The Detroit Pistons are entering the 2024-25 season after what can only be described as a disastrous 2023-24 campaign. Finishing with the worst record in the league at 14-68, the Pistons flirted with historical lows, including tying the Sixers’ record for most consecutive losses in a season at 28 and becoming just the 13th team in NBA history to go winless for an entire month (0-15 in November).
After just one season, the Pistons parted ways with head coach Monty Williams, despite signing him to a record $78 million contract. Now, under new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, the Pistons will look to rebuild and start fresh, aiming to improve on a woeful season.
Let’s take a closer look at their projected starting lineup and key reserves for the 2024-25 season.
Point Guard (PG)
Starter: Cade Cunningham
Reserves: Marcus Sasser, Daniss Jenkins, Javante McCoy
After an injury-riddled 2022-23 season, Cade Cunningham bounced back and delivered the best season of his young career. Cunningham averaged 22.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game while shooting 44.9% from the field and 35.5% from three-point range.
The former No. 1 overall pick continues to develop as the Pistons’ franchise player and will be tasked with leading this young team out of the doldrums. Cunningham’s size, playmaking ability, and scoring prowess make him a foundational piece, and the Pistons will hope he can stay healthy and take another leap this season.
Behind Cunningham, Marcus Sasser will serve as the backup point guard. Sasser showed flashes of being a solid contributor, and his defense and shooting will make him a key reserve. Daniss Jenkins and Javante McCoy round out the point guard depth, with both players looking to make an impact as part of the Pistons’ youth movement.
Shooting Guard (SG)
Starter: Jaden Ivey
Reserves: Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland, Dereon Seabron
Jaden Ivey continues to show promise as one of the Pistons’ most exciting young players. Ivey averaged 15.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game last season while shooting 42.9% from the field and 33.6% from beyond the arc. Known for his athleticism and ability to score in transition, Ivey is a key part of Detroit’s rebuilding process. His continued development as a shooter and playmaker will be essential for the Pistons as they look to climb out of the league’s basement.
Backing up Ivey is Ausar Thompson, the highly-touted No. 5 overall pick from the 2023 NBA Draft. Thompson brings elite defensive potential and versatility, and the Pistons will give him every opportunity to make an immediate impact. Ron Holland, the No.5 overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, also provides potential at shooting guard, while Dereon Seabron adds further depth as a developmental player.
Small Forward (SF)
Starter: Malik Beasley
Reserves: Simone Fontecchio, Tim Hardaway Jr., Lamar Stevens
Malik Beasley joins the Pistons after a strong season with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he averaged 11.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 44.3% from the field and 41.3% from three-point range. Beasley has re-established himself as one of the best high-volume shooters in the league, and his ability to stretch the floor will be a valuable asset for Detroit’s offense. He will likely take on a larger role in Detroit, especially with his experience and shooting ability.
Behind Beasley, Simone Fontecchio returns after a promising season in which he averaged 15.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while shooting 47.9% from the field and 42.6% from beyond the arc. Fontecchio showed his scoring ability and will be a valuable piece off the bench. Tim Hardaway Jr., eager to prove Dallas made a mistake in trading him, will also look to provide scoring and leadership as a veteran. Lamar Stevens offers additional depth as a versatile defender and energy player.
Power Forward (PF)
Starter: Tobias Harris
Reserves: Isaiah Stewart, Wendell Moore, Tolu Smith
In a surprising reunion, Tobias Harris returns to the Pistons after a decent stint with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he averaged 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 48.7% from the field and 35.3% from three-point range. Harris is a proven scorer and versatile forward who can play both inside and out. His experience will be crucial for this young Pistons team, and he will provide a steady scoring option alongside Cunningham and Ivey.
Behind Harris is Isaiah Stewart, a hard-nosed defender and rebounder who continues to be a fan favorite in Detroit. Stewart has the potential to develop into a more complete player, particularly as a stretch big. Wendell Moore and Tolu Smith provide additional depth at power forward, with Moore looking to make his mark as a versatile defender and Smith developing as a young big.
Center (C)
Starter: Jalen Duren
Reserves: Paul Reed, Bobi Klintman, T. Evbuomwan
Jalen Duren enters his third season with the Pistons after an impressive sophomore campaign in which he averaged 13.8 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 61.9% from the field. Duren’s size, athleticism, and rebounding ability make him a key part of the Pistons’ future. He’s shown flashes of becoming a dominant force in the paint, and with another year of experience under his belt, he will look to take his game to the next level.
Backing up Duren is Paul Reed, a versatile and energetic big man known for his defense and rebounding. Reed can play both the power forward and center positions, giving the Pistons flexibility in their frontcourt rotation. Bobi Klintman and T. Evbuomwan add further depth, with both players viewed as developmental projects.
The Detroit Pistons are firmly in rebuilding mode, and the 2024-25 season will be another opportunity for their young core to develop and grow together. Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey are the foundational pieces, and with additions like Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland, and the return of Tobias Harris, the Pistons have a mix of young talent and veteran leadership.
However, after a historically bad season, the Pistons have a long way to go before becoming competitive. The hiring of J.B. Bickerstaff signals a fresh start, and the Pistons will be hoping to see more consistent play and growth from their young stars.
While they are not expected to contend for the playoffs just yet, the development of their core will be the focus as they look to rebuild a winning culture in Detroit. The path to success may be long, but with the right pieces in place, the Pistons are aiming to build a brighter future.
Here are all the projected lineups we’ve done so far:
2024-25 Atlanta Hawks Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Boston Celtics Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Brooklyn Nets Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Charlotte Hornets Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Chicago Bulls Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Cleveland Cavaliers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Dallas Mavericks Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Denver Nuggets Projected Starting Lineup
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
