The Detroit Pistons didn't have the offseason they had in mind after taking a big step forward last season. While fans were hoping for the team to upgrade the roster and establish itself as a contender in the Eastern Conference, the Pistons haven't made a big move to separate themselves from the pack. Instead, they replaced Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., Dennis Schröder, and Simone Fontecchio with Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson.
Whether this will be an upgrade or a downgrade remains to be seen, but LeVert recently revealed a fascinating tidbit about how he came to the decision to sign with the Pistons. The 30-year-old shooting guard apparently talked with Hardaway Jr., who helped convince him to sign with Detroit, per Detroit Free Press' Omari Sankofa II.
"I talked to Tim probably the morning before I signed. We talked on FaceTime for a while. He was just telling me how great everybody was here, just reassuring me, letting me know that it’s a great organization, great people, obviously great players. He was definitely someone who I leaned on for this decision."Caris LeVert
This could help explain why LeVert signed a reasonable, team-friendly deal with the Pistons in the offseason. After having a solid season splitting his time between the Cavaliers and the Hawks, LeVert landed a two-year, $29 million deal in free agency.
The fact that Hardaway didn't have anything but positive things to say about the Pistons is an excellent sign for the organization. The veteran shooting guard was traded to the Pistons last offseason and only spent one year in Detroit. Even though he had a solid campaign (especially in the regular season), THJ doesn't have any deep ties to the franchise. Therefore, his going on a limb and endorsing the organization is a great indication for the upward trajectory of the franchise.
LeVert will have a key role for the Pistons in the 2025-26 season and beyond. The combo guard has taken significant steps forward in recent years, especially on the defensive side of the ball. He will need to continue the improvement he has shown under head coach JB Bickerstaff from their time together in Cleveland to be an important piece for this up-and-coming Pistons team.