The Detroit Pistons have shown promise in the past season by becoming a playoff team. What’s impressive about their postseason appearance in the 2025 NBA playoffs was that they didn’t have to go through the Play-In Tournament. The Pistons won 44 games, which was enough for them to secure the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference.
However, Detroit couldn’t handle the New York Knicks, a team that eventually advanced to the conference finals. Nevertheless, their performance showed the utmost promise. It’s an indication that the team’s attention and patience with their young core, led by Cade Cunningham.
Aside from the All-Star guard, incoming third-year player Ausar Thompson has shown significant growth in his first two seasons. Last season, Thompson appeared in 59 games, averaging 10.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He’s projected to have a great 2025-26 season, even as far as winning the Most Improved Player award.
ESPN’s Zach Lowe is high on Thompson and what he can do next season. According to the NBA insider, he believes that the youngster can win the MIP next season.
“And I’ll take all the Ausar Thompson stock. He’s my pick for Most Improved Player. Detroit, we’ll see.”
“I’ll take all the Cade Cunningham stock … I’ll take all the Ausar Thompson stock, he’s my pick for Most Improved Player.”
Zach Lowe via The Zach Lowe Show. pic.twitter.com/yBBkHqhKjI
— Pistons Jack (@pistons_jack) September 19, 2025
According to Basketball Reference, Thompson is projected to have a significant increase in his production. The website predicts him to average 15.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.2 steals.
The Detroit Pistons are linked to a one-time All-Star
Experts believe that the Detroit Pistons are one star player away from being true contenders in the East. One player that has been linked to the team is Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen. Lowe suggested the former All-Star as a possible trade target for the Pistons.
“The Detroit Pistons might be my favorite Lauri Markkanen team,” the analyst said. “And you can tee it up. Tobias Harris is gonna be a free agent after this year. Jaden Ivey; here’s a young guard to add to your collection of young guards, who may or may not amount to a ton in the NBA, but he’s exciting. Throw in some picks, done. We got it.
“Perfect fit with Cade, doesn’t need the ball all the time, can do stuff with the ball. I love it. I think Detroit would be interested if this ever comes to bear.”
Markkanen hasn’t been in the playoffs in his career. He’s the lone star in Utah, and the franchise isn’t expected to be in the postseason anytime soon. Longtime player for the Jazz, Jordan Clarkson, left the organization via a contract buyout.
John Collins and Collin Sexton are also not part of the team anymore after they were traded. It’s time for the Finnish superstar to move on and the Pistons could be the right team for him.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
