As the Detroit Pistons gear up for the 2025-26 NBA season, hopeful fans are watching closely to see if the team’s revamped supporting cast can help turn this promising squad into a legitimate playoff contender. After finishing the previous season with a 44-38 record their best since 2016 and breaking a 15-game postseason losing streak with a win against the New York Knicks, the Pistons are in a transitional phase where role players could very well define their trajectory.
The core of the team remains anchored by stars Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Isaiah Stewart II, but the real question is whether the newer role players can elevate the team’s overall performance. Detroit made several key offseason moves, bringing in shooters and versatile defenders such as Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert, Javonte Green, and rookie Colby Jones, along with re-signing Paul Reed and Daniss Jenkins to bolster depth and experience on the wings and frontcourt.
Duncan Robinson’s addition, acquired via trade from Miami, is particularly noteworthy for a team that ranked in the bottom third of the league in three-point shooting last season. Robinson, known for his elite 3-and-D capability, shot 40.3% from beyond the arc last season and averaged 8.5 points per game. His presence alongside emerging young talents like Marcus Sasser and Ron Holland could stretch defenses and create greater spacing for Cunningham’s playmaking to operate effectively.
In an interview ahead of the season, Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff emphasized the importance of role players stepping up: “We’ve got a solid foundation with our young stars, but the difference in the playoffs often comes down to those who embrace their roles whether it’s knocking down open shots, making hustle plays, or locking down their assignments defensively. We believe these new guys bring a competitive edge and a winning mindset to that end of the floor.”
Caris LeVert, signed from the Atlanta Hawks, adds veteran savvy and versatility, averaging 14.7 points and 6.1 assists in the previous season. LeVert can slot into multiple backcourt positions and offers clutch scoring that Detroit lacked in earlier playoff appearances. Alongside young guards like Jaden Ivey and Sasser, LeVert’s ability to create off the dribble could be a booster in close games.
Rookie Colby Jones, on a two-way contract, represents the Pistons’ commitment to developing homegrown talent who can contribute immediately. Though still raw, Jones’s defensive instincts and quick hands will be key in providing energy off the bench a critical factor late in tight matchups.
Statistically, the Pistons ranked 26th in bench scoring last year, producing 30.8 points per game from reserves. The infusion of fresh legs and shooting should help reverse this trend and alleviate pressure on the starters, especially during tightly contested postseason battles.
Longtime Pistons supporter and season ticket holder Linda Harrell comments on the revamped roster’s potential: “We all know Cade and the young guys have the talent. But the real test will be if these role players can deliver consistently. The playoff experience they bring from other clubs is invaluable.”
The Detroit front office has also positioned itself well for the future, with multiple first-round draft picks secured through 2032, suggesting patience and strategic rebuilding alongside immediate playmaking.
While the Pistons’ playoff ambitions rest heavily on their young stars, the ability of new and existing role players to rise to the occasion could ultimately decide their postseason fate. With improved shooting, defensive versatility, and veteran leadership added to the mix, Detroit has positioned itself thoughtfully ready to push deeper into the playoffs, but aware that durability and consistency from their supporting cast will be paramount.
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