The 2023/24 Detroit Pistons had one of the worst seasons in NBA history, losing 28 straight games early and finishing 14-68, the worst record in their 76-year history.
Despite struggling in the previous four seasons, this disappointing year led to a major offseason overhaul in 2024.
Trajan Langdon replaced Troy Weaver as head of basketball operations, and J.B. Bickerstaff took over as head coach just a year after Monty Williams signed a lucrative six-year deal.
The roster also saw key additions like Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, and Tim Hardaway Jr., bringing veteran shooting to support young star Cade Cunningham.
Bickerstaff transformed the team with a tough, defensive mindset, improving their defense from 25th to a top-10 ranking and earning second place in Coach of the Year voting.
Veteran signings, especially Beasley, boosted Detroit’s three-point shooting, helping the team move up from near the bottom to mid-tier in both three-point makes and percentage.
Cunningham had a breakout year, setting career highs in points (26.1), assists (9.1), and shooting efficiency, earning his first All-Star selection, a spot on the All-NBA third team, and a Most Improved Player finalist nod.
The Pistons’ 30-win improvement was the sixth-largest in NBA history, giving Detroit fans renewed hope.
Although they exited in the first playoff round, their two wins marked the most postseason success since 2008.
While not yet a contender for the conference finals, the team’s strong leadership and promising young core suggest Detroit is on the right path, with cap flexibility and talent poised to help them climb the Eastern Conference in the coming years.
2025 NBA Offseason Preview: Detroit Pistons https://t.co/hlA7XSISlI pic.twitter.com/1ZYr0t3Ujx
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) June 13, 2025
