The Detroit Pistons have seen a dramatic turnaround this season, moving from the worst team in the league to a legitimate playoff contender in just one year.
A significant factor in this leap has been their strategic decision to add veteran players who complement the team’s young core, particularly star Cade Cunningham.
According to Jamal Collier of ESPN, the Pistons’ veteran additions have been key in shaping the team’s unexpected success.
Players like Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Malik Beasley have played crucial roles in the team’s turnaround, both on and off the court.
Tobias Harris, who returned to Detroit after a stint with the team from 2016-2018, expressed how his presence has helped guide the younger players.
“There’s a lot of talent here, kind of just need a few adults in the room,” Harris said.
“Guide these guys a little bit, and really boost their confidence up, boost the professionalism, morale of the whole team, and see where they could take us. I knew that coming in that this was going to be a breath of fresh air for me, but I’ve truly enjoyed it. It’s the most fun I’ve had playing basketball my whole career with this group and this team.”
Harris’s comments underscore the importance of leadership in helping a young team mature and develop its potential.
General manager Trajan Langdon, who took charge of the Pistons’ front office this year, had hoped the team would eventually come together, but their early success has exceeded expectations.
Langdon noted that the veterans’ impact wasn’t limited to their skills on the court but also their ability to mentor and guide the younger players.
“The main thing was trying to put together some people around these young guys that could help them develop,” Langdon said. “It’s not only the on-the-court and between-the-lines that I thought was important, but also the character, the experience and the postseason experience.”
Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports further explores how Detroit’s dramatic turnaround has been fueled by a strong foundation of confidence among its core players.
Despite a challenging 2023-24 season, players like Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart kept their heads high and pushed forward. Stewart reflected on his mindset during the tough times, noting that his conversations with Cunningham gave him hope for the future.
“I remember me and [Cunningham], just talking in that moment, and we’re just saying, ‘Tables are going to turn,’” Stewart said. “You know, that’s what me and him always said to each other, ‘Stay with it.’”
Now, as the Pistons find themselves down 2-1 in their series against New York, their resilience and confidence have them well-positioned not only to make a push in the playoffs but also to continue building toward long-term success.
With their blend of young talent and veteran leadership, the Pistons are set to compete for years to come.
Central Notes: Pistons' Turnaround, Mobley, Merrill, Rivers, Horst https://t.co/Ly4iX9TsEg pic.twitter.com/yH1q3gEiow
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 25, 2025
