Coming into the 2025-26 season, the Detroit Pistons’ center rotation was viewed as one of the deepest and most versatile groups in the NBA. The position combined physicality, toughness, athleticism, and energy, giving Detroit a reliable presence no matter who was on the floor. Whether it was anchoring the defense, controlling the glass, or providing a spark off the bench, the Pistons consistently received valuable contributions from their centers.
One of Detroit’s greatest strengths throughout the season was its balance. Opponents rarely found an easy matchup, as nearly every player in the rotation was capable of impacting winning in some way. The center group embodied that identity, providing consistency, effort, and versatility while helping the Pistons exceed expectations and establish themselves as one of the Eastern Conference’s rising contenders.
With another important offseason approaching, the future of the position remains an intriguing storyline. Before looking ahead at what comes next, let’s take a look back and evaluate how the Pistons’ centers performed during the 2025-26 season.
Grading Every Pistons Center From The 2025-26 Season
Jalen Duren
Coming into the season, Jalen Duren had something to prove. After not receiving a rookie extension last offseason, Duren entered the year determined to show he could be a long-term cornerstone for the Detroit Pistons.
He did exactly that in 70 games. Duren averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 65% from the field and 74.7% from the free-throw line. While his physicality and dominance on the glass remained strengths, the biggest development came on the offensive end. Improved ball-handling, increased confidence, and an expanding offensive arsenal helped elevate his game to another level. The result was his first All-Star appearance and an All-NBA Third Team selection.
While his playoff performance fell short of expectations and his production dipped from the regular season, Duren’s overall growth throughout the year was undeniable. At just 22 years old, he remains one of the youngest and most promising centers in the league. The postseason exposed areas for improvement, but it also provided valuable experience that could help fuel the next stage of his development.
Grade: A-
Isaiah Stewart
In 58 games, Isaiah Stewart averaged 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks while shooting 55% from the field and 33% from three-point range. His ability to protect the rim, switch defensively, and bring a physical edge every night helped anchor one of the Pistons’ most reliable units. Had it not been for the seven-game suspension stemming from an incident against the Charlotte Hornets, Stewart likely would have had a legitimate case for an All-Defensive Team selection.
While his production dipped during the postseason, Stewart’s impact remained greater than what showed up in the box score. His energy, leadership, and defensive presence helped establish the identity that fueled Detroit’s rise throughout the season. Still, after falling short of expectations in the playoffs and missing time during the regular season, Stewart enters the offseason with plenty of motivation as he looks to take another step forward in 2026-27.
Grade: B+
Paul Reed
When the Pistons needed a spark off the bench, Paul Reed often provided it. When Detroit was trying to claw its way back into a game, his energy and hustle frequently played a role. When injuries forced changes to the lineup, Reed proved he could step into a larger role without hesitation. Whether coming off the bench or filling in as a starter, “B-Ball Paul” delivered the type of effort and consistency every contender needs.
The secret is officially out. Reed has established himself as a dependable rotation player whose impact extends beyond the box score. His rebounding, defensive activity, and relentless motor helped change the complexion of games, even after stretches where he saw limited playing time. Few players embrace their role as effectively as Reed, and his ability to stay prepared made him one of Detroit’s most valuable depth pieces throughout the season.
Grade: A-
The Last Word
The Detroit Pistons entered the season with one of the deepest center rotations in the NBA, and by the end of the year, that belief had only been reinforced. Whether it was the emergence of a young star, the steady presence of a defensive anchor, or the impact of a reliable energy big off the bench, Detroit consistently received production from the position. Each player filled a different role, but together they helped establish the physical and competitive identity that became a trademark of the team’s success.
As the Pistons turn their attention to the offseason, the center position remains one of the organization’s biggest strengths. There is still room for growth, particularly after a postseason that fell short of expectations, but the foundation is firmly in place. With youth, versatility, and proven contributors already on the roster, Detroit appears well-positioned to continue building around one of the league’s most complete center groups heading into the 2026-27 season.
Overall Grade: A-
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