It’s quite the achievement winning 60 games, just two seasons after losing 68, and that is something the fanbase will always be able to hang its hat on as it looks back on this season. Because, if we’re being honest, this team was never on firm ground as it headed into the 2026 playoffs.
It took the Pistons seven games to beat the uninspiring Orlando Magic, who wasted no time firing head coach Jamahl Mosley immediately after the loss. Detroit then lost in seven to the Cleveland Cavaliers, rarely looking like a competent offensive team.
And yes, it might just be that simple.
The Pistons won 60 games predominantly through the presence of their defense, which ranked second in the league. They were just potent enough on the other end to get away with it, despite starting two non-shooters in Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson and their primary star, Cade Cunningham, sporting pedestrian efficiency.
The organization didn’t make an all-in move before the trade deadline, which was probably not the right decision given how starved for efficient offense it turned out to be.
Now with Duren looking for a new deal, we’ll see if the Pistons actually make a star acquisition to bridge the play of Cunningham and Duren, who mostly disappeared during the postseason.
Of course, his playoff performance could dictate his price range.
2025-26 finish
Record: 60-22, first in Eastern Conference. Lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round in seven games.
Highlight of the season
Despite his disappearing act in the playoffs, it has to be the regular-season play of Duren. The 6-foot-10 center had a breakout year, averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds and converting 65% of his shot attempts. His interior presence and on-court chemistry with Cunningham played a huge role in Detroit’s success and gaining the first seed.
Players signed for next year
Cade Cunningham
Isaiah Stewart
Caris LeVert
Ausar Thompson
Ron Holland
Marcus Sasser
Chaz Lanier
Key free agents
Jalen Duren (RFA)
Tobias Harris (UFA)
Duncan Robinson (partial guarantee)
Projected salary
$107,452,253
Draft pick
No. 21
Draft focus: The Pistons are absolutely starving for more shooting. They don’t have the floor-spacing components they need, particularly up front, so if the best available player happens to have shooting skills, it’s a no-brainer.
The Pistons could be looking at having cap space this summer, if they decide to let some players go and replace their cap holds with just a roster charge. However, is that the best approach? There are benefits to being over the cap and acting as an over-the-cap team, such as making use of the non-tax MLE.
Needs and goals
The Pistons need shooting, and they need more offensive firepower. They’re not a particularly efficient group, and the fact that they often have to win off interior scoring and free throws is a red flag for any team with championship aspirations. The Pistons need to find some easy offense so they don’t have to work so hard on that end, which could make their defense even more formidable.
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