The final leg of the NBA Cup Group Play was a bloodbath, and the Orlando Magic’s back-and-forth exchange against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons was no different on Saturday. However, after winning a franchise-tying 13 straight games, the Pistons have now dropped their last two games, including the In-Season tournament clash against the Magic, which eliminated them from contending any further. Despite the loss, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is still optimistic about the Pistons’ groundbreaking season, and his new 12-man rotation might just be the boost they need.
Bickerstaff’s New Rotation Still a “Work in Progress”
During their incredible 13-game winning streak, J.B. Bickerstaff publicly stated he wanted to put more of his players on the floor. Aside from Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, and Tobias Harris, the Pistons also have a solid list of valuable contributors like Duncan Robinson, Jaden Ivey, Isaiah Stewart, Caris LeVert, Daniss Jenkins, Ronald Holland, Paul Reed, and Javonte Green. Having more options is clearly his way of allowing the other guys to contribute and take off some of the load from Cunningham and Duren.
Obviously, Bickerstaff has a lot of faith in his team. In the NBA cup match against the Orlando Magic, J.B. Bickerstaff’s new 12-man rotation was in full swing but unfortunately fell short in the final moments, 112-109. Cunningham did some heavy carrying, putting up a 39-point, 13-rebound, 11-assist triple-double (his second this season).
Bickerstaff said that the team is still adjusting to his rotation changes, especially with Jaden Ivey back in the lineup. Ultimately, the former Cavaliers head coach believes his team will adapt and, sooner or later, the Pistons will have a whole new, different identity as the best team in the East.
Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren Are Finally Coming on Their Own
Two years ago, the Detroit Pistons were just the laughingstock of the league. Motor City hasn’t seen success since the early 2000s, but that would change after picking up two young rising stars in the 2020s.
In just five seasons, Cunningham is already an All-NBA point guard, and if he leads the Pistons further in the wide-open East, there’s no denying he’ll be included in MVP discussions in the future. Meanwhile, Duren is already breaking out as the team’s next star. The 13th overall pick in the 2022 draft has already surpassed every expectation and is set to become an All-Star this season.
Despite losing two close games against the Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic, it’s clear that the Detroit Pistons are now in good hands.
