Pistons offseason outlook: Offense has to be the focus

It’s quite the achievement winning 60 games, just two seasons after losing 68, and that is something the fanbase will always be able to hang its hat on as it looks back on this season. Because, if we’re being honest, this team was never on firm ground as it headed into the 2026 playoffs.

It took the Pistons seven games to beat the uninspiring Orlando Magic, who wasted no time firing head coach Jamahl Mosley immediately after the loss. Detroit then lost in seven to the Cleveland Cavaliers, rarely looking like a competent offensive team.

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And yes, it might just be that simple.

The Pistons won 60 games predominantly through the presence of their defense, which ranked second in the league. They were just potent enough on the other end to get away with it, despite starting two non-shooters in Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson and their primary star, Cade Cunningham, sporting pedestrian efficiency.

The organization didn’t make an all-in move before the trade deadline, which was probably not the right decision given how starved for efficient offense it turned out to be.

Now with Duren looking for a new deal, we’ll see if the Pistons actually make a star acquisition to bridge the play of Cunningham and Duren, who mostly disappeared during the postseason.

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Of course, his playoff performance could dictate his price range.

2025-26 finish

Record: 60-22, first in Eastern Conference. Lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round in seven games.

Highlight of the season

Despite his disappearing act in the playoffs, it has to be the regular-season play of Duren. The 6-foot-10 center had a breakout year, averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds and converting 65% of his shot attempts. His interior presence and on-court chemistry with Cunningham played a huge role in Detroit’s success and gaining the first seed.

Players signed for next year

Cade Cunningham

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Isaiah Stewart

Caris LeVert

Ausar Thompson

Ron Holland

Marcus Sasser

Chaz Lanier

Key free agents

Jalen Duren (RFA)

Tobias Harris (UFA)

Duncan Robinson (partial guarantee)

Projected salary

$107,452,253

Draft pick

No. 21

Draft focus: The Pistons are absolutely…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/pistons-offseason-outlook-offense-has-to-be-the-focus-162524746.html

Author : Morten Stig Jensen

Publish date : 2026-05-21 16:25:00

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