The Detroit Pistons are 4-2 on the season and look like a formidable force in the Eastern Conference. The early results show that there will not be a dominant team in the East, with the Cavs and Hawks dealing with injuries, and the Knicks and the Magic going through adjustment periods. The two teams with the best record so far are the Sixers and the Bulls, two teams that don't instill much fear in the Pistons or other teams in the conference.
This presents a unique, can't-miss opportunity for the Pistons. Cade Cunningham is arguably better than any player in the East not named Giannis Antetokounmpo, and he has taken another step forward this season, especially with his playmaking. He is ready to win now, and the Pistons need to act accordingly.
Pistons Need to Be in Win-Now Mode
The Pistons are a very solid defensive team. Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland will be defensive stoppers in the league for a long time. Isaiah Stewart is arguably the best defensive backup big man in the NBA, and the roster is loaded with physical, versatile defenders. This gives the Pistons a high floor: as long as Cunningham is healthy, they will be a sure-fire playoff team.
At the same time, Detroit's ceiling is not where it needs to be to contend for a championship. There is not enough shot creation and shooting around Cunningham for Pistons fans to feel good about their offense against the best defenses in the league. Detroit is currently 25th in the league in half-court offense, per CleaningTheGlass data. They help their offensive production through offensive rebounding and running in transition, but their struggles in the half-court will continue to be an issue that prevents the Pistons from taking that next step.
Unless, that is, they make an addition to address this weakness. It is still early in the season to discuss potential trade targets, but GM Trajan Langdon needs to be as active and aggressive as possible on the trade market. If the right player is available, the Pistons shouldn't hesitate to go all-in, because there is enough on this team to contend for a championship if Detroit had a true second star next to Cunningham.
The Pistons have plenty of draft capital and matching salaries of Tobias Harris, Caris LeVert, and Duncan Robinson that they can use in a deal. Players like Lauri Markkanen, Zion Williamson, and Jaren Jackson Jr. come to mind as a few possibilities if their teams continue their underwhelming starts to the season. If any of them becomes truly available, it behooves the Pistons to pounce on the opportunity.