Detroit Pistons: 3 Early signs of taking a tangible step forward in 2023-24

Detroit Pistons Cade Cunningham (Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports)
Detroit Pistons Cade Cunningham (Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports)
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What can new head coach Monty Williams do to ensure that the Detroit Pistons will trend upward this season instead of falling short once again?

After another season of rebuilding and gaining experience, the Detroit Pistons could improve their win total significantly heading into 2023-24. Their front office has accumulated a bevy of talented players who could play important roles in getting this franchise headed in the right direction.

Cade Cunningham returns this season after only appearing in 12 games after he suffered a stress fracture in his left tibia. Another player to watch who could make a solid impact is Jaden Ivey. Ivey performed well last season as he finished 6th in NBA Rookie of the Year voting. The Pistons also have one of the youngest rotations of big men in the NBA.

Isaiah Stewart, Marvin Bagley, and Jalen Duren all have size, length, and room to get better but they all have to remain healthy in order for that to happen. In the 2023 NBA Draft, the Pistons were fortunate enough to have Ausar Thompson still available as he was chosen with the No. 5 pick. Thompson is versatile and can play either forward or guard position and he can affect the game with or without the ball.

Can the Detroit Pistons make a competitive enough jump in 2023-24?

This Pistons team has plenty of work to do in order to get to where they want to be and they have the players available in order to start trending in the right direction. Let’s explore three potential early signs of improvement that could be a good indicator for the Pistons this season.