When discussing young NBA teams, we often focus on their potential to become great. However, what’s usually overlooked is the learning curve they must face before reaching that potential. While some teams, like the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Orlando Magic, have thrived, most young teams still navigate this painful learning process.
The Detroit Pistons are one of those teams that are still trying to put it all together. Last season, the Pistons set an NBA record by losing 28 straight games and finished with a franchise-worst 68 losses. With their playoff hopes dashed by December, the organization shifted its focus to developing younger players. It’s a harsh reality that many franchises face and one that veterans often struggle to accept.
Former Pistons guard Evan Fournier was one of those veterans. In a recent interview with Eurohoops, Fournier voiced his frustration with how the organization handled the end of the season. His comments provide insight into the tension that can arise when winning takes a backseat to player development. What exactly did he say? Let’s dive in.
Evan Fournier Exposes End of Season Struggles
Fournier’s Olympic State of Mind After Pistons’ Experience
This past summer, Fournier helped the French National Team secure a silver medal in the Olympics. For Fournier, contributing to his team’s success and playing for a common goal reinvigorated his passion for the game.
“Going from Detroit to the Olympics gave me life. I want to continue like this.”
Playing for your country and an NBA team are vastly different experiences. After a tough season, there’s always an opportunity to redeem yourself in the NBA. But representing your country in the Olympics is a rare opportunity that only comes every four years. If you fall short, you may have to wait for another chance—if it ever comes.
Fournier Confronts ‘The Dark Side’ During Pistons Tenure
It’s easy to talk about potential when discussing young teams. Watching organizations draft players who shined in college leaves fans eager to see if they can replicate that success in the NBA. While some players transition smoothly, others struggle to find their footing. The Pistons have focused heavily on their young core, but this approach can sometimes be frustrating, as Fournier mentioned in his interview.
“One of the dark sides of the NBA is when teams lose on purpose to get higher draft picks… tanking. In my last two months in Detroit, the organization was great, but it was a young team that wasn’t necessarily trying to win. When you’re my age, it’s hard to go through that. I knew that wasn’t what I wanted for my career.”
However, when you look back at those final months of the season, it’s hard to agree with Fournier’s statement. The Pistons may have gone 7-25 after the trade deadline, but they still competed in every game, often falling short in the fourth quarter. Injuries played a significant role in their struggles, with rotations constantly shifting.
Ausar Thompson missed the final 19 games due to blood clots. Isaiah Stewart was sidelined for 14 straight games with injuries. Simone Fontecchio and Cade Cunningham also missed the season’s final stretch due to injuries. It’s difficult to win in the NBA and almost impossible when key players are out. While the team’s record was poor, it wasn’t a case of intentionally losing—it was simply a matter of being shorthanded.
The Last Word
While viewing the Pistons’ struggles as part of young teams’ painful learning curve is easy, the reality is more complex. Evan Fournier’s frustrations highlight the tension between development and winning, a common challenge for rebuilding teams. However, the final months of the Pistons’ season weren’t just about tanking or giving up. Despite their 7-25 record after the trade deadline, the team continued to compete, often coming up short in the fourth quarter.
Injuries to key players like Ausar Thompson, Isaiah Stewart, Simone Fontecchio, and Cade Cunningham significantly impacted the Pistons’ ability to find consistency and close out games. The losses may have mounted, but they weren’t the result of a lack of effort. Instead, they reflect the harsh reality of trying to develop young talent while battling through injuries. The Pistons’ journey remains a work in progress, with brighter days potentially on the horizon as the team continues to grow and learn from these challenging moments.
