The peak of the NBA offseason typically revolves around three major events: the draft in June, the peak of free agency in July, last week’s program releaseNow that all that is behind us, Detroit Pistons fans can focus on the fun part: what the upcoming season might hold.
The Pistons are entering a new chapter after a turbulent offseason that saw significant changes to the front office and coaching staff. They also made some needed roster changes, though the changes were more subtle than drastic.
But with all the work they’ve done, the burning question remains: What kind of team will fans – and the rest of the NBA – see when the Pistons take to the floor at Little Caesars Arena in two months?
Here are four early predictions for the Pistons ahead of their preseason schedule release.
Pistons could get off to a rough start
French Montana once said, “We’re just getting started, so don’t panic.” But looking at the Pistons’ schedule, even the most optimistic fan might have a hard time keeping calm. The first 10 games feature seven opponents who made last season’s playoffs and one who made the play-in tournament.
After opening the season at home against the Pacers, the Pistons hit the road to face the Cleveland Cavaliers, J.B. Bickerstaff’s former team. Their next eight games? Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta Hawks. And if you’re curious what’s in store for them next, they host a Houston Rockets team on the rise under Ime Udoka, take on the Heat again and then face the Milwaukee Bucks.
Wow !
While the Pistons have made some promising progress this offseason, a 3-10 or 4-9 start to the season is entirely possible. Wins over the Nets, Hornets, Hawks and Rockets could be within reach with the current roster, but the rest of the games are a tall order. While not aiming for mediocrity, a 5-8 or better start to the season would be a surprisingly positive outcome and something the team could build on, even if it remains a lofty goal.
Malik Beasley starts at fullback
The Pistons’ guard has struggled to get into position and make consistent three-point shots for some time. He also lacks experience, especially in high-pressure situations and in the playoffs.
Enter Malik Beasley, who checks all of those boxes.
A veteran NBA starter, Beasley is coming off a season in which he started 77 games alongside Damian Lillard, averaging 11 points on 46 percent shooting and 40 percent from three-point range. His presence in the starting lineup could give Cade Cunningham some much-needed relief, knowing he has a partner on the back end who can take some of the scoring load off. Beasley has proven time and time again that he can hit the mark when called upon.
Jaden Ivey Becomes Sixth Man
Putting Beasley in the starting No. 2 back spot likely means Jaden Ivey could find himself on the bench. But unlike last season under former coach Monty Williams, that doesn’t mean he’ll be relegated to a lesser role. In fact, Ivey could be poised to blossom as Detroit’s sixth man.
The Pistons tried to add another point guard this offseason, but their efforts fell short. It’s unclear if they pursued Tyus Jones, who landed in Phoenix, but they did push for Patrick Beverley before he opted to play overseas. That pursuit indicates the team may not be ready to hand Marcus Sasser the keys to Cunningham’s primary backup role just yet.
That’s where Ivey comes in. The Pistons could get creative with his minutes, allowing him to play a lot alongside Cunningham or Beasley, thanks to his versatility at both guard positions. Ivey has shown in his first two seasons that he’s not only a capable passer, but also a playmaker who can run an offense. Coming off the bench, he could carve out a niche for himself, play with a little more freedom, and become the focal point of the second unit. With Beasley in Detroit for a year, Ivey has the chance to develop at his own pace, free from the immediate pressures of starting, and potentially become the NBA starter the previous regime envisioned — but this time, with the right support to help him succeed.
Team forges identity mid-season
Constant turnover in management and on the sidelines has left the Pistons searching for any semblance of continuity since Tom Gores took over as owner.
That could all change under Trajan Langdon. Since taking over as president of basketball operations, Langdon has moved quickly, assembling his staff, hiring J.B. Bickerstaff as head coach and navigating free agency as deftly as a team coming off a 14-68 season could.
By bringing in a coach like Bickerstaff, who knows how to balance toughness with player-friendliness, and adding savvy veterans like Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Malik Beasley, the Pistons are looking to create a culture. These veterans aren’t just there to play; they’re there to guide the young core on and off the court. Finally, by midseason, this team could have an identity that isn’t tied to being at the bottom of the league standings. Instead, they could be recognized as a team laying the groundwork for something real.
