As the 2024-25 NBA season gets underway, Detroit Pistons fans are finally getting a glimpse of the backcourt duo they’ve been waiting for. Guards Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey are quickly showing signs of becoming one of the league’s most dynamic young pairings. Coming into the season, a key question was whether these two could develop the chemistry and synergy that fans and analysts have been hoping for. Last season, limited by injuries and lineup inconsistencies, Cunningham and Ivey didn’t have many opportunities to play together. Statistics showed they performed better apart, raising doubts about their compatibility when playing together.
Under former head coach Monty Williams, Ivey often looked like a player searching for his confidence and role. Starting the bench behind Killian Hayes and without a defined role, he struggled to find rhythm and consistency. However, the arrival of J.B. Bickerstaff has unleashed a different side of Ivey, giving him the freedom to play to his strengths and develop alongside Cunningham.
Cunningham, meanwhile, has embraced his role as the Pistons’ leader, elevating his impressive scoring and playmaking even further this season. His determination to lead this young team has been evident in his on-court presence and effectiveness as both a scorer and facilitator. What’s working for the Pistons’ backcourt so far this season? Can they sustain this promising stretch of basketball? Here’s an early look at what’s driving their success — and what it could mean for the Pistons’ future.
Pistons’ Backcourt Chemistry: Cunningham and Ivey Shine Bright
Ivey’s Aggressiveness From All Levels
Cunningham and Ivey have a strong on-court partnership this season. They effectively complement each other’s strengths. Last season, Ivey struggled to meet Cunningham’s needs. His inconsistent three-point shooting was a major issue, sitting at only 33%. This inefficiency contributed to the Pistons’ broader struggles from behind the arc. But this season, Ivey has transformed his game.
Known for his elite speed and ability to drive to the basket, Ivey has now added a reliable outside shot, currently hitting an impressive 42% from three. His improved shooting has bolstered his confidence, reflected in his 16.0 shot attempts per game, the second highest on the team, with 7.6 makes. Watching Ivey’s offensive growth has been exciting for Pistons fans and offers a strong reason for optimism about his future.
On the defensive end, Ivey is also stepping up. His commitment to defense is crucial for the Pistons’ aspirations to become a playoff contender, and so far, he’s been up to the task. Leading the team with 1.2 steals per game, Ivey’s defensive development highlights his dedication to crafting an all-around game.
Overcoming Injuries and Elevating His Game
Last season, Cunningham managed to play 62 games after being limited to just 12 the previous year due to injuries. Over his three NBA seasons, injuries have repeatedly sidelined him, prompting questions—not about his talent, but about whether he’s worth a franchise player commitment.
This season, Cunningham’s numbers show growth across the board compared to his first five games last year. He’s currently averaging 25.6 points (an increase of 2.9), 5.6 rebounds (up by 2.3), and 7.4 assists. However, his turnovers remain a concern, with fans hoping he can improve his ball-handling as the primary decision-maker for the team.
Defensively, Cunningham is also stepping up, averaging 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals per game, which hints at his potential impact on that end of the floor. Bickerstaff’s hiring raised expectations for Cunningham’s defensive improvement, and he’s already showing promising signs of growth.
Do The Pistons Have The Best Backcourt In The NBA?
When it comes to scoring guards, Cunningham currently ranks sixth in the NBA with 128 points, while Ivey sits at 18th with 106 points—outpacing stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ja Morant, and Coby White. Together, their 234 combined backcourt points make them one of the highest-scoring duos in the league. Pistons fans haven’t seen a guard combination this aggressive and in sync since the Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton era.
Seeing Cunningham and Ivey mentioned among the league’s best backcourts is exactly what the Pistons needed. There comes a time to move beyond talk of potential and start seeing results on the court. As the season progresses, these two will continue to grow more in tune, with their chemistry and gameplay evolving together.
