The Detroit Pistons’ power forward position has become one of the most debated spots on the roster. Some believe the position did exactly what it was supposed to do, providing versatility and stability for a team that exceeded expectations. Others view it as an area that could have been upgraded, particularly during Detroit’s playoff run.
That debate reflects how much things have changed for the Pistons. A few seasons ago, the fan base would have gladly accepted incremental improvement. Now, after 104 wins over the last two seasons, expectations have shifted dramatically. The conversation is no longer about rebuilding—it’s about maximizing a championship window that few saw opening this quickly.
With another important offseason approaching and questions surrounding the future of the position, the Pistons have decisions to make. Before looking ahead, let’s take a look back and evaluate how the power forward position performed during the 2025-26 season.
Grading Every Pistons Power Forward From the 2025-26 Season
Pistons Power Forward Grades: Uncle T Still Has Game
Tobias Harris proved exactly why the Pistons brought him back to Detroit. When he signed back with the franchise in 2024, the move was met with mixed reactions. It wasn’t the flashy addition many fans wanted, but it was a move designed to bring stability to both the starting lineup and locker room.
For much of the season, Harris delivered on that expectation. In 63 games, he averaged 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 46.9% from the field, 36.8% from 3-point range, and 86.6% from the free-throw line. While those numbers don’t jump off the page, Harris consistently provided timely scoring, veteran leadership and defensive versatility. His ability to make winning plays helped Detroit become one of the league’s best clutch teams.
The postseason, however, told a more complicated story. Harris increased his scoring average to 18.1 points per game, but his production fell off dramatically during the final three games of the series. During that stretch, he averaged just 8.0 points while shooting 25.0% from the field. Fair or not, Harris has often faced criticism for his playoff performances, and his finish to the season will likely fuel that narrative once again.
Despite the disappointing ending, there appears to be mutual interest between Harris and the Pistons regarding a return. The bigger question isn’t whether he fits in Detroit—it’s what his role and price tag would look like moving forward.
Grade: B
Tolu Smith
Few players had a better individual story this season than Tolu Smith. After establishing himself as one of the Motor City Cruise’s most productive players, Smith turned his strong G League play into a standard NBA contract. That accomplishment alone is a testament to the work he put in behind the scenes and his ability to maximize every opportunity.
At the NBA level, Smith appeared in 15 games and averaged 3.3 points and 3.7 rebounds. While his role was limited, he showed flashes of being a productive rotational big whenever minutes became available. His best performance came on January 10 against the LA Clippers, when he posted nine points, 14 rebounds, and four blocks in 26 minutes.
Grade: INC
Isaac Jones
Isaac Jones’ four NBA appearances with the Pistons didn’t provide much of a sample size to evaluate. However, his production in the G League offered a glimpse into why Detroit remained interested. In 29 games, Jones averaged 26.7 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 62.3% from the field. His standout season earned him All-G-League First Team honors and established him as one of the league’s most productive frontcourt players.
Grade: INC
The Last Word
The power forward position accomplished what the Detroit Pistons needed it to this season. Tobias Harris provided veteran leadership, stability and timely production for a team that continued its rise in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, Tolu Smith and Isaac Jones showed enough promise to remain intriguing developmental options, even if neither received enough NBA playing time to earn a full evaluation.
As Detroit enters a pivotal offseason, power forward doesn’t appear to be a glaring weakness, but it also isn’t a position the front office should consider untouchable. If the right opportunity presents itself, the Pistons could look to upgrade the spot. If not, there is a strong case for bringing back Harris and continuing to develop the young talent already in the organization.
Overall Grade: B
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