The Detroit Pistons are making noise. It may not be pretty and may not show in the win-loss column, but Detroit has taken a huge step toward the next phase of its rebuild. With a 14-18 record, the Pistons currently would be in the NBA play-in tournament, securing the 10 seed.
Three games behind the Bucks for the sixth seed, Detroit is positioned to potentially make postseason play for the first time since 2019. First year head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has proven to be the right man for the job.
Now in year four, 2021 first overall pick Cade Cunningham continues to prove his worth. Each season of his career, 32 games into the season, Cunningham has set new career-highs in per game averages of rebounds, assists, blocks, field goals (made and attempted), three pointers (made and attempted), free throws attempts, and minutes.
This season has been the franchise star's best, and he could earn recognition (and a bigger payday) for several NBA awards if the season ended today.
Cade Cunningham's play proves the Detroit Pistons' willingness to pay him was justified
The team rewarded its cornerstone with a five-year, $224 million max rookie contract extension. As part of the agreement, Cunningham could earn up to $269 million if he makes an All-NBA team, vaulting him into supermax status.
As previously mentioned, Cunnigham has found a way to improve each season, including as a stat sheet stuffer. After having two combined triple-doubles his first three seasons (both during his rookie campaign), Cunningham is up to six already this season.
Cunningham has also reached a new career-high mark for double-doubles, with 16 through 32 games for Detroit. The number tops Cunnigham's 14 double-doubles last season. The former first overall selection is putting together one of the league's best seasons. One that could easily put him in the running for multiple NBA awards. Not only does an All-Star appearance feel likely, but Cunningham is emerging as a serious contender for Most Improved Player and an All-NBA selection.
One of the biggest concerns throughout Cunningham's career has been his durability. However, he's currently on pace to demolish his career-high mark of 64 games played in a season, from his rookie season.
Cunningham played just 12 games in his second season due to a shin stress fracture, but he was able to play 62 games last season. The injuries appear to be past Cunningham, and the sky should be the limit for a young Detroit roster vying for its first playoff spot since 2019.
A 14-18 record wouldn't excite most fanbases, but the Pistons have reached last season's win total in 50 less games. Since its 2019 playoff appearance, Detroit has won 23 or less games every single season, but this year looks to be the first that eclipses that mark.
A third coach in four years hasn't stopped its best player from producing on a nightly basis, which could result in a playoff push for the team, Coach of the Year votes for J.B. Bickerstaff, and end of season awards for Cade Cunningham.