Detroit Pistons season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction
· Yahoo Sports
The Detroit Pistons were an overwhelming success last season, finishing with the best record in the Eastern Conference. But a discouraging playoff exit in the conference semifinals and an unnerving offseason have tempered expectations heading into the 2026-27 NBA season.
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Cade Cunningham is back as a legitimate MVP candidate capable of carrying the Pistons to another strong regular season. The front office also tinkered with his supporting cast while embroiled in a prolonged contract standoff with All-Star center Jalen Duren. Detroit addressed its lack of outside shooting by trading for former Oklahoma City Thunder sharpshooter Isaiah Joe and added forward John Collins as a replacement for veteran Tobias Harris.
There are lingering questions after the Pistons couldn't replicate their regular-season performance in the playoffs as to whether the roster is good enough to match or even approach what they did a season ago, reaching 60 wins for the first time in 20 years. Duren's status looms large for the franchise's trajectory, but Detroit should remain a dangerous threat in the Eastern Conference as long as Cunningham is healthy.
Here's a breakdown of the Detroit Pistons' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:
Detroit Pistons offseason review
- Record last season: 60-22 (1st in Eastern Conference)
- Playoff finish: Lost to Cleveland Cavaliers in conference semifinals
- Coach: J.B. Bickerstaff (3rd season)
- 2026-27 title odds: +3000 (per BetMGM)
- Projected record: 45-37
- Offseason grade: B-
Key roster additions
- G Ebuka Okorie (No. 17 pick in 2026 NBA Draft)
- G Isaiah Joe (trade)
- G Gary Harris (trade)
- F John Collins (trade)
- F Taurean Prince (trade)
- C Ugonna Onyenso (No. 53 pick in 2026 NBA Draft)
Key roster losses
- G Caris LeVert (trade)
- G Marcus Sasser (trade)
- F Tobias Harris (free agent)
- F Isaiah Stewart (trade)
Biggest question entering training camp
Can the Pistons find common ground with Jalen Duren?
- Jalen Duren's playoff performance last year failed to match his breakthrough 2025-26 regular season and that dynamic has complicated contract extension negotiations with the Pistons. Duren is a restricted free agent who, as of Sept. 17, had yet to even sign a qualifying offer from Detroit, with reports indicating mutual interest with the Sacramento Kings. The Pistons are taking an understandable approach with Duren given his limitations, but their ceiling this season and beyond is considerably lower without their All-Star center.
Projected starting lineup and rotation
Starters
- G Cade Cunningham
- G Isaiah Joe
- G Ausar Thompson
- F John Collins
- C Jalen Duren
Rotation players
- G Daniss Jenkins
- G Duncan Robinson
- G/F Kevin Huerter
- F Ron Holland III
- F Taurean Prince
- C Paul Reed
What to expect in 2026-27 season
The Pistons have the fifth-best NBA title odds among Eastern Conference teams entering the preseason, but there remain doubts about whether their offseason moves improved the team enough. Cunningham's emergence as one of the league's best players gives this team a high floor and should keep Detroit among the top six in the East. Advancing past the conference semifinals this year will depend on how the front office sorts out its differences with Duren and whether Joe or Collins emerges as a viable third option.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Detroit Pistons season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction
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