The Detroit Pistons have been going strong for not one by two season. Here's the deal: After showing they can compete during the regular season, Detroit's focus moving forward should be on what this group can do when the playoffs arrive. That could make the 2026 regular season look a little less impressive on paper, even if the Pistons are ultimately building toward something bigger.
Greg Swartz of Bleach Report thinks this team will be worse this season. It's a heartbreaking projection. Well, the Eastern Conference is better.
Jalen Duren's contract situation is still hanging over the team, too, adding another layer of uncertainty to the picture. There are also some changes to the roster. Sports news: Bears QB Tyson Bagent is a Player to Watch Isaiah Stewart is gone, and that takes away part of what made this team feel like itself.
Tobias Harris is also no longer around, and his absence could be a big blow. Harris has often served as the second offensive option alongside Cade Cunningham, so replacing that production won't be as simple as plugging another name into the rotation. Detroit did add some players, and rookie Ebuka Okorie should have a role right away.
Still, the Pistons probably won't approach the regular season with the same boost they did a year ago. More sports: Steelers QB Will Howard Deserves More Praise for Preseason Performance However, Detroit can afford to experiment with different lineups, give younger players chances and figure out which combinations work best before the playoffs begin. The goal isn't to squeeze every possible win out of the regular season.
It's to have the right group ready when the games actually carry some weight. That could mean fewer wins than expected, but the Pistons shouldn't panic if the regular-season record doesn't tell the whole story. The real test comes later.
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