The Pistons made the playoffs last season, after winning only 14 games the season before, improving their record by 30 wins, but they could be set for another massive leap in 2026.
They currently have the second-best record in the association, only behind the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Led by Cade Cunningham, the Pistons are currently in the midst of a 10-game win streak, the longest so far, and have won their last three games without their superstar.
All-star Cade Cunningham has solidified himself as one of the best guards in the NBA, ranked sixth in NBA.com MVP rankings, and is averaging a career high of 27.5 points and 9.9 assists per game.
Detroit are currently fifth in net rating, with a positive 6.1, and third in defensive rating with a 109.5.
The Pistons have managed to stay competitive and win games even with key players missing games; they currently are missing Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Haris, Jaden Ivey, and Caris LeVert, all key pieces of their starting lineup and rotation.
Cunningham, Harris and Thompson are all set to return this week and will hopefully help them keep their win streak alive.
Center Jalen Duran is also a key reason why the Pistons have taken another leap forward, improving his offensive game while maintaining his elite rebound and defence.
Duran across his first 12 games this season is averaging 20.3 points, 12.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks, and is on track to potentially make his first all-star appearance this season.
So far, the Pistons look like the biggest risers in the NBA, and look likely to finish high in the Eastern Conference standings, but still have to prove themselves in the Playoffs.
