Do the Pistons Have a Shooting Problem-or the Tools to Fix It Themselves?
At 34-12 and sitting atop the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons have every reason to feel good about where they stand. They’ve built a tough, defense-first identity that’s helped them grind out wins and look like a legitimate postseason threat. But as the trade deadline looms, there’s one nagging question that won’t go away: can they shoot well enough from deep to survive the playoff gauntlet?
Right now, that’s the one area where Detroit doesn’t look like a top-tier team. They’re hitting just 34.7% of their threes-below the league average of 35.9%-and that number drops off a cliff when they lose.
In fact, in their 12 losses this season, they’re shooting just 29.8% from beyond the arc. That’s not just a dip-it’s a red flag.
And the trend isn’t improving. Over their last four losses, the Pistons have gone a brutal 30-of-122 from three-point range.
That’s 24.6%. In their most recent stumble against the Suns on January 29, they hit just 6-of-29 (20.7%) from deep.
That kind of shooting simply won’t cut it in April or May, when defenses tighten up and open looks are harder to come by.
Let’s break it down even further. In eight of their 12 losses, opponents outshot them from three.
That includes a few glaring examples: the Clippers hit 41.2% on December 28 while Detroit managed just 24.1%. The Rockets dropped 34.6% on January 23 while the Pistons struggled to 21.9%.
And against the Suns? Phoenix nailed 38.2% while Detroit barely cracked 20%.
In today’s NBA, that kind of disparity can be the difference between a second-round exit and a Finals run.
Duncan Robinson’s Slump Comes at a Tough Time
When Detroit brought in Duncan Robinson last offseason, the goal was clear: stretch the floor and give this young team a reliable perimeter threat. And for much of the season, he delivered. Robinson leads the team in three-point percentage at 39.0% on 318 attempts-a solid clip for a high-volume shooter.
But lately, he’s gone cold. Over his last five games, he’s just 10-for-37 from deep (27.0%).
That includes an 0-for-8 night in a narrow win over Denver and a 1-for-6 outing in the blowout loss to Phoenix. For a team already struggling from deep, Robinson’s slump couldn’t come at a worse time.
Trade Options: Markkanen or Porter Jr.?
So what’s the fix? Some around the league are pointing to the trade market.
Lauri Markkanen and Michael Porter Jr. are two names that have surfaced-both capable shooters who could immediately boost Detroit’s perimeter game. Markkanen is hitting 36.9% from three, while Porter Jr. is at an impressive 39.8%.
Either would give the Pistons a much-needed jolt from long range.
But there’s a cost.
To make that kind of deal work, Detroit would likely have to part with veterans like Tobias Harris or Jaden Ivey-both on expiring contracts. Harris, in particular, has been more than just a steady contributor on the court.
He’s been a mentor and leader in the locker room, someone the young core leans on. Moving him would shake up a team that’s found a strong internal chemistry, and that’s not something GM Trajan Langdon or head coach J.B.
Bickerstaff will take lightly.
Is the Answer Already in the Building?
Before pulling the trigger on a big trade, the Pistons might want to take a closer look at what they already have.
Jaden Ivey, for one, has shown he can be a legitimate threat from deep. Last season, before his injury, he shot 40.9% from three on 154 attempts.
That’s not a small sample size-it’s a sign of real potential. If Detroit is hesitant to move him in a deal, maybe the answer is to give him more minutes and let him rediscover that shooting stroke.
There’s also the question of whether the Pistons need to be elite from three to win. Their calling card has been defense, physicality, and smart team basketball.
But in the modern NBA, even the toughest teams need to keep pace from beyond the arc. If they can’t do that, the playoffs will expose it.
Decision Time
With the trade deadline set for February 5, Detroit has a decision to make. Do they double down on their defensive identity and hope their in-house shooters find their rhythm? Or do they shake things up and bring in a proven marksman to balance the offense?
Either way, the Pistons are in a strong position. But if they want to turn a great regular season into a deep playoff run, they’ll need to find answers from three-whether it’s through a trade, a rotation tweak, or a bounce-back from their top shooter. The clock is ticking.