The Detroit Pistons are re-emerging as a serious threat in the East, and they’ll only get better with Cade Cunningham at the helm.
The Detroit Pistons are coming off their best season in years. After a six-year drought, the Pistons reached the playoffs, only to go out in the first round against the New York Knicks.
Cade Cunningham was sensational in the playoffs, but the Pistons realized they just didn’t have enough to compete with the Knicks.
As a result, they focused on improving their roster. In the aftermath of the Malik Beasley controversy, the Pistons pivoted and signed Duncan Robinson.
But for all the new additions to their roster, Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff will still be relying heavily on Cade Cunningham to lead the team.
Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty ImagesCade Cunningham will be even better with the Detroit Pistons next season
Cade Cunningham was the #1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. The hype surrounding him when he entered the league was quite high.
And last season, Cunningham truly began delivering on expectations. He averaged 26.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 6.1 rebounds en route to making his first All-Star game.
He kept up a similar level in the playoffs, averaging 25.0 points, 8.7 assists, and 8.3 rebounds against the New York Knicks.
Expect Cunningham to be even better next season, as he has the experience behind him and has gotten a taste of success in the NBA.
And with the Pistons trusting him to run the offense, Cunningham could possibly average a double-double next season.
Detroit Pistons looking to challenge the top of the East
With Cade Cunningham looking to elevate his game even further, the Detroit Pistons look like a formidable side in the East.
The Pistons have a strong roster next season, one that will benefit from the weakened state of the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks and Cavaliers are going to be the top teams in the Eastern Conference. But the Pistons will feel confident about their chances against them.
Given the tough fight the Pistons gave the Knicks in the playoffs, they have every reason to be confident in the East.