Hunt smiling as he is rocking his Pistons gear. Courtesy of Hunt.
By: RJ Hunt
Editor
I love the Detroit Pistons. That’s probably something you don’t hear as often today, and it’s for good reason because the Pistons haven’t been good for some time now. Regardless, I will remain a die hard fan through the good and the bad. This season won’t be pretty, but I seriously think the Pistons could fight for a playoff spot this year. If they make it, great. If they barely miss out, it’s all good. If they miss badly, then oh boy.
The Pistons are going through a weird phase right now. The pieces that will lead them in the future are there, but they’re still not quite at the point where those pieces have reached their full potential. That’s why this upcoming season is important for them. This season is not about having the best record in the league (which I would love even if unlikely), but instead this season is about development. It’s about building that chemistry and individual players taking their games to the next level.
Every player doesn’t have to reach their full potential just yet, but it will be very helpful to see improvement from some of the key players on the team. Isaiah Stewart, Saddiq Bey, and Killian Hayes are entering their third season. Stewart and Bey have shown they can hang in this league, both made all rookie teams their first season and both played in the Rising Stars game during the 2021 All-Star weekend. Stewart has shown he can play defense as he led the team in blocks and rebounds. Bey has shown his offensive power as he led the team in 3-pointers made per game. Also Bey has proved to be the ultimate iron man as he played all 82 games during the 21-22 season. Bey and Stewart will be reliable, even though you would love to see their growth continue.
Killian Hayes’ career has not started off like his fellow third year teammates. He has struggled big time. Players like Cole Anthony, Ty Maxey, and Tyrese Haliburton were drafted after Hayes, who went seventh overall in 2020. He hasn’t lived up to where he was drafted, so the fans turned against him. Hayes is a good defender and passer, but he can’t score. Defense wins championships, but you have to score to win games. I’ve simply given up on Hayes as I think the Pistons are better without him. I don’t even want to trade him. I want him cut from the team, period.
The Pistons have brought in the veteran piece in Bojan Bogdanovic who will give the team a scoring boost. They also have two rookies coming in Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren, and both have exceptional athleticism. These three fresh faces look to bring some energy to the motor city.
The biggest deciding factor of the Pistons season comes down to the guy who they have given the keys of the franchise to, Cade Cunningham. Cunningham was drafted number one overall in the 2021 NBA draft. He finished third in the rookie of the year voting during his first season. As he enters year two, you have to hope he grows on the play he displayed during year one. A sophomore slump would be the worst case scenario for Cunningham and the Pistons.
When I look at these Pistons I try not to let my bias get in the way too much. I admit, I’m a huge fan of the Pistons, but I’m also a huge fan of basketball. It’s times I have to keep it real with myself. Simply speaking, the Pistons aren’t projected to be good this year. This year is about getting them a step closer to the point where I can not only confidently say the Pistons are making the playoffs, but to the point I can confidently say the Pistons are going to be the champs. When that day comes, I’ll probably be the most annoying person on earth. Until then, I’ll continue upsetting myself every night by forcing myself to watch them lose.