Pistons Set to Roll Out NBA Draft-Built Roster Next Season

Detroit has long been atop the ranks of the NBA Draft, and next season they’ll press the go button with a roster full of top draftees.

It’s no secret that over the past few seasons, the Detroit Pistons have made one too many appearances near the top of the NBA Draft for fan's liking.

That’s not to say they haven’t enjoyed what those final results have yielded: top pick Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, the list goes on.

But they haven’t yet capitalized on the addition of talent, be it due to injury, a grueling NBA schedule or general faults.

Next season however, Detroit finally appears ready to press the go button, unleashing a roster that’s been cultivated by the NBA Draft for the past several seasons.

The clear focal point is Cunningham, the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft who missed out on most of his sophomore season due to injury. Reports of his emergence as a force in offseason runs aside, Cunningham has a clear path to stardom via his size and feel for the game as a do-it-all lead jumbo guard.

Both Ivey and Duren, drafted in 2022, are primed for breakout campaigns in their second year, returning to their natural position or seeing even more opportunity, respectively.

And finally we’re brought to the most recent draft addition, Thompson. Who could galvanize the roster further with innate, otherworldly athleticism and connective feel as a passer and defender.

There’s no easy solution for Detroit to exit what would otherwise be deemed dark ages by several franchises. But their picks so far should set them on the right path and help them to evaluate what they need as the season progresses.

And the 2024 NBA Draft will always be waiting for them should things sour again.

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