{"id":697185,"date":"2026-04-04T04:14:26","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T04:14:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/697185\/"},"modified":"2026-04-04T04:14:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T04:14:26","slug":"how-pistons-young-stars-kept-detroit-afloat-without-cade-cunningham","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/697185\/","title":{"rendered":"How Pistons Young Stars Kept Detroit Afloat Without Cade Cunningham"},"content":{"rendered":"

The path to this point has made the achievement even more impressive.<\/p>\n

Despite losing Cade Cunningham to injury, Detroit <\/a>now needs just one more win\u2014or one loss by the Boston Celtics\u2014to clinch the No. 1 <\/a>seed in the Eastern Conference. The climb has been a clear reflection of the team\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n

\u201cNext man up\u201d is one of the most overused clich\u00e9s in sports. But for the Pistons, it has carried real meaning.<\/p>\n

Detroit has gone 8\u20132 over its last 10 games without its All-NBA guard, turning adversity into a measuring stick for growth. Players have expanded their roles in meaningful ways, and the collective response has pushed the team to peak at the right time\u2014just as the postseason approaches.<\/p>\n

And a closer look reveals just how much they\u2019ve evolved without their franchise centerpiece.<\/p>\n

Jalen Duren\"Detroit<\/p>\n

Apr 02, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The 22-year-old center is averaging 25 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists while shooting 68 percent from the field. The first-time All-Star has positioned himself firmly in the Most Improved Player conversation, and with his current level of play, he has a legitimate case to enter the All-NBA discussion.<\/p>\n

While his scoring volume and efficiency have remained elite despite increased usage, it\u2019s his playmaking that has stood out just as much.<\/p>\n

Jalen Duren has the 2nd most games this season with 20 PTS & 10 REB on 50% FG.<\/p>\n

Only Nikola Jokic has more. pic.twitter.com\/U6JjfuPIcg<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Real App (@realapp) April 3, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Duren has taken on responsibilities as an offensive hub\u2014bringing the ball up the floor, initiating sets, and facilitating from the top. He\u2019s finding cutters in split actions, drawing defenders into the paint, and consistently making the right secondary reads. It\u2019s a clear expansion of his offensive role.<\/p>\n

This stretch has also revealed something important: the Pistons<\/a> can run their offense through Duren in Cunningham\u2019s absence.<\/p>\n

And if that holds, it opens up new possibilities even when Cade Cunningham returns.<\/p>\n

In matchups where opposing defenses pressure Cunningham at the point of attack\u2014such as against the Spurs\u2014Duren can serve as the offensive hub, allowing Cunningham to operate off the catch and attack more efficiently.<\/p>\n

Ausar Thompson\"Oklahoma<\/p>\n

Mar 30, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) and Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) fight for a loose ball during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Ausar Thompson has been the defensive catalyst for this team.<\/p>\n

Fresh off his second Defensive Player of the Month award this season, Thompson is averaging nearly three steals and 1.1 blocks per game during this stretch. His versatility has been on full display, drawing matchups against elite scorers such as Luka Don\u010di\u0107, Dejounte Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Brandon Ingram.<\/p>\n

Ausar Thompson vs Minnesota:<\/p>\n

7 PTS
9 REB
9 AST
2 STL
3 BLK<\/p>\n

Passes Wemby in games with 2+ steals and 2+ blocks this season. pic.twitter.com\/nq4Tox11g1<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 StatMuse (@statmuse) April 3, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

He\u2019s handled switches onto bigger players, contained quicker guards, and consistently created turnovers with his signature strip \u2014 reaching around ball-handlers to poke the ball free and ignite transition opportunities.<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s the high-effort, sequence plays that best capture his impact.<\/p>\n

Against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Thompson sprinted back in transition, navigated around a Rudy Gobert screen, helped contain a drive, then exploded out to the corner to meet a shooter at the release point \u2014 blocking the shot with both hands.<\/p>\n

It was a snapshot of his elevated defensive dominance.<\/p>\n

Daniss Jenkins<\/p>\n

Daniss Jenkins has been a revelation. The former G League player, who worked his way from a two-way contract to a standard deal, has stepped into Cade Cunningham\u2019s role admirably. Jenkins has started the team\u2019s last nine games, and during that stretch, the second-year guard is averaging 19 points, seven assists, and four rebounds while shooting 44 percent from three-point range.<\/p>\n

His ability to operate both off the ball and on it \u2014 combined with his shooting, positional defense, and athleticism in transition \u2014 has given the Pistons valuable flexibility in the backcourt.<\/p>\n

Kevin Huerter<\/p>\n

Kevin Huerter\u2019s<\/a> impact has begun to take shape.<\/p>\n

Kevin Huerter’s last 7 games<\/p>\n

12.1 pts (60.5 TS%)
2.9 reb
2.7 ast
40.6% from three pic.twitter.com\/iJSXlC1hXK<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 really cool guy (@reallyc02821829) April 3, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Initially, the trade-deadline acquisition produced limited returns. He recorded six DNPs early on, and his shot struggled to fall. But over his last seven games, Huerter is averaging 12 points and nearly three assists while shooting 40 percent from three.<\/p>\n

Beyond the shooting, his ability to catch, attack closeouts, and make live-ball reads against rotating defenses has added another dimension to Detroit\u2019s offense.<\/p>\n

As a result, the Pistons have grown more comfortable keeping either Huerter or Duncan Robinson on the floor at all times to maintain spacing and offensive flow.<\/p>\n

And that trust could prove critical come playoff time.<\/p>\n