The Detroit Pistons’ 2024-25 preseason is officially over! With their home opener against the Indiana Pacers on October 23, the Pistons closed out the exhibition slate with a 108-92 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, finishing 3-2. The starters played just under eight minutes before turning things over to the bench, a typical preseason strategy.
Simone Fontecchio led the way with 18 points, followed by Daniss Jenkins with 13. Ron Holland continued his stellar preseason, adding eight points and six rebounds, while Paul Reed chipped in with six points and nine boards.
After surrendering 61 points in the first half, the Pistons tightened their defense, holding Cleveland to just 31 points after halftime. Even with Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson giving his starters extended minutes, the Pistons’ bench outperformed Cleveland down the stretch. Jarrett Allen led the Cavs with 19 points, followed by Donovan Mitchell with 13 and Evan Mobley with 10.
Now that the preseason is behind them, the focus shifts to the regular season. Which players stood out the most? Who fell short of expectations, and what are the biggest takeaways? Let’s dive in.
Is The Pistons’ Preseason Success A Sign Of What’s To Come?
Surprising Takeaways from the Pistons’ Preseason
The star of the Pistons’ preseason is Jaden Ivey—and it’s not even close. Coming into the season, the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft faced questions about whether he could put it all together. There was also speculation about whether the front office might explore a trade to gauge his market value.
Last season, Monty Williams limited Ivey’s development by prioritizing Killian Hayes in the starting lineup, shaking the young guard’s confidence. This year, new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff gave Ivey a boost early, and it showed on the court. Ivey tied for the team lead in scoring with 15.0 points per game. He was incredibly efficient, shooting 61% from the field, 52% from beyond the arc, and 85% from the free-throw line. He also showcased his playmaking abilities, averaging 2.8 assists per game, which tied for third on the team.
For Pistons fans, this is exactly the version of Ivey they’ve been waiting to see. If this preseason is any indication, Ivey looks ready to prove he belongs at the heart of Detroit’s plans. With the stakes high, this season could be a defining one for his career in Detroit.
Final Takeaways of the Pistons’ Preseason
Brought in to solidify the Pistons’ perimeter shooting, Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. have fallen short of expectations. Beasley, coming off a solid season with the Milwaukee Bucks—where he ranked among the top 25 three-point shooters—seemed like a reliable addition to bolster the offense.
However, Beasley struggled to find his rhythm during the preseason. He averaged just 6.8 points in 19.7 minutes per game, shooting 35% from the field and 32% from deep. While some may shrug off these struggles, Beasley’s performance is concerning. With Ivey and Holland performing well, Beasley’s inconsistency could affect his role moving forward.
Tim Hardaway Jr.
Tim Hardaway Jr. also struggled to make an impact. Acquired in the Quentin Grimes trade this summer, his fit with the Pistons raised questions from the start. Although Hardaway was Dallas’ third-leading scorer last season, he lost playoff minutes to Jaden Hardy.
Hardaway’s preseason was rough, to say the least. Over five games, he shot just 17% from the field and 11% from three-point range. With Holland emerging as a dependable perimeter defender, Hardaway may find it difficult to earn meaningful minutes. While there’s always a chance things turn around, these early struggles are disappointing for fans hoping to see the former Michigan Wolverine shine in Detroit.
Final Impressions
Watching the Pistons this preseason has been a joy compared to last year’s struggles. Bickerstaff has brought an old-school mentality to the team—something they’ve lacked over the past five seasons. While the three-point shooting remains underwhelming, as highlighted by the struggles of Beasley and Hardaway, there are plenty of encouraging signs.
Last season was marked by an NBA-record 28-game losing streak and a franchise-worst 68 losses. The team felt lost, both on and off the court. But this year could mark the start of a new conversation. The Pistons are no longer just a punchline—they’re a team ready to demand respect. It’s still early, and the road won’t be easy, but the foundation is in place. This season, the Pistons are poised to change the narrative—and it might just be time to put some respect on their name.
The Last Word
The Pistons’ preseason showcased both promise and areas for improvement. With standout performances from Jaden Ivey and the emergence of young talent like Ron Holland, there’s reason for optimism. However, struggles from key veterans like Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. highlight the work still needed. As the season approaches, it’s clear this team is ready to move past last year’s disappointments. The foundation is set—now it’s time for the Pistons to prove they belong.
