Detroit Pistons Season Outlook 2025: Cade Goes National, Beasley Watch, and the Turnaround That’s Turning Heads 🏀🔥
The Detroit Pistons are no longer just rebuilding — they’re recalibrating. From a franchise-record losing streak two years ago to a renewed sense of purpose under J.B. Bickerstaff, the team’s trajectory has shifted dramatically. Cade Cunningham’s growing national profile, an unresolved Malik Beasley situation, and a wave of new roster moves all paint the picture of a team continuing its move toward relevance again. With that, I present to you my Detroit Pistons Season Outlook 2025.
Cade Cunningham Makes a National Splash
A few weeks ago, Cade Cunningham got his moment on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon — taped at the Detroit Opera House — and made it count. It wasn’t just a fun late-night appearance; it was another sign that his influence, and by extension Detroit’s, is growing beyond the hardwood.
Cade joked with Fallon and even gifted him a pair of Detroit “Buffs” — luxury Cartier sunglasses made from buffalo horn that have become a local symbol of pride, confidence, and swagger in the city’s culture. For years, “Buffs” have represented Detroit status and style, and seeing Fallon put them on was a small but memorable nod to that tradition.
Cade also talked about the mindset driving this young Pistons core — a group that’s tired of rebuilding and ready to be respected. His numbers from last season backed up the talk: 26.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game, a leap that earned him a Kia All-NBA Third Team selection. Cade is no longer just running the offense — he’s leading Detroit’s return to the national conversation.
From Historic Lows to Unforeseen Rise
It wasn’t long ago that Detroit’s trajectory looked bleak — really bleak. In the 2023–24 season, the Pistons endured a 28-game losing streak, the longest single-season skid in franchise history, finishing just 14–68.
I watched at least three-fourths of that season, and despite its roughness, I kept telling people that the team was more interesting than its record suggested. Most people I know had drifted away from the NBA — understandably so, given how bad the Pistons had been for so long. But call me crazy, I actually enjoyed watching them. Even through that brutal stretch, you could see flashes of something real taking shape. Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, and Ausar Thompson all had talent. Isaiah Stewart brought toughness.
The weakness, though, was glaring — they simply couldn’t shoot from the outside. Offenses stalled, defenses sagged, and when shots didn’t fall, everything unraveled.
Fast forward to the 2024–25 season — what a turnaround. Bringing in J.B. Bickerstaff as head coach changed everything. He brought structure, accountability, and a defensive backbone. The veteran shooters added last season — Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Dennis Schroder — gave Cade the outlets he needed and helped Detroit finally find an offensive rhythm.
Now, with Hardaway and Schroder gone and Beasley’s situation unresolved, the Pistons’ challenge is sustaining that progress. The pressure shifts to Cade, Ivey, and rookie Ron Holland to elevate their three-point consistency, while Duncan Robinson’s arrival will be key to replacing the spacing those veterans provided. If this core can shoot league-average from deep, Detroit’s offensive ceiling rises significantly.
But make no mistake — Jaden Ivey is the swing factor. He has to look like the player he was before his injury last year, when his explosiveness and shot-making gave the offense real balance. Missing the entire second half of the season was a setback, but if he returns to form, the Pistons’ backcourt could be one of the most dynamic in the East.
If he doesn’t rise up — and if Robinson doesn’t shoot well — things could take a turn downward quickly. Beasley was a huge part of last year’s spacing and offensive rhythm, capable of catching fire from deep at any time. Without that kind of microwave scoring, Detroit could struggle to replicate the same offensive flow.
It remains to be seen whether Trajan Langdon’s roster moves will move the needle in the right direction, or whether the team will take another year to find its chemistry.
Cade’s Turnovers: The Persistent Concern
As much as this team has grown, one issue still stands out — Cade Cunningham’s turnovers. Watching him attack, you can see the pressure he feels to make something happen every possession. Too often he drives into traffic, exposes the ball, or forces passes that aren’t there. It’s not about effort — it’s about composure.
Here’s how his turnover averages have trended:
- 2021–22: 3.7 per game
- 2022–23: 3.3 per game
- 2023–24: 3.4 per game
- 2024–25: 4.4 per game
That steady climb is hard to ignore, especially compared to guards in similar roles. Tyrese Haliburton, who also runs his team’s offense and handles the ball constantly, averaged just 1.6 turnovers per game last year and 2.1 for his career. In close games, that difference matters.
Cade has already proven he can be the cornerstone — his scoring, leadership, and vision are elite-level. But if he can cut down on the unforced mistakes, it would elevate both his efficiency and Detroit’s ability to close out tight games against playoff-caliber opponents.
Malik Beasley Watch 🔍
At Detroit’s recent media day, one topic drew quiet attention — Malik Beasley’s uncertain future.
According to reports from local coverage, the Pistons did not provide any public update on Beasley’s contract status, leaving the situation unresolved heading into preseason.
Beasley, who remains unsigned, was previously linked to a federal investigation regarding sports gambling. His legal representatives have stated that he’s no longer a target, but the episode appears to have paused contract discussions.
Detroit currently has an open roster slot, which suggests the door isn’t completely closed. If Beasley returns, his perimeter shooting would bring vital spacing next to Cade Cunningham and Duncan Robinson. If not, the Pistons will count on Robinson and Caris LeVert to shoulder the bulk of outside scoring.
Offseason Transactions: Building Depth and Identity
Detroit’s front office was busy this summer, shaping the roster with a blend of proven veterans and developmental upside.
Javonte Green (Signed as Free Agent, Aug. 14)
Green brings defensive energy and athleticism on the wing. He can guard multiple positions, rebound from the guard spot, and thrive in transition. While not a high-usage scorer, his hustle minutes stabilize rotations.
Daniss Jenkins (Re-Signed Two-Way, Aug. 2)
A developmental guard who flashed last year, Jenkins’ re-signing on a two-way contract shows Detroit’s commitment to grooming young depth in the backcourt. He’s unlikely to play big minutes but could spot-start or fill gaps during injuries.
Colby Jones (Signed Two-Way, Jul. 29)
Jones, a versatile guard/wing hybrid, fits the Pistons’ desire for switchable defenders who can hit an open shot. Another two-way deal keeps flexibility while adding insurance at shooting guard.
Ron Harper Jr. (Waived, Jul. 24)
The Pistons moved on from Harper Jr., clearing a spot for new additions. His limited role last season made him expendable in the roster shuffle.
Chaz Lanier (Draft Pick, Jul. 7)
Lanier was one of Detroit’s draft choices — a shooter with upside. Expect him to spend time learning under the vets, but his presence is part of the longer arc: the Pistons want internal shooting development, not just external acquisitions.
Duncan Robinson (Traded for Simone Fontecchio, Jul. 7)
The splash move. Robinson’s elite perimeter shooting helps Detroit maintain the outside threat it finally developed last season. Defenses have to respect him well beyond the arc, which opens driving lanes for Cade and gives bigs more room to roll. Fontecchio struggled to find consistency and minutes, so swapping him for a proven shooter like Robinson makes this a clear upgrade.
Caris LeVert (Signed as Free Agent, Jul. 7)
LeVert adds secondary playmaking and slashing ability. He can handle the ball, score in bursts, and keep the offense alive when Cade rests. Injuries have slowed him in recent years, but on a balanced roster, he doesn’t need to carry a heavy load — just spark units.
Paul Reed (Re-Signed, Jul. 7)
“BBall Paul” remains a fan favorite for his energy, rebounding, and rim protection. Re-signing him gives Detroit frontcourt stability and defensive depth. Reed’s hustle plays and ability to guard multiple spots make him a glue guy in the rotation.
How It All Fits 🔄
Offense
With Robinson stretching defenses, LeVert slashing, and Cade orchestrating, Detroit’s half-court offense should look smoother. If Beasley returns, it’s shooting galore. If not, Robinson’s ability to draw defensive attention from deep should still raise the floor. Ivey will be looked upon to slash to the net, creating his own shot. He is as explosive as anyone when heading downhill toward the rim, and the Pistons will rely on him to bail them out of shot-clock situations.
Tobias Harris put together a solid, if not flashy, season for Detroit in 2024–25 — averaging 13.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting nearly 48% from the field. He brought a steady veteran presence, the kind of player who could come in, knock down some shots, and take a bit of pressure off the younger guys when things got tight. Nothing spectacular, but reliable — and that still counts for something on a team trying to find consistency.
Defense
Ausar Thompson proved that he can guard almost anyone on the court, and he is their best defender. Green and Reed provide defensive toughness, while Lanier and Jones add length for situational matchups. Bickerstaff will have more options to mix schemes, from switch-heavy looks to opportunistic zones.
Rebounding & Toughness
Jalen Duren is an absolute force in the middle and, in many ways, the toughest player on the roster. Isaiah Stewart may be the team’s enforcer, but pound for pound, Duren brings the most physical presence. The Pistons will lean on him to control the glass and own the paint. Still just 21 years old, he’s tough, explosive, and a central piece of Detroit’s core. The key for him is avoiding early foul trouble — an issue at times last season. When Duren goes to the bench, the Pistons’ rebounding advantage disappears quickly, often swinging momentum to the opposition.
Preseason Opens Monday vs. Grizzlies 🏀
Detroit tips off against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, marking the start of the preseason. Expect limited minutes for starters, but this will be fans’ first look at the new pieces — especially how Robinson and LeVert fit alongside Cade. With Memphis also retooling after a disappointing year, it’s a perfect early measuring stick.
It’s just preseason, but for Detroit, every rep is a chance to build habits that translate into regular-season competitiveness.
Big Picture
I’m not sure where this season is headed — up, down, or more of the same. What I’ll be watching closely is whether Jaden Ivey can bolster the backcourt and regain his upward climb, if Cade can take another leap toward becoming a first-team All-Star, and whether the additions of Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert ultimately make the team better or worse. Everything needs to fall into place for the Pistons to take the next step toward legitimacy. Was last season just a feel-good story, or the start of something real and exciting for fans to finally grab hold of?
Add Cade’s growth and national profile, and Detroit’s rebuild has moved into a different gear. The Pistons may not be finished, but this summer’s work — plus Cade’s leadership — suggests a team that expects to take another step toward being a true contender in the Eastern Conference.
Prediction: 46-36, good enough to edge into the playoffs for a second straight year.
👉 Join the conversation: Who impressed you most from Detroit’s offseason? Drop your thoughts in the MittenSportsTalk Forum – Pistons Hardwood Hub and be part of the discussion all season long.
