At this time of year, every NBA fan feels their team has a chance to make a serious push for the championship. With rosters solidified and summer league performances analyzed, fans are brimming with optimism, crafting wild projections for the upcoming season. As a Pistons fan and Detroit native, I eagerly imagine the Pistons hoisting the championship trophy. But let’s ground ourselves in reality: what are some achievable season goals for the 2024-25 Detroit Pistons?
We have not determined the NBA schedule announcement date, but past releases help us guess. Based on the past, fans can expect to see the team’s schedules in mid-August. Given last season’s performance, it’s unlikely the Pistons will have many if any, nationally televised games. This is unfortunate, as the nation might miss witnessing the resurgence poised to take place in Detroit. So, what realistic goals could put the Pistons back on the map? Could these season goals have the Pistons contending in a loaded Eastern Conference? Let’s dive into it.
Way Too Early 2024-25 Season Goals For The Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons Season Goal: Top 10 Three-Point Shooting Team
The Pistons have significantly improved their shooting talent compared to last season’s roster. Malik Beasley, who shot 41% from beyond the arc for the Milwaukee Bucks, ranked among the top 25 shooters in the league this past season. Although his three-point percentage dropped to 35% this past season, Tobias Harris remains a reliable shooter. Tim Hardaway Jr. also posted a 35% shooting percentage from deep with the Dallas Mavericks. Adding to this arsenal, Simone Fontecchio re-signed with the Pistons after shooting an impressive 42% in sixteen games.
Another crucial factor in improving the Pistons’ three-point shooting is the hiring of Fred Vinson. Vinson played a pivotal role in developing shooters like Herb Jones, Lonzo Ball, and Jose Alvarado with the Pelicans. With a fresh slate in Detroit, he will work with young talents such as Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland, and Jaden Ivey to elevate their shooting percentages. His expertise will also benefit players like Isaiah Stewart, Cade Cunningham, and Marcus Sasser, who were already above-average three-point shooters.
JB Bickerstaff’s Adapting Offense
In Bickerstaff’s last season with the Cavaliers, the team ranked 7th in three-point makes (13.5) and 8th in attempts (36.8). This was a notable improvement, considering the Cavaliers had previously ranked 20th in makes, 24th in attempts, and 19th in percentage over the prior three seasons. The key to this transformation was the addition of better shooters. Bickerstaff’s offense became more three-point oriented by acquiring players like Max Strus and Georges Niang and complementing existing shooters such as Sam Merrill, Dean Wade, and Isaac Okoro.
Detroit Pistons Season Goal: Jalen Duren Making A All-Defensive Team
Under Bickerstaff, Duren’s defensive prowess is set to be unleashed. Last year, Duren experienced a decline in blocks and steals compared to the 2022-23 season, coupled with an increase in fouls. Watching Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley thrive defensively under Bickerstaff hints at Duren’s potential in Detroit.
Another motivating factor for Duren on the defensive end is the potential threat of being replaced. During the 2024 NBA Draft, there were rumors about the Pistons considering Connecticut big man Donovan Clingan with their fifth pick, mainly due to his defensive capabilities. Standing 6’10” and weighing 250 pounds, Duren possesses all the physical and athletic tools to be an elite defender. For the Pistons to take the next step toward defensive excellence, Duren’s development will be crucial. If team improvement isn’t enough motivation, losing his spot should be.
This #5 Overall Pick Could Be In Contention For An End Of Season Award
Over the past three seasons, the Pistons have become the kings of the 5th overall pick. Despite having the best odds at the #1 pick for two consecutive seasons, the Pistons made history by being the first team to drop from one to five in two years. With their fifth overall picks, they selected Ivey, Thompson, and Holland. One of these three young talents could be a strong contender for an end-of-season award.
In his first eight games, Thompson became one of only two players to record 30+ assists, 12+ steals, and 15+ blocks. The other player to achieve this feat? Michael Jordan. Thompson continued to be effective, but Monty Williams’s usage of the rookie affected his overall play as the season progressed. Unfortunately, Thompson missed the remainder of the 2023-24 season due to a blood clot. I can see Thompson earning the starting small-forward spot at some point this season due to his improvement on the offensive end coupled with his elite defensive work.
Players to record 30+ assists, 12+ steals, and 15+ blocks over their first eight NBA games:
Michael Jordan and Ausar Thompson pic.twitter.com/woPDMqYQE8
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) November 7, 2023
What A MIP Season Could Look Like For Thompson
Thompson could increase his three-point shooting to the low to mid-30% range. Coupled with his 57% shooting from two-point range this past season, Thompson has the potential to be a 14-15 point per game scorer. With improved range comes better free-throw shooting as well. After shooting 59% from the foul line last season, I expect Thompson’s numbers to improve to the low 70% range this season. With the elite defense that could rank him in the top 10 to 15 in steals and blocks, Thompson could be a strong candidate for the 24-25 Most Improved Player award.
Detroit Pistons Season Goal: Becoming A Play-In Team
Considering the team won just 14 games last season, the over/under for Pistons’ wins at 24.5 might make the idea of them contending for a play-in spot seem far-fetched. However, looking closely at the competition, it’s not entirely out of reach. There are several teams the Pistons could realistically surpass to secure a spot in the play-in.
The Competition
The Chicago Bulls, for instance, may be on the verge of a rebuild. They allowed DeMar DeRozan to join the Sacramento Kings, and trades involving Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic could be next. Lonzo Ball’s return is uncertain, and Josh Giddey’s confidence may be shaken after the challenges he faced last season. Although Coby White stepped up, there are doubts about whether he can maintain that performance consistently. The Bulls have more questions than answers right now.
Despite drafting Zaccharie Risacher first overall in the 2024 draft, the Atlanta Hawks didn’t significantly improve this offseason. They traded Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans for a package that included Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and two first-round picks. Additionally, they lost Saddiq Bey to the Washington Wizards. Even with the Spurs owning their 2025 and 2027 picks and a 2026 swap, the Hawks could be in teardown mode.
Given these circumstances, the Pistons can leapfrog these teams and become play-in eligible. Their roster is more robust than the Bulls and the Hawks. While the actual test will be on the court, if you ask me right now, the Pistons have a legitimate shot at sneaking into a play-in spot.
The Last Word
As we count down the days before the NBA season begins, this is the time of year that fills us with boundless hope for our favorite teams. For Pistons fans, the upcoming season promises a blend of optimism and realistic goals. With sharpshooters, strategic coaches, and breakout talents, Detroit is poised for significant strides this season.
As the season unfolds, Detroit fans have every reason to be excited about their team’s potential. Let’s see how the Pistons rise to the challenge.
