The Detroit Pistons finally looked like they were headed in the right direction last season, and they were and still are, but the offseason brought up a familiar question: is the team doing enough to make Cade Cunningham’s life easier?
Cunningham showed why Detroit believes he can be the face of the franchise, but the playoff loss exposed some of the same issues that have followed this team for a while. When the pressure went up, the Pistons needed more scoring, more shot creation and more players who could take some of the attention away from their young star.
Instead, they watched Tobias Harris leave in free agency. Harris was Detroit’s No. 2 scorer during the playoffs, and losing that production leaves a noticeable hole.
The Pistons did add John Collins, Isaiah Joe and Ebuka Okorie, moves that should help in some areas. Collins brings athleticism and another offensive option, while Joe’s shooting gives Detroit something it desperately needed: more space around Cunningham. A little extra room to operate can go a long way for a player who spends so much time creating everything himself.
But the bigger question remains. Who’s helping Cunningham when defenses go after him and succeed?
The Pistons still need another reliable creator, especially with the Eastern Conference getting tougher. Teams around them have made major moves, and Detroit’s offseason hasn’t exactly created the same hype.
The loss of Isaiah Stewart also creates another challenge. His toughness and interior presence were a big part of the team’s identity, and replacing that kind of physicality isn’t always easy.
Detroit is still in a better place than it was a few years ago. The foundation is there, and Cunningham has proven he’s worth building around. He’s an incredible player. But having a franchise player only gets you so far. Eventually, the front office has to surround him with the kind of help that turns possibility into real playoff progress.