The Detroit Pistons are evolving right before everyone’s eyes.<\/p>\n
After winning a measly 14 games last season, they’ve already won 17 during their 2024-25 campaign. At 17-18, they’re now ninth in the Eastern Conference, meaning they’re legitimately in playoff contention. Structural changes have made a significant difference. The Pistons decided to reestablish the president position<\/a>, hiring former New Orleans Pelicans executive Trajan Langdon. Langdon then all but immediately replaced former head coach Monty Williams with J.B. Bickerstaff and hiring shooting coach Fred Vinson.<\/p>\n In terms of their personnel though, the biggest key to their growth has been Cade Cunningham<\/a>‘s progression, as the 2021 No. 1 pick has been able to carry his team for significant stretches. The return of 2023 No. 5 pick Ausar Thompson<\/a> has provided the team with a lift as well, particularly defensively. Then there’s the underdiscussed growth of 2022 No. 5 pick Jaden Ivey<\/a>, who sustained a broken fibula last week. Malik Beasley<\/a>, who Langdon brought on during the offseason, has been making the impact that was expected of Tobias Harris<\/a>.<\/p>\n The engines are rumbling in the Motor City but the Pistons aren’t done adding to their talent collection just yet. Over the weekend, Detroit agreed to sign 24-year-old forward Ron Harper Jr.<\/a> to a two-way contract, per HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto. Harper Jr. is the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper<\/a> and thus the older brother of Rutgers guard Dylan Harper. The youngest of the Harper hoopers is projected to be a top-three pick<\/a> in the 2025 NBA Draft.<\/p>\n The Detroit Pistons have agreed to a two-way deal with Ron Harper Jr, league sources told @hoopshypeofficial.bsky.social. Harper Jr. impressed recently at the G League Showcase.<\/p>\n [image or embed]<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Michael Scotto (@mikeascotto.bsky.social<\/a>) January 5, 2025 at 7:54 PM<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nPistons Angling For Dylan Harper?<\/h3>\n
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