Tobias Harris’ Leadership Shines Amid Trade Buzz as Pistons Edge Celtics in Statement Win
Trade rumors are nothing new in the NBA, and Tobias Harris has found his name swirling in them once again. But if you ask Cade Cunningham, the veteran forward’s value to the Detroit Pistons goes far beyond his expiring $26.6 million contract.
After Detroit’s gritty one-point win over the Celtics on Monday night-a game that had all the intensity of a playoff battle-Cunningham made it clear just how much Harris means to this young Pistons squad.
“The way that he carries himself, his professionalism, how he takes care of his body, goes about his work, is an inspiration to all the young guys,” Cunningham said postgame. “We all see that.
And to see the success that he’s had and how he continues to go at it like that is impressive. We’re all thankful for it.”
That kind of praise isn’t just lip service. It speaks to the role Harris has taken on in Detroit-a steadying presence on a team still finding its identity. And Monday night’s win was a prime example of what this group is building.
The Pistons didn’t just beat Boston-they outlasted them in a game that felt like it could’ve taken place in late April. With the victory, Detroit not only solidified its hold on the top spot in the East but also secured the season series against the Celtics, 3-1. That could prove crucial down the line.
It was also Detroit’s league-leading 18th “clutch” win of the season-defined by the NBA as games within five points in the final five minutes. That’s not just a stat; it’s a sign of a team that’s learning how to close. And they did it by dominating the paint (48-32 advantage) and torching Boston in transition with a 20-3 edge in fast break points.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who’s been guiding this young roster through the ups and downs of a long season, loved the way his team responded to the moment.
“You can tell both teams really wanted it,” Bickerstaff said. “They raised the level of intensity and they were battling. I think it’s a great experience for our guys, and even better to come out with a win.”
Around the Central Division: Injury Hits, Bulls’ Stagnation, Pacers’ Struggles
In Milwaukee, the Bucks are dealing with a pair of key absences heading into their matchup with Oklahoma City. Center Myles Turner is day-to-day with a sprained left ankle, while guard Kevin Porter Jr. is facing a more uncertain timeline due to an oblique strain.
“He’s not gonna play anytime soon, I can tell you that,” head coach Doc Rivers said of Porter. The team confirmed that the guard underwent an MRI on Tuesday, but there’s no clear return date yet.
Meanwhile, in Chicago, the Bulls are once again mired in mediocrity-and the pressure is mounting. The front office, led by executive VP Arturas Karnisovas, is taking heat for the team’s lack of progress. Over the last two seasons, Eastern Conference rivals like Toronto, Detroit, and Philadelphia have pulled ahead, while teams like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Indiana-despite sub-.500 records-are showing signs they could leapfrog the Bulls as early as next season.
And speaking of Indiana, the Pacers hit the midway point of the season with a 9-32 record-a tough pill for a franchise that had higher hopes. The first half has been rough, and the focus now shifts to evaluating who fits into the team’s long-term plans. Every player on the roster is under the microscope as the front office tries to chart a path forward.
Bottom Line
Tobias Harris may be a trade chip on paper, but in Detroit’s locker room, he’s much more than that. He’s a mentor, a professional, and a key part of a team that’s learning how to win close games against top-tier opponents. As the Pistons continue to rise, Harris’ impact-whether he stays or goes-won’t be forgotten anytime soon.