Evaluating The Pistons’ Progress Ahead of the Season Opener

Four games into the Detroit Pistons’ 2024-25 pre-season, the team stands at 2-2. After a dominant win over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, Detroit followed with a 111-93 loss to the Golden State Warriors. While some overlook pre-season games, these performances offer insight into the direction of a team trying to rebound from a historically rough season. Jaden Ivey has been a bright spot, averaging 18.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists on 60/60/83% shooting. Meanwhile, Cade Cunningham struggled early, missing 13 of his first 16 attempts. However, he bounced back over the last two outings. Against the Suns, Cunningham posted 25 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. He followed that up with 18 points, three rebounds, and seven assists against the Warriors.

Beyond the backcourt, what other key storylines have emerged from the Pistons’ pre-season so far? Let’s dive in.

Evaluating The Pistons’ Progress Ahead of the Season Opener

The Pistons’ Pre-Season Sheds Light on the Tobias Harris Factor

When the Pistons signed Tobias Harris this summer, fans were vocal about their disappointment. In his debut on Friday, Harris hinted at his scoring potential with 22 points on 8/13 shooting, including 2/4 from three. But on Sunday night, he reminded fans why they questioned the signing, managing only six points on 3/9 shooting and going 0/3 from deep.

Harris’s stint with the Philadelphia 76ers is often overlooked because the team didn’t reach its championship goals. Yet, over six seasons, Harris posted solid numbers—17.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists on 48/36/85% shooting. With the Pistons, he’ll have the opportunity to play without the same title expectations, which could lead to more relaxed, productive performances.

This season is also a personal challenge for Harris. Critics say he’s not worth the $52 million deal. Some argue he hasn’t justified the $300 million he’s earned in his career. Now is his chance to change the narrative. It’s time to prove them wrong.

Pistons Pre-Season: Who Claims the Starting Spot at the Three?

The Pistons’ small-forward situation remains unsettled. Simone Fontecchio, who re-signed with the team this summer, seemed poised to secure the spot. Averaging 15.4 points on 47/42/84% shooting, he offers the kind of floor-stretching ability the Pistons need. In four pre-season games, Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. have each started twice at small forward. However, once Ausar Thompson returns, he will likely claim the starting role despite well-publicized shooting struggles. Thompson’s elite perimeter defense will be crucial for Detroit’s success. If Fontecchio shifts to the bench, the Pistons will gain additional firepower alongside Isaiah Stewart, Beasley, Hardaway Jr., and Marcus Sasser. As the pre-season ends, it will be intriguing to see who secures the starting spot at small forward.

The Last Word

As the Pistons’ 2024-25 pre-season winds down, key storylines are already shaping the narrative for the upcoming season. Jaden Ivey’s strong play provides optimism for a team eager to move past recent struggles, while Cade Cunningham’s resurgence shows his importance as the leader of this group. The questions surrounding Tobias Harris’s contract and role offer a compelling subplot, but his ability to perform under reduced pressure could be pivotal for Detroit.

The unresolved small-forward battle highlights the team’s depth and versatility, with Simone Fontecchio’s shooting and Ausar Thompson’s defense likely determining how the rotation takes shape. As the Pistons prepare for the season, these early glimpses reveal both challenges and potential growth for the franchise. All eyes will be on how they carry this momentum into a new chapter.