Through 20 games, the Detroit Pistons are sitting atop the standings with a 16-4 record-and they’ve done it while still not at full strength. That’s the kind of early-season success that gives fans reason to believe this team could be a legitimate force in the Eastern Conference once they’re fully healthy.
But like any young, evolving roster, it’s not all smooth sailing. There are plenty of encouraging signs, but also a few areas that need attention.
Let’s take a closer look at where things stand with some of the key players in Detroit’s rotation.
Jaden Ivey: Trending Up, But Still Finding His Rhythm
Jaden Ivey’s return to the court has been a work in progress-but the arrow is pointing in the right direction.
After missing significant time, Ivey is still shaking off the rust, and that’s to be expected. Getting back into NBA rhythm after a long layoff-especially one involving a leg injury-is no small feat. Confidence, timing, and feel all take time to return.
But even in limited minutes, there are signs of growth. Defensively, Ivey has held his own. That’s not typically the strongest part of his game, but he’s made some key stops and shown improved effort and awareness on that end.
Offensively, the numbers haven’t popped yet, but you can see flashes. In the recent win over Miami, Ivey looked more assertive and more comfortable with the ball in his hands. With Duncan Robinson potentially sidelined, Ivey could be in line for a bigger role again soon.
It’s going to take time, but the Pistons are playing the long game with Ivey-and rightfully so. Give it another couple weeks, and we may be talking about a very different version of him.
Ausar Thompson: Still Searching for His Pre-Injury Form
Before his injury, Ausar Thompson was one of Detroit’s most active and aggressive two-way players. He was slashing to the rim, crashing the glass, and helping Cade Cunningham break free from pressure with smart cuts and secondary playmaking. The numbers backed it up: 13.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.
Since returning, though, he hasn’t quite looked like the same player. Over the last five games, Thompson’s averages have dipped to 8.5 points, five boards, and two assists.
But beyond the stats, it’s the eye test that tells the story-he’s not attacking the rim with the same force, and his finishing touch has been off. He’s leaving shots short and opting for tough layups instead of his usual explosive dunks.
This isn’t a long-term concern-more likely a case of getting his legs back under him. Still, the Pistons need Thompson to be aggressive and confident, especially in an offense that thrives on pace and pressure. His bounce will come back, but for now, it’s something to keep an eye on.
Tobias Harris: The Steadying Veteran Presence
Since returning from his own injury, Tobias Harris has been exactly what this young Pistons team needed: a reliable, efficient scorer who knows how to pick his spots.
Averaging 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while shooting a scorching 64% from the field and 45.5% from deep, Harris has stepped into a critical secondary scoring role. He’s been the go-to option when the offense stalls, the guy who can settle things down and get a clean look when the shot clock winds down.
In a lineup filled with youth and upside, Harris has become the security blanket. His ability to score without needing a ton of touches makes him the perfect complement to Cade Cunningham and the rest of the core. It’s a reminder that while trade rumors will always swirl, not every veteran on a young team is expendable-especially when they’re producing like this.
Ron Holland: Defense Is Elite, But Offense Still a Work in Progress
Ron Holland’s defensive impact has been undeniable. He’s one of those players you notice the moment he steps on the court-disrupting passing lanes, hounding ball handlers, and forcing mistakes. He’s already showing signs of being one of the league’s most tenacious perimeter defenders.
But on offense, it’s been a different story. Outside of a strong showing against Miami, Holland has struggled to find his rhythm. That was just his second double-digit scoring game of the season, and he hasn’t been particularly assertive looking for his shot.
Some of that could be due to his role. With Caris LeVert getting more minutes in search of scoring punch, Holland’s offensive opportunities have been inconsistent.
But if the Pistons want to see his development accelerate, they’ll need to keep him on the floor. His defense changes games-and with more reps, the offense should follow.
Eventually, he’ll need to show more polish around the rim and a willingness to shoot when open. But for now, his defensive presence alone is reason enough to keep him in the rotation.
Final Thoughts
At 16-4, the Pistons have given fans plenty to cheer about. They’re winning games, showing growth, and doing it all without being fully healthy. That’s no small feat.
There are still questions to answer-how quickly Ivey can ramp up, when Thompson regains his explosiveness, how much offense Holland can develop-but the foundation is strong. And with veterans like Tobias Harris stepping up, the balance between youth and experience is starting to pay off.
This team isn’t just winning-they’re learning how to win. And that’s a scary thought for the rest of the East.