After taking a step forward last year under J.B. Bickerstaff, the Detroit Pistons enter the 2025-26 season projected to be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
The Pistons snapped a six-year playoff drought after posting a 30-game improvement from the prior season, the sixth-largest year-over-year turnaround in history. They were the first team to triple their win total in an 82-game season (14-68; 44-38).
The front office added Duncan Robinson in a sign-and-trade from the Miami Heat and signed Javonte Green and Caris LeVert. The group also re-signed Paul Reed and selected Chaz Lanier with the 37th pick in the 2025 NBA draft.
The team was expected to re-sign Malik Beasley, but withdrew its offer after the 28-year-old was reportedly the subject of a federal investigation on allegations of gambling. ESPN reported Wednesday that the NBA is conducting its own investigation into the matter.
Following their offseason moves, the Pistons have the sixth-highest odds (plus-1400) to win the Eastern Conference in the second year under Bickerstaff. The group is expected to take another leap with added development and improvement.
With the team opening training camp on Sept. 30, Rookie Wire examined the Pistons’ depth chart and offered an early projection of the starters and backups entering the season.
PGCade Cunningham: $46,394,100Marcus Sasser: $2,886,720SGJaden Ivey: $10,107,163Caris LeVert: $14,404,000Chaz Lanier: $1,272,870SFAusar Thompson: $8,775,000Duncan Robinson: $16,834,692Javonte Green: $2,296,274PFTobias Harris: $26,634,146Ron Holland II: $8,657,280Bobi Klintman: $1,955,377CJalen Duren: $6,483,144Isaiah Stewart: $15,000,000Paul Reed: $5,335,894Two-Way ContractsDaniss JenkinsColby JonesTolu Smith III
Pistons salary information via Spotrac