NBA Power Rankings: Celtics living up to hype; 76ers are better without Harden?

24. Detroit Pistons

Even though the Detroit Pistons are only 2-4, there is still some to like about this team’s start to the season. At the top of that list has to be how good Cade Cunningham has looked. Coming off from injury, Cunningham looks like the real deal. He’s averaging 23 points, eight assists, and three rebounds per game on 42 percent shooting from 3-point range. Sophomore big Jalen Duren has looked almost equally as impressive.

Rookie Ausar Thompson has also shown some promise early on this season, which is something the team should also feel good about. Even though Jaden Ivey is not the starter at the moment and his counting stats would indicate a bit of a step back, I’d say the fact that he’s been much more efficient offensive is a good sign.

The Pistons are still young. They need another year or two to continue to develop. But there’s a very real chance this team will blossom into a dark horse in the East soon. It may not be this year, but there are certainly some building blocks already in place.