The Detroit Pistons’ 2024-25 NBA season was a remarkable turnaround from their historically poor 2023-24 campaign, marked by significant improvement, a playoff berth, and renewed hope for the franchise. However, challenges with offensive efficiency and playoff inexperience tempered their success.
The Good
Historic Turnaround:
The Pistons finished the 2024-25 regular season with a 44-38 record, a 30-win improvement from their 14-68 record in 2023-24, which was the worst in franchise history and included an NBA-record 28-game losing streak. This turnaround is among the biggest in NBA history, with the Pistons tripling their win total from the previous season, a feat only matched by the 2012-13 Charlotte Bobcats. By January 1, 2025, after a win over the Orlando Magic, they had already surpassed the previous season’s win total, and by March 28, they secured their first winning season since 2016.
Playoff Berth and Wins:
The Pistons clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2019 with a 117-105 win over the Toronto Raptors on April 4, 2025, finishing sixth in the Eastern Conference. They won two games in their first-round playoff series, marking their first playoff victories in over 15 years (since 2008), a significant milestone for a franchise that had been swept in each of its three playoff appearances from 2009 to 2024.
Cade Cunningham’s Emergence:
Cade Cunningham, the 2021 No. 1 overall pick, took a major leap, establishing himself as a borderline All-Star and the franchise cornerstone. He led the team in scoring (projected around 25 points per game, up from 22.7 in 2023-24) and playmaking, elevating the Pistons to postseason contention. His durability and leadership were pivotal, especially after missing 62 games in 2022-23 due to a shin injury.
Defensive Identity:
Under new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, the Pistons developed a strong defensive identity, ranking seventh in defensive rating and eighth in opponent points per game early in the season. They excelled at protecting the paint, allowing just 45.5 points per 100 possessions (second only to OKC) and led the league in fast-break points per 100 possessions (19.0, second to Denver’s 19.6). This defensive prowess and transition game marked a departure from their previous era’s slower, mid-range-heavy style.
Veteran Contributions:
Offseason additions of veterans Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Dennis Schroder brought stability and experience. Harris, in his second stint with Detroit, averaged 13.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.2 three-pointers on 47.7% shooting, proving a reliable role player. Beasley led the NBA with 281 made three-pointers, providing critical spacing. Schroder contributed 13.1 points and 5.4 assists off the bench, offering veteran leadership in key playoff moments. These additions complemented the young core and addressed the lack of NBA-caliber talent from the previous season.
Young Talent Growth:
Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren showed progress, with Ivey tracking toward becoming an above-average starter and Duren, despite inconsistent minutes, posting strong numbers for a 21-year-old center. Rookie Ron Holland II, the No. 5 pick in the 2024 draft, and Ausar Thompson (10.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.7 steals) added athleticism and two-way potential, with Thompson starting 54 of 59 games. The young core’s development fueled optimism for the franchise’s future.
The Bad
Offensive Inefficiency:
Despite their defensive strength, the Pistons struggled offensively, particularly with shooting efficiency. Cunningham’s high usage came with inconsistent efficiency, and the team relied heavily on him and Beasley for scoring. Schroder’s poor shooting splits hurt his impact, and the team’s overall offensive rating lagged behind playoff contenders. The lack of consistent perimeter shooting beyond Beasley limited their half-court offense.
Playoff Inexperience:
In the playoffs, the Pistons lost their first-round series 2-4. The absence of their best defender (likely Thompson or Isaiah Stewart) after the third game hurt their chances. Their inexperience against seasoned playoff teams was evident, as they couldn’t close out winnable games.
Injury and Role Concerns:
While Cunningham stayed healthy, Jalen Duren’s playing time was inconsistent, leading to a season that felt disappointing despite solid production. His role as a starter was not guaranteed, with Tobias Harris and others taking precedence. Isaiah Stewart, a starter in 92 of 96 games over the prior two seasons, was relegated to the bench, starting just four of 72 games, which limited his impact. These role shifts created uncertainty for the young core’s development.
Midseason Struggles:
Despite their strong finish, the Pistons experienced a “steady decline” in performance over a 15-game stretch. Outside of Cunningham and Beasley, the roster struggled to maintain consistency, exposing weaknesses that could have derailed their season without timely adjustments.
Unrealized Potential:
While the Pistons exceeded expectations (preseason over/under was 25.5 wins), It felt like they could have pushed for a higher seed, like the fifth, given their talent and the weak bottom half of the Eastern Conference. The failure to capitalize on winnable games, especially during a tough early-season schedule against teams like the Pacers, Cavaliers, Celtics, Heat, and 76ers, kept them from home-court advantage in the playoffs.
Lingering Questions About the Core:
While Cunningham emerged as a star, questions remain about whether Ivey, Duren, and Thompson can become above-average starters to complement him. Both Ivey and Duren are up for extensions in 2025, and their inconsistent leaps raised concerns about the long-term ceiling of the roster. If they don’t progress, the Pistons may face difficult roster decisions.
