Even though the splashy, blockbuster moves that some fans were hoping for never came, the Detroit Pistons are still a force to be reckoned with in the East. They largely kept the same core (assuming Jalen Duren comes back) that won 60 games last season. Another year of development and experience should likely make them a better team, even if winning 60 games may not be possible in the much stronger Eastern Conference.
The biggest reason for optimism is obviously Cade Cunningham. Continuing his impressive gradual improvement, Cunningham had the best season of his NBA tenure. When next season starts, he has as good an argument as any to be the best player in the Eastern Conference.
Motivation will certainly not be a problem for the 24-year-old guard. The disrespect the Pistons have been getting in season previews and power rankings is giving Cunningham plenty of bulletin board material.
Cade Cunningham can't wait to silence the Pistons doubters
In his interview with DJ Siddiqi of Ratings, Cunningham said that the fact that everyone has been counting out the Pistons gives him "fuel" and makes him work harder. He then added, "I’m excited about this season. I think we got a lot of noise to make, and especially people doubting us, like I said, it just adds more fuel to everything."
Cunningham has all the reasons to be extra motivated. On most sportsbooks, the Pistons have the fourth-best odds to win the East. They are somewhere between sixth and tenth for the best odds to win the NBA championship. They have been ranked as low as eighth in the East in some preseason power rankings.
The media and analysts seem to be flocking to the new, shiny object. Sure, Philadelphia, Miami, and Toronto are all exciting with their new superstar additions. They are underestimating the risk of injuries and age-related decline in all three of these teams. How good the Celtics are going to be without Jaylen Brown and with a first full season for post-injury Jayson Tatum is also unclear.
The Pistons have a proven winning formula. They will continue to have one of the best defenses in the league. Why would a team that won 60 games a season ago be much worse next season when all three of their best players are young and should be better?
It's not like Cunningham needs this fuel. After losing in the second round to the Cleveland Cavaliers as the No. 1 seed, the entire Pistons team will have a chip on their shoulder. But the desire to silence the doubters is as good a motivation source as any, and that should help the Pistons make a deep postseason run next season.
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