30 Teams in 30 Days: Pistons look to shake off worst season in franchise history

Persistent injuries to Cade Cunningham have hampered Detroit’s efforts to make the playoffs for the 1st time since 2018-19.

Offseason

  • Re-signing: Cade Cunningham, Simone Fontecchio
  • Additions: Malik Beasley (free agent), Coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Tim Hardaway Jr. (trade), Tobias Harris (free agent), GM Trajan Langdon, Wendell Moore Jr. (trade), Paul Reed (free agent)
  • Draft: Ron Holland (No. 5 pick), Cam Spencer (No. 53)
  • Departures: Buddy Boeheim (to Thunder), Taj Gibson (to Hornets), Quentin Grimes (to Mavericks), James Wiseman (to Pacers)
  • Unsigned Free Agents: Troy Brown Jr., Malachi Flynn, Evan Fournier, Chimezie Metu, Jared Rhoden

Last season
There are bad seasons, and then there’s what the Pistons delivered in 2023-24 — a historically bad, worst-ever showing for the franchise. A 14-68 campaign was stained by a 28-game losing streak, the longest single-season losing streak in NBA history.

Injuries limited Cade Cunningham (62 games missed) and Jalen Duren (61) but the problems went deeper. Coach Monty Williams had issues with Jaden Ivey and couldn’t connect with the rest of a young and impressionable roster; 11 players were 25 and under. Too many fire alarms blared with this team that couldn’t be ignored once the summer began. A housecleaning was necessary.

Summer summary
If the buck stops at governor Tom Gores regarding the mess of 2023-24, then salute him for this: He didn’t hesitate to spend the bucks to clean it up. How many owners in any sport would willingly swallow the $65 million left on a coach’s contract, one year after giving him the richest deal (since surpassed) in coaching history?

That took guts, yet it was a good message to send to the team and fan base — and to Trajan Langdon, hired to replace GM Troy Weaver because, again, Gores wanted to start anew. J.B. Bickerstaff was surprisingly available, and a no-brainer hire, after the Cavaliers cut him loose after leading them to the playoffs despite a rash of injuries.

Spotlight on

Tobias Harris left Philadelphia as a symbol of scorn, but he’ll receive a warmer welcome in Detroit for his second tour of duty with the Pistons. There’s no pressure on him and he probably won’t be placed on the spot in the playoffs (Detroit doesn’t project that far). He’s a solid character guy who’ll fit in the locker room and represent a new beginning for him and the team.

How far can the Pistons go?

This is not only Cunningham’s team, but mostly Langdon’s. While the Pistons are certainly hoping for big things from the No. 1 overall pick — Cunningham could push for an All-Star spot if Detroit’s record is reasonable and he stays healthy — the burden is on Langdon to sort out the roster.

Teams that win less than 20 games don’t make strong playoff pushes the very next year. This likely means a tough season ahead and another trip to the Draft lottery (in what’s projected as a solid 2025 draft). The good news is there’s a fresh approach and fresh leadership. The Pistons’ main goal is to give fans reasons to stay emotionally invested.

Up next: LA Clippers | Previously: Chicago Bulls

30 Teams in 30 Days: Complete schedule

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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.

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