DD-Sport > Basketball > After waiting for 20 years! The team returns to the first place in the Eastern Conference and finally welcomes the new five tigers. The revival of this team is in sight!

After waiting for 20 years! The team returns to the first place in the Eastern Conference and finally welcomes the new five tigers. The revival of this team is in sight!

For the Pistons, a veteran team in the Eastern Conference, the 23-24 season was definitely a bad season that they were unwilling to look back on. They created the worst 28-game losing streak in NBA history, and even the fans at home began to defect. But it was in this mess that the team's leader Cade Cunningham stood up. Not only was he selected to the All-Star team last season, but he also helped the team complete a huge counterattack, directly going from last place in the Eastern Conference to reaching the playoffs. Not only that, in their first playoff trip, the Pistons and Knicks were inseparable and fought tenaciously until Game 6 before losing.

And this season, they once again performed unexpectedly. Although they lost Tim Hardaway Jr., Malik Beasley, and Jaden Ivey has not yet returned, they actually posted a record of 7 wins and 2 losses. After 20 years, they once again returned to the top spot in the Eastern Conference. This is quite an amazing performance. What makes the fans even more excited is that the team once again welcomed the top five players, continuing its past glory. Let's take a look at who the new top five Pistons are now and how they perform!

Cade Cunningham

This season’s statistics: 25.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 9.7 assists and 1 steal

First, let’s talk about the core of the team Since last season, Cunningham has begun to fully realize his talents. On the offensive end, he can not only score by himself, but also organize the team. On the defensive end, he leads by example and puts huge pressure on the opposing players. So far this season, he can contribute 25.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 9.7 assists and 1 steal. And you must know that this is achieved when Cunningham's three-point shooting percentage is only 31%. If he has a stable three-point shooting, Cunningham's influence may be even greater.

There is no doubt that, maintaining the current state, Cunningham will definitely be able to attack the MVP. Looking back at the 2021 NBA Draft now, the Pistons selected Cunningham with the No. 1 pick, which is definitely the most meaningful choice for the team. The 24-year-old Cunningham has become the soul of the Pistons in this era. If it can really be revived in the future, he will definitely be the one who contributes the most.

Jaylen Duren

This season’s statistics: 19.2 points, 11.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 steals

The growth of team center Duren is undoubtedly a crucial factor for the Pistons to achieve such a wonderful start this season. The 21-year-old can contribute 19.2 points, 11.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 steals this season, with a shooting percentage of 64.3%. Without the ability to shoot three-pointers, Duren was still reused, relying on his unparalleled ability to eat cakes under the basket and protect the frame. It must be said that Duren and Cunningham cooperated quite well, especially the pick-and-roll tactics on the offensive end, which already have the shadow of the glorious era of the past team.

If he can maintain this performance, Duren will not only be able to win a big contract, but also have a chance to gain a certain advantage in the DPOY competition. It needs to be mentioned again that he is only 21 years old. As long as there are no major injuries in the future, he will be the core of the Pistons' interior for at least 10 years.

Osar Thompson

This season's statistics: 13.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals

Although his brother Allen Thompson has shown his talents in the Rockets and has become one of the core of the team, Osar, as his younger brother, is also no less generous. And compared to his brother, Osar, who experienced the team's humiliating record of 28 consecutive losses in his rookie season, has a huge improvement in mentality.

This season, he has made new progress. On the offensive end, his ability to finish under the basket has become more stable. He is the team's leader in fast break finishes. On the defensive end, he is the number one outside player. He averages 13.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game. The statistics are quite impressive. And Osar is only 22 years old. If he can develop a stable mid-to-long-range shooting, his upper limit will be higher, and he may even have the opportunity to become the second core of the team besides Cunningham. It can be said that he has a real future.

Isaiah Stewart

This season's statistics: 10.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.1 blocks

Although most fans' biggest impression of Stewart may still be in the 21-22 season, when LeBron James hit Stewart in the face during the game between the Lakers and the Pistons, and a serious conflict broke out. But in fact, Stewart has made rapid progress in recent years. Partnering with Duren in the paint, he is already the team's best player who can interpret the iron-blooded spirit.

This season, he averaged 10.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.1 blocks per game. The most surprising thing is undoubtedly that he has developed a three-point shooting. This season's three-point shooting rate has reached 39.3%. It is precisely because of this that the team's offensive space is wider, giving Cunningham a stage to display his skills. On the defensive end, although he is only 2.03 meters tall, his excellent strength and confrontation can still punish many opponents. Stewart is definitely one of the spiritual leaders of the current Pistons, and his contract is only 4 years and 60 million US dollars, which can be said to be a very cost-effective player.

Jaden Ivey

Statistics for this season: Not yet played

Finally, let’s talk about Ivey. Last season, due to being accidentally fouled by Cole Anthony, he suffered a serious fracture. Ivey had to undergo surgery and missed the remaining 52 games. However, before the injury, his performance was equally amazing.. Compared with the inefficient offense in the first two seasons of his career, he can contribute 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4 assists this season. His shooting and three-point shooting percentages reached 46% and 40.9% respectively. There is a faint shadow of the "Mask Man" Richard Hamilton.

Not long ago, the Pistons officially revealed Ivey’s training video during his recovery period. His overall recovery speed and performance are pretty good. Considering that he is only 23 years old, there is a possibility of his comeback this season. Once Ivey returns and can continue his pre-injury state, he will undoubtedly share Cunningham's defensive pressure, and then the Pistons may not be too far away from a real revival.