The Detroit Pistons point guard grades became a much more interesting conversation than many expected entering the season. Despite a second-round exit in the 2026 playoffs, the Pistons exceeded expectations and emerged as one of the NBA’s biggest surprises. Behind the leadership of Cade Cunningham and a roster that embraced toughness and resilience, Detroit accelerated its rebuild and established itself as a legitimate playoff team.
Entering the season, one of the biggest questions surrounding the roster was the point guard rotation behind Cunningham. While the Pistons had several options, there were few proven answers. As the season progressed, that concern looked far less significant as multiple players stepped up and helped solidify the position.
So, how do the Pistons’ point guard grades shake out after Detroit’s breakthrough season? Does the rotation give you optimism going into next season? Let’s dive in.
Detroit Pistons Point Guard Grades: Breakthrough Seasons Assessed
Cade Cunningham Headlines Pistons Point Guard Grades
If there were any remaining doubts about Cunningham’s ability to lead a winning team, they were put to rest this season. In 64 games, Cunningham averaged 23.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 9.9 assists while shooting 46.1% from the field, 34.2% from three-point range, and 81.2% from the free-throw line.
His performance earned him an All-Star starting nod and placed him firmly in the All-NBA conversation despite falling short of the league’s 65-game requirement. More importantly, Cunningham’s growth as a leader and floor general helped transform the Pistons into one of the NBA’s most-watched teams. His ability to control the pace and deliver in key moments made Detroit a team that demanded attention throughout the season.
The postseason further reinforced Cunningham’s status as the face of the franchise. While turnovers remained an area for improvement, as he averaged 5.6 per game after posting 5.3 the year before, the positives far outweighed the negatives. Cunningham averaged 28.1 points per game in the playoffs despite being the primary focus of opposing defenses, showing he is more than capable of performing on the league’s biggest stage.
Grade: A
Daniss Jenkins Earns Recognition In Pistons Point Guard Grades
From a two-way contract to a trusted member of the Pistons rotation, Daniss Jenkins became one of the biggest surprises of the season. While some fans were caught off guard by his emergence, the organization had long viewed him as a player capable of carving out a role at the NBA level. Once the opportunity presented itself, Jenkins wasted little time proving he belonged.
The road was not always smooth. After earning more consistent minutes, Jenkins experienced the growing pains that often come with a young player adjusting to the NBA. There were stretches where Jenkins’ decision-making and overall consistency came into question, leading some to wonder if his promotion from a two-way deal had come too soon.
Instead of folding under the pressure, Jenkins responded the way the Pistons hoped he would. He continued to work, stayed prepared, and embraced every opportunity that came his way. As the season progressed, his confidence grew, and his impact became more noticeable, turning him from a developmental prospect into a reliable depth piece.
Grade: B
Sasser Faces A Critical Offseason
Marcus Sasser entered the season with an opportunity to establish himself as a regular part of Detroit’s rotation. After showing flashes, there was optimism that he could carve out a larger role and become a consistent contributor off the bench. However, that opportunity never fully materialized as Sasser struggled to find a steady place in the rotation throughout the season.
To his credit, Sasser remained professional despite the inconsistent playing time. Whenever his number was called, he competed hard and provided a scoring spark. His biggest strength remained his perimeter shooting, as he connected on 41.5% of his three-point attempts and continued to stretch opposing defenses.
Still, the season leaves more questions than answers regarding his long-term fit with the Pistons. The talent is evident, particularly as a shooter, but opportunities were limited. With another important offseason ahead, Sasser finds himself at a crossroads.
Grade: C
The Last Word
What was once viewed as one of Detroit’s biggest weaknesses entering the season became one of its solid rotations. Cunningham solidified himself as the franchise cornerstone, Jenkins emerged as one of the team’s best development stories, and Sasser continued to show the potential that could earn him a larger role moving forward.
As the Pistons look to build on a breakthrough season and take another step toward contention, these Pistons point guard grades reflect a position group that exceeded expectations and helped fuel Detroit’s success.
Overall Grade: B
Featured Image: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
