In Detroit sports, the talk of the city is clear. After their run to the NFC Championship last season and their status as early favorites to win the Super Bowl, the Detroit Lions have captured the city’s attention. Close behind are the Detroit Red Wings, who nearly made the playoffs last season, sparking hope among their fans. Despite being labeled by some analysts as one of MLB’s worst teams, the Detroit Tigers continue to compete with grit. But last on this list, surprisingly, are the Detroit Pistons—a team that once dominated discussions in the Motor City.
Since their return to Little Caesars Arena in 2017, the Pistons have given fans little to cheer about. With a record of 174-374 over the last seven seasons, including a dismal 104-169 at home, Pistons basketball has been more about frustration than excitement. Conversations around the team often focus on lackluster play, questionable coaching decisions, and ownership issues. There’s been little to look forward to.
Yet, something about this season has sparked a glimmer of optimism. Perhaps it’s because of the Lions’ success last season that led them to the NFC Championship game. The foundations both teams have built feel strikingly similar. But how closely do their paths align? And what steps can propel the Pistons back into the spotlight in Detroit?
Strong Foundations: Comparing The Pistons and Lions’ Strategies
Building A Strong Foundation
When Brad Holmes was hired in 2021, the Detroit Lions’ roster offered little to be excited about. Despite the optimism from Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia, the team had regressed since Jim Caldwell’s firing. Holmes inherited a blank canvas and began crafting a masterpiece. Of the players from the Quinn/Patricia era, only four remain:
For a franchise known for its draft failures, Holmes has masterfully solidified the team’s nucleus:
- Penei Sewell
- Alim McNeill
- Amon-Ra St. Brown
- Aidan Hutchinson
- Jameson Williams
- Malcolm Rodriguez
- Derrick Barnes
- Jahmyr Gibbs
- Jack Campbell
- Sam LaPorta
- Brian Branch
- Terrion Arnold
In any league, hitting on draft picks is essential. Success in the draft sets you up for the future, and Holmes has laid a strong foundation for the Lions. It also helps to have elite coaching. While many were skeptical, Dan Campbell gave the Lions a fresh perspective they desperately needed. He’s done a masterful job assembling a staff that maximizes the potential of its players.
The Pistons “Strong Foundation”
Troy Weaver, the Pistons’ former General Manager, had also done a solid job building a young core despite some missed opportunities:
These players have the potential to be the building blocks of the Pistons’ success. Watching J.B. Bickerstaff’s coaching development with this group will be intriguing. The potential is evident, but Monty Williams’ tenure set back some players, particularly Ivey and Thompson. Now, with a coach who cares, we’ll see if this remains one of the NBA’s most promising young cores. Additionally, Trajan Langdon sought to strengthen the foundation with his first two picks:
That One Player With Something To Prove
In Los Angeles, if anyone asks why the Rams couldn’t win the Super Bowl, Jared Goff often gets the blame. Despite being one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL and leading the Rams to a Super Bowl appearance in 2019, Goff was alienated by the fan base and the organization. When the opportunity came to acquire a perceived better quarterback, the Rams took it, sending Goff to Detroit in a trade for Matthew Stafford—a move that wasn’t taken lightly.
In his three seasons with the Lions, Goff has gone from being a stop-gap to the franchise’s $212 million man. This transformation happens when a coaching staff and front office believe in you and a fan base buys into what you bring to the organization.
Langdon’s moves have generally been met with positive feedback for the Pistons. However, one move that has received mixed reactions is the signing of Tobias Harris. Some believe the money could have been better spent, while others see it as a solid short-term investment. It’s interesting to consider a player who averaged 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists as a liability. Harris was a crucial pickup for a team that desperately needed veteran leadership.
The Last Word
The parallels between the Detroit Lions and Detroit Pistons highlight the power of strategic rebuilding and the importance of a strong foundation. Brad Holmes has transformed the Lions from a struggling franchise into a legitimate contender thanks to intelligent drafting and the right coaching staff.
The journey for the Pistons is far from over. Just as Jared Goff’s resurgence in Detroit proves that belief and support can reignite a career, the Pistons’ young stars need the right environment to reach their full potential. With Trajan Langdon and J.B. Bickerstaff at the helm, the pieces are in place for the Pistons to once again become the talk of the Motor City. It’s now up to the organization to nurture this talent and guide them back to the top. Detroit fans have seen what a well-built foundation can do for their Lions—now, they wait to see if the Pistons can follow suit.
