Caris LeVert detailed the Detroit Pistons’ season identity, team chemistry, and defensive growth during a conversation with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, as Detroit continues its 2025-26 campaign at 58-22 and sits first in the Eastern Conference standings.
LeVert emphasized the group’s early belief as a key foundation for the season’s success, pointing to how the team has sustained its level despite injuries and lineup changes.
“It’s been crazy. I mean, from the start of the season we had the top team and this team just believed. I think that was the most impressive part with me coming into this team: the belief they had from the jump. We believed we were this good, and for us to carry that out and do it night in and night out, despite injuries and guys being out, has been super impressive,” LeVert said.
Detroit’s position at the top of the standings has been supported by consistent play in a competitive conference race. The Pistons hold a 58-22 record, ahead of the Boston Celtics at 54-26 and the New York Knicks at 52-28.
Defensive execution has also been a defining factor in the team’s performance. LeVert noted that the group elevates when fully locked in on that end of the floor.
“I think defensively, when we want to lock in and we know we need to lock in, this team goes to a different level. And also, we’re super close. This is probably the closest team I’ve been on off the court,” he said.
The Pistons’ internal chemistry has also played a role in their consistency. Detroit has remained among the league’s most stable rotations in late-game situations throughout the season.
“We’re like an AAU team. Obviously, we do a lot of things together so the stuff that we do off the court just translates like a family, you know? It’s not always perfect and guys get into it sometimes but we all have a common goal and we have respect for each other to know what we’re trying to do,” LeVert added.
Detroit’s success has also been tied to Cade Cunningham’s production and leadership. The All-Star guard is averaging 24.4 points and 9.9 assists per game while guiding the offense throughout the regular season.
LeVert pointed to Cunningham’s importance without shifting focus away from team execution during the playoff push.
“We know how special Cade is. We know how good we need him to be to get him where we want to go but, we’re focused on ourselves each and every game and get the most out of this group and right now, we’re building good habits to get to that point,” he said.
LeVert also reflected on Brooklyn Nets memories, including his draft night experience and a game-winning shot against the Denver Nuggets during his third season in the league.
“I would probably have to say Draft Night for sure just because I had no idea that I was going there like, I REALLY had no idea,” LeVert said. “They had the 20th pick and I thought it was Indiana and they traded it the day before and I had no idea.”
He also highlighted the importance of family support throughout his career, including encouragement from Eddie LeVert.
Across the season, LeVert has contributed 7.4 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per game while playing a rotational role on a Pistons roster leading the Eastern Conference standings at 58-22.
