pieces on the roster this season, that may be Detroit's calling card once again versus a competitive Eastern Conference.
Detroit worked on playing Cunningham off the ball more to make themselves more versatile. They are working on letting Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland, Jenkins, Duren, and others initiate offensive looks to minimize the extra attention Cunningham draws.
The Pistons have replaced Tobias Harris by acquiring John Collins during free agency. They also dealt away Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies and will fill in his void by playing backup big man Paul Reed more often. The front office also added more shooting and defensive versatility with players like Isaiah Joe, Taurean Prince, and by bringing back Kevin Huerter.
Detroit could use this upcoming season to gel their new pieces with their foundation pieces. Many of the pieces also have contract flexibility that could be attractive around the league when the trade deadline comes.
Either way they choose, Detroit will have the unpredictability factor at their advantage against the rest of the NBA.