The Pistons‘ decision to focus on getting veteran players who fit around star Cade Cunningham and the rest of the young nucleus is a huge reason they’re fighting in the playoffs one year removed from being the worst team in the league, Jamal Collier of ESPN writes. All of Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Malik Beasley have made a major impact on the team’s massive turnaround.
“There’s a lot of talent here, kind of just need a few adults in the room,” Harris said of the decision to return to the Pistons, where he played from 2016-18. “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.”
New general manager Trajan Langdon thought his strategy might take some time to get used to, but the top-six seed in the playoffs has been a nice surprise and the team is looking to capitalize now. Signing the veterans they did didn’t come down to simply an on-court fit, but also how they’d serve as leaders and mentors.
“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.”
In a similar piece, Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports explores Detroit’s one-year turnaround. As Goodwill writes, Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart were among players whose confidence didn’t waver during the hard parts of last year. The Pistons are down 1-2 in the series against New York after a close loss on Thursday, but they’re well prepared to be competitive now and in 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.’”
We have more from the Central Division:
- Before winning the 2024/25 Defensive Player of the Year award, Cavaliers star Evan Mobley wasn’t allowing financial incentives to distract him in the playoffs, Joe Vardon of The Athletic writes. “He’s got that something,” coach Kenny Atkinson said. “He’s desperate to be great.”
- Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill is proving he’s not a one-dimensional player in the team’s first-round series against the Heat, Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com writes. Merrill’s been working hard to prove he’s a more well-rounded player than just being a marksman, and Game 1 showcased his strides on the defensive end. He ended up playing more than the likes of Max Strus and De’Andre Hunter. “He doesn’t pass the eye test as a defender,” teammate Jarrett Allen said. “I mean, let’s just be honest. But every single play he’s out there, he’s fighting through screens and his one-on-one defense against Andrew Wiggins a couple of days ago was excellent. I think he’s realizing he can be a great shooter like he is already and an excellent defender as well. He’s starting to unlock that for himself.”
- Bucks head coach Doc Rivers is excited that general manager Jon Horst earned himself a contract extension on Thursday, according to Eric Nehm of The Athletic. “It’s awesome. It’s just awesome,” Rivers said. “It’s the news I’ve been waiting for, just very happy for him. He’s done an amazing job. We have an amazing relationship and it just creates stability. I’m just a big believer in stability in organizations. That’s how you build teams. Very happy for Jon and his family.” Rivers said the connection between the two sides is crucial in helping Milwaukee get back to competing for titles.
Doc being Doc… again.
Could convince many an owner water isn’t wet.