Breaking Down the Detroit Pistons’ Next Three Seasons: Key Players to Watch

The Detroit Pistons are a team on the rise, fueled by a mix of young talent and a renewed commitment to rebuilding. After years of struggles, their roster is starting to take shape under the leadership of Cade Cunningham and other promising players like Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson. With a deep 2025 draft looming and key decisions about player development ahead, the next three seasons could define their path back to contention. Whether through smart trades, savvy draft picks, or internal growth, identifying the players who can lead the charge is critical for long-term success.

Cade Cunningham: Leading the Charge

As the face of the Detroit Pistons’ rebuild, Cade Cunningham represents both the present and the future of the franchise. Selected as the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Cunningham has shown flashes of brilliance and has established himself as a cornerstone of the team’s development. From his exceptional playmaking to his ability to take over games, Cade’s journey is a key storyline as the Pistons aim to climb out of the league’s bottom tier.

Cunningham’s Strengths and Key Statistics

Cade Cunningham is not your average point guard—he’s the kind of player who can control the flow of a game and make his teammates better. With his 6’6” size and unique ability to score at all three levels, Cunningham has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the brightest young stars in the NBA.

Elite Playmaking: Cade has demonstrated an innate ability to find open teammates, often threading the needle with precision passes. He ended the 2024-2025 season averaging 9.3 assists per game, ranking among the league’s top assist leaders.
Scoring Versatility: Whether it’s pulling up from beyond the arc, attacking the paint, or hitting mid-range jumpers, Cade has a bag of offensive tricks. He averaged 25.6 points per game this season, placing him in the top 10 for scoring while shooting 46.1% from the field.
Calm Under Pressure: Cade’s composure in crunch-time moments is a defining trait. In close games, he can step up as a go-to scorer, showing leadership rare for a player his age.

These numbers don’t just highlight his talent—they underscore his value as the central pillar of Detroit’s budding offense.

Areas for Development

Even with his significant talents, Cade Cunningham is not without areas that require attention. As the Pistons look to maximize his potential, continuing to refine these aspects will be critical.

Consistency in Shooting: Cade has the skillset to score efficiently, but maintaining consistency in his three-point shooting remains a challenge. Some stretches of play show promise, while others leave room for improvement. Adding a reliable three-ball could make him nearly unguardable.
Leadership Growth: While Cade has already embraced a leadership role, stepping into an even more vocal role could elevate the team’s chemistry and performance. As outlined recently, developing into a “consistent figure of leadership” is something both he and his coaches have emphasized.
Defensive Intensity: While capable of guarding multiple positions, his engagement on the defensive end can sometimes falter. Locking in and becoming a two-way force would put him in the conversation with the league’s best guards.

Becoming a great player isn’t just about raising strengths but closing gaps. For Cade, these adjustments could make him a fully polished superstar.

Projected Role Over the Next Three Seasons

As the Pistons continue to develop their young core, Cade’s role will naturally evolve. Over the next three seasons, he is poised to not only lead this team statistically but culturally. Here’s what we can likely expect:

Primary Offensive Engine: Cade will continue to be the team’s offensive hub, but with improving teammates like Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson, he may see an increase in efficiency due to less defensive focus on him.
All-Star and Beyond: If his current trajectory holds, Cunningham is a strong All-Star candidate for the foreseeable future. His recent All-Star berth is likely the beginning of a long career filled with accolades.
Playoff Leadership: Assuming Detroit adds depth and continues its upward climb, Cade will be the centerpiece of a playoff-contending team, tested in high-stakes moments.

Everything points to Cade becoming one of the NBA’s most influential players. As the Pistons’ roster fills out, his focus will likely shift toward blending individual brilliance with team success, a hallmark of true superstars.

Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson: The Dynamic Backcourt Duo

In the NBA, chemistry between a team’s backcourt players often defines their success. For the Detroit Pistons, the pairing of Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson presents a unique combination of skill, athleticism, and potential. Both players bring something different to the table, making them a promising duo to watch as the Pistons rebuild their future.

Ivey’s Transition to the NBA

Adjusting from college-level basketball to the NBA isn’t always smooth, but Jaden Ivey’s rookie year showcased just how ready he was for the challenge. Playing in 74 games, Ivey averaged 16.3 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game, numbers that marked him as one of the most impactful rookies in his class (source).

One of the standout aspects of Ivey’s game is his speed. He’s a blur in transition and has the ability to beat defenders off the dribble, which adds a layer of unpredictability to Detroit’s system. His quick first step is practically unguardable, and his ability to finish through contact mirrors that of seasoned scorers (source). Beyond scoring, he also showed growing confidence as a playmaker, setting up his teammates and facilitating ball movement.

However, like many young players, Ivey’s game has areas for improvement. Turnovers and shot selection were notable struggles in his first season. These issues are typical for rookies, and with time, Ivey has shown he’s capable of learning and adjusting. As he continues to grow, his ability to combine explosive scoring with better decision-making will determine just how high his ceiling is.

Thompson’s Defensive Contributions

While Jaden Ivey thrives on the offensive end, Ausar Thompson has quickly proven to be a defensive cornerstone for the Pistons. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses is one of the key reasons Detroit’s backcourt feels so balanced. Thompson uses his length, lateral quickness, and anticipation to guard multiple positions effectively. Whether it’s hounding ball handlers or closing out shooters, Thompson is a true defensive specialist (source).

Thompson currently ranks among the better defenders in his age group due to his exceptional effort and instincts. He consistently contributes in categories that don’t always show up on the stat sheet—like contested shots, loose ball recoveries, and deflections. His defensive rating highlights his value, showing that Detroit allows fewer points while he’s on the floor (source).

What makes Thompson special isn’t just his physical tools—it’s his intelligence on that side of the ball. He reads opposing offenses well, placing himself in prime position to intercept passes or deny easy scoring opportunities. With time and experience, his defensive play could put him in discussions for NBA All-Defensive teams.

Their Combined Potential Impact

Pairing Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson gives Detroit one of the more exciting young backcourts in the league. The duo’s individual strengths complement one another perfectly: Ivey’s fast-paced offensive style paired with Thompson’s lockdown defense creates a foundation for the Pistons to build around.

Here’s what they bring to the table as a duo:

Athleticism: Both players possess elite athleticism, which sets the tone for a high-energy backcourt. They’re capable of making momentum-shifting plays on offense and defense.
Scoring and Playmaking: Ivey’s ability to create shots for himself and others balances Thompson’s more defensive-minded approach, ensuring versatility on both ends of the floor.
Defensive Anchoring: Thompson’s presence allows Ivey to focus more on his offensive development without worrying about taking on elite scorers night in and night out.
Future Improvement: Both players are young, meaning their ceiling as a backcourt hasn’t even been approached. As their games mature, so will their synergy.

The Pistons’ identity is shaping into one revolving around youth, speed, and tenacity. What Cunningham is as a leader, Ivey as an offensive spark plug, and Thompson as a defensive anchor will make them a trio with the potential to pull Detroit up the standings in the years to come. The future isn’t just promising—it’s thrilling to visualize.

Jalen Duren: The Defensive Anchor

Jalen Duren has rapidly established himself as one of the Detroit Pistons’ most important assets. At just 21 years old, he’s taken huge strides toward becoming one of the league’s premier defensive big men. His physicality, timing, and court awareness make him a force in the paint, and his continued development is key to the Pistons’ future success.

Duren’s Developmental Milestones

Since entering the NBA, Duren has showcased substantial improvement in key facets of his game. While his defense is what makes him stand out, his rebounding tenacity and offensive growth also deserve recognition.

Elite Rim Protection: Duren’s shot-blocking instincts have evolved considerably, and he now averages nearly 2 blocks per game. His ability to anticipate shots and deter opponents from attacking the rim has earned him respect across the league (source).
Rebounding Machine: Whether it’s crashing the offensive glass for second-chance points or owning defensive rebounds, Duren’s presence is felt. He ranks among the top young rebounders in the league, regularly pulling down double-digit boards.
Offensive Versatility: Early in his career, Duren was primarily a rim runner. Now, his offensive repertoire includes mid-range jump shots, improved passing, and a growing comfort in post-up situations. His rim pressure complements perimeter players like Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham (source).

Duren’s progression reflects both his work ethic and the Pistons’ commitment to helping him succeed. These building blocks form the foundation of his bright future.

Building Around Duren in the Paint

The Pistons’ success depends significantly on integrating Duren’s talents into their overall game plan. By maximizing his defensive presence and rebounding, the team can establish a strong defensive identity.

Here’s how Detroit can lean into his strengths:

Defensive Anchor: Duren’s ability to control the paint allows perimeter defenders like Ausar Thompson to take risks, knowing he’s there to cover the backline. This setup can transform the Pistons into one of the league’s defensive juggernauts.
Establishing a Pick-and-Roll Game: Pairing Duren with skilled guards like Cade Cunningham in pick-and-roll scenarios emphasizes his rim-running ability while keeping defenses on their toes.
Transition Dominance: His rebounding and outlet passing can ignite fast breaks, helping Detroit turn defense into offense effectively.
Spacing Optimizations: While Duren operates predominantly in the paint, surrounding him with shooters creates space for him to thrive as both a finisher and a post facilitator.

Such strategies not only utilize Duren’s skill set but also enhance the team’s overall structure. Players like him, who dominate the paint defensively and contribute offensively, are rare.

How Duren Could Shape the Pistons’ Future

Jalen Duren’s impact stretches far beyond his current numbers. He represents the defensive heart of the Pistons’ rebuild and offers a cornerstone around which the team can grow. His trajectory suggests he’ll be critical to Detroit’s long-term competitiveness.

Defensive Leadership: As his role expands, Duren could become the Pistons’ vocal leader on defense, organizing the team and holding others accountable.
Potential All-Defensive Selection: With continued growth, he has the tools to make NBA All-Defensive Teams, a recognition that would put Detroit back on the national radar (source).
Team Identity: Teams often build identity around their centerpiece players. With Duren anchoring the paint, Detroit could develop a reputation for tough, gritty, and disciplined basketball.
Playoff Long-Term Value: A strong defensive big man is invaluable in the playoffs. Duren’s ability to shut down the paint and create second-chance opportunities could be the Pistons’ X-factor in future postseason runs.

Jalen Duren embodies what Detroit basketball aspires to be: hard-nosed, relentless, and unyielding. His role in shaping the Pistons’ identity and leading them forward cannot be overstated.

Ron Holland: A Promising Rookie Addition

As the Detroit Pistons continue their rebuild, they’ve added another potential star to their roster: Ron Holland. Selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Holland brings a versatile skill set and relentless energy that aligns perfectly with Detroit’s goals. Holland’s potential makes him an intriguing piece of the puzzle, and his integration over the next few seasons will be a key story to follow.

Holland’s Skill Set and Versatility

Ron Holland stands out with his well-rounded game and versatility, which makes him effective on both ends of the floor. At 6’7″ with a wingspan that enhances his defensive presence, Holland fits into a variety of lineups and roles.

His two-way abilities make him unique for his age. Offensively, Holland has shown flashes of being a proficient scorer, comfortable operating in transition and slashing to the hoop. He averaged an impressive 18.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3 assists during his time with the G League Ignite, demonstrating that he’s capable of producing at a high level.

Defensively, Holland is already a standout prospect. His lateral quickness and ability to switch onto guards, forwards, and bigs significantly elevate Detroit’s potential defensive schemes. He averaged 2.3 steals and 1.1 blocks in showcase games last year, proving his knack for disrupting plays and creating chaos. This kind of flexibility is critical in the modern NBA, where positional boundaries are increasingly blurred.

Beyond the box score, Holland is the kind of player who thrives off hustle plays—diving for loose balls, contesting shots, and doing the dirty work. His motor never stops, giving the Pistons a vital spark they can rely on nightly.

Filling Key Team Needs

For a rebuilding team like Detroit, Holland addresses specific gaps that have hindered their progress. One of the Pistons’ long-standing issues has been adding players who can impact multiple facets of the game without being liabilities on either end. Holland solves that.

Perimeter Defense: Adding Holland gives Detroit a high-quality defender who can lock down other teams’ best wings. This allows players like Jaden Ivey to focus more on their offensive contributions.
Transition Scoring: Holland is a weapon in the open court, something Detroit needed. His athleticism and finishing ability make him a nightmare for defenses while running the break.
Versatile Depth: Whether playing as a small-ball power forward or a wing, Holland’s ability to fit into different lineups ensures Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren always have capable help around them.

Detroit has struggled with wing depth in recent years. Holland not only adds depth but also provides someone who can elevate the team’s competitiveness on both sides of the court.

Projected Rookie Season Impact

The impact Ron Holland could bring to the Detroit Pistons in his rookie year cannot be understated. While his stats may not jump off the page immediately, his presence will be felt in the little things that add up to winning basketball. Early projections suggest Holland could average around 6.4 points and 2.9 rebounds per game in limited minutes initially—a solid baseline for a rookie on a growing team.

But it’s not just about numbers. Holland’s energy, defense, and versatility will allow Detroit to try new schemes and adjust to their opponents more effectively. Playing alongside leaders like Cunningham and Duren will also fast-track his development by placing him in high-pressure situations early.

A strong rookie season from Holland could signal the turning of the tide for Detroit. His ability to contribute immediately while improving year over year will serve as both a morale booster and a practical step forward in the team’s rebuild. Players like Holland represent the future of “positionless basketball,” and his integration could reshape how Detroit develops its lineups for the next three seasons.

In many ways, Holland’s rookie campaign represents the Pistons’ blueprint for the future: young, adaptable, and never afraid to take risks. Watching his growth will be one of the most exciting narratives in Detroit’s resurgence.

The Strategic Importance of Future Draft Picks

The Detroit Pistons find themselves in a pivotal stage of their rebuild, with their stockpile of future draft picks offering a golden opportunity to shape the next era of the franchise. Draft picks can be much more than opportunities to draft young talents—they’re strategic assets that impact team-building decisions, trade negotiations, and long-term planning. By balancing the right moves, Detroit can leverage these picks to create a sustainable pathway to success.

Managing Draft Assets Wisely

Draft picks aren’t just lottery tickets; they’re investments, each with a chance to yield high returns. For Detroit, with a mix of promising young players already in the fold, managing their picks will require precision. They need to strike a balance between nurturing incoming players while supporting their win-now goals.

Some key strategies to maximize the value of their draft assets:

Exploring value beyond the top picks: While lottery picks grab headlines, second-round selections and mid-to-late first-round picks can also yield impactful players. Think about how teams like the Golden State Warriors found gems like Draymond Green in the second round. Detroit could aim to find complementary role players who fit the roster’s needs.
Drafting to fit the core: It’s tempting to chase the “best available player,” but Pistons’ management should focus on prospects who complement existing stars like Cade Cunningham. The right pick can elevate the entire team, while the wrong one could crowd roster space or hinder development.
Utilizing scouting networks: Maximizing draft success calls for excellent scouting, especially for identifying international talent or high-potential picks outside the NCAA system.

For a deeper understanding of the Pistons’ draft assets, check out this detailed guide to the Pistons’ future draft picks.

Potential Trade Scenarios

Sometimes the best use of draft picks isn’t drafting at all—it’s trading. The Pistons hold valuable assets that could add immediate star power to their lineup. With a few strategic trades, Detroit could bridge the gap between their young core and playoff contention.

Possible trade approaches include:

Packaging Picks for Veteran Stars: If a proven All-Star becomes available, such as when the Phoenix Suns acquired Kevin Durant, Detroit could package multiple draft picks and young players to secure an established game-changer.
Moving Up in the Draft: If there’s a can’t-miss prospect in an upcoming draft, trading current assets to move higher in the lottery could be worthwhile.
Targeting Underused, High-Ceiling Players: Detroit could use picks to acquire talented players stuck in limited roles with other teams. Picks become bait for trades that bring forgotten talents into a new environment where they can thrive.

Exploring trade ideas is important, as draft assets often fuel dynamic NBA trade negotiations. Whether it’s moving up in the draft or reshaping their roster, Detroit’s front office has flexibility and options.

Integrating New Talent with the Core

Draft picks aren’t just about choosing players—they’re about bringing those players into a cohesive team framework. Integrating new talent into an already developing core involves careful planning. The Pistons must focus on building a system where everyone, from Cade Cunningham to the latest rookie, pulls in the same direction.

Here’s how the Pistons can align draft outcomes with their broader team-building efforts:

Prioritizing Compatibility: Beyond talent, the Pistons need to prioritize players who fit seamlessly into their current schemes. For example, selecting defense-minded additions to complement Cade’s offensive playmaking could create balance.
Developing Leadership Roles: Drafted players should come into an environment where leadership is established. Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Jalen Duren should set the tone for rookies to adapt quickly.
Investing in Development: Not every draft pick will be ready to contribute immediately. Detroit’s coaching and player development teams will play a huge role in converting raw talent into polished contributors.

By structuring a plan that integrates young talent thoughtfully, Detroit avoids growing pains and accelerates its rebuild. Draft strategy is as much about patience as it is about bold moves. For comprehensive insights into roster-building techniques, visit this article on NBA team-building strategies.

In sum, the Pistons’ draft capital represents a powerful tool for creating a winning formula. Carefully managing their picks, exploring smart trades, and fostering teamwork between young and established talent will determine how Detroit transforms potential into a dynasty.

Conclusion

The Detroit Pistons are crafting an exciting foundation built on promising young stars like Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, Jalen Duren, and Ron Holland. Each of these players brings distinct strengths, from elite playmaking and scoring to lockdown defense and versatility, making them integral to Detroit’s rebuild. Combined with a carefully managed draft strategy, the Pistons are positioned to create a sustainable path to success.

Executing this plan will require patience and smart decision-making. It’s not just about individual talent but how these pieces fit together to form a cohesive and competitive team. If Detroit’s front office continues to maximize its assets and support its young core, the future could hold not just playoff contention but a return to dominance.

What excites you most about the Pistons’ potential? Share your thoughts—we’d love to hear from you!