What Do the Pistons Need to Do to Get to the Next Level?

The Detroit Pistons had a hot 2025-26 season and made it to the Eastern Conference Semifinals before getting their hearts dashed and falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 7 in downtown Detroit.

It seemed like destiny that the Pistons would go all the way this season, or at least to the Eastern Conference Finals. They came back against the Magic early in the playoffs by pulling off what’s almost impossible under pressure: three wins in a row. Then, they came out hot against the Cavs with a 2-0 record after the first two games of the series.

But, now, it’s back to the drawing board. So, what do the Pistons need to do to finally take things to the next level?

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First, this team has to stay in line with head coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s vision for Detroit. He’s here to stay, and according to a report from The Athletic’s Hunter Patterson, the Pistons view Bickerstaff “as the coach of the future, and the expectation, per league sources, is for Bickerstaff to be around long term.”

Considering that the team went from a 14-68 record in 2024 to the two consecutive playoff appearances since Bickerstaff took over, it makes sense to stick with his vision for this team. So, Detroit has to not question him and roll with it.

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Second, the Pistons have to add a true shooter and scorer to take the pressure off of Cade Cunningham. During the Pistons’ 14 NBA playoff games this year, Cunningham averaged 40.9 minutes per game. He carried an incredibly heavy playmaking and defensive workload, and that just can’t continue. An elite trade target would fit the bill here.

Finally, the team needs to negotiate a contract extension with Jalen Duren that works for everybody. If they overpay him and tie up salary-cap space, that’ll limit this team going into the new season.

The Pistons are almost there. But, they have a few key things to do to help get them across the finish line.

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This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 11:50 AM.