The Detroit Pistons are just one game under .500 after their convincing 124-104 victory over the Washington Wizards. Jaden Ivey led the way with 28 points, while Cade Cunningham recorded his fourth triple-double of the season with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. If the season ended today, Detroit would enter the playoffs as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference—a monumental turnaround compared to last season, when the Pistons didn’t secure their seventh win until February 8th. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has instilled an old-school mentality that’s paying dividends on both ends of the floor. The Pistons rank sixth in the NBA in opponents’ points per game (110.2) and defensive rating (110.6), showcasing a gritty identity that has become their hallmark.
Everyone has played a role in this resurgence, including unexpected contributors like Wendell Moore Jr. Acquired as part of a trade package to move up for rookie Bobi Klintman, Moore Jr. has been delivering impactful bench minutes in recent games. However, as the team gets healthier, will Moore Jr. retain his role? Let’s explore how Moore Jr. has contributed to the Pistons’ success and whether he can solidify a rotational spot.
Pistons Bench Bolstered by Wendell Moore Jr.’s High-Energy Play
Next Man Up
Moore Jr. began the season in garbage time, logging just 7:33 minutes and scoring two points across the Pistons’ first 12 games. His first real opportunity came when Tim Hardaway Jr. went down with an injury, forcing Bickerstaff to adjust the rotation. Moore Jr. stepped up the very next night against the Milwaukee Bucks, scoring nine points and grabbing four rebounds. His energy was infectious, earning him an average of 27 minutes over the following two games—a significant leap for the young forward.
Moore Jr. Contributions to the Pistons’ Second Unit
With increased playing time over the past three games, Moore Jr. is averaging 7.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Shooting 56% from the floor, he’s proven efficient inside the arc, though his three-point shooting (25%) and free-throw accuracy (66%) leave room for improvement. Moore Jr.’s defensive versatility fits perfectly with the Pistons’ identity as a scrappy, hard-nosed team. He’s proving that seizing opportunities forces tough decisions, and Moore Jr. is making it hard to bench him.
Play the Guys Who Give You the Best Chance to Win
Bickerstaff faces a challenge managing the Pistons’ depth as players return. Hardaway Jr. is nearing full health, Ausar Thompson is working on conditioning, and Simone Fontecchio is looking to regain form after injuries. Meanwhile, Marcus Sasser has earned consistent minutes, adding further competition to the rotation.
On paper, Moore Jr. may slide back to the bench when the roster is at full strength. But basketball logic often defies conventional reasoning—coaches play the players who give them the best chance to win. With his recent contributions, Moore Jr. has proven himself invaluable off the bench. Whether he stays in the rotation will depend on his ability to continue making an impact.
The Last Word
Wendell Moore Jr.’s emergence is a testament to the importance of preparation and opportunity in the NBA. He began the season out of the rotation but has earned his place with high-energy play and defense. As Detroit’s roster gets healthier, Moore Jr. will face tougher competition for minutes. His impact so far makes a strong case for keeping him in the rotation. Whether he becomes a regular or situational player, Moore Jr. has proven his value. He embodies the gritty, team-first mentality that defines this Pistons squad.
