Isiah Thomas Believes Pistons Primed for Playoff Success

Legendary Pistons guard dismisses concerns over team's lack of experience

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Isiah Thomas, the legendary former Pistons guard, believes the current Detroit Pistons squad is primed for a deep playoff run this season. Despite doubts about the team's relative lack of postseason experience, Thomas cited the Pistons' talent, coaching, and lessons learned from last year's playoff loss as reasons why they are ready to make noise in the Eastern Conference.

Why it matters

The Pistons have been one of the surprise teams in the NBA this season, currently holding the top seed in the East. However, many have questioned whether their young core led by Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren has the experience to translate their regular season success into a long playoff run. Thomas' endorsement of the team's readiness could help quiet those concerns and build momentum for the Pistons heading into the postseason.

The details

Thomas praised the Pistons' roster, highlighting Cunningham as a potential MVP, Duren as an All-Star, and Isaiah Stewart as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. He also noted the team's physical, inside-out style of play as an asset that typically translates well to the playoffs. Additionally, Thomas believes the Pistons' playoff experience from last season's loss to the Knicks will benefit them this year.

  • The Pistons are currently locked in on finishing the regular season strong after the All-Star break.
  • The Pistons lost to the New York Knicks in the playoffs last spring.

The players

Isiah Thomas

A legendary former guard for the Detroit Pistons and Basketball Hall of Famer.

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' star point guard who is considered a potential MVP candidate this season.

Jalen Duren

The Pistons' young center who Thomas believes is an All-Star caliber player.

Isaiah Stewart

The Pistons' defensive anchor who Thomas says could be the Defensive Player of the Year.

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What they’re saying

“That's not a concern at all. They have known-how and what I mean by know-how, they know how to win. Cade Cunningham is possibly MVP of the league. They got (Jalen) Duren, who's an All-Star. They got (Isaiah) Stewart, who could be the defensive player of the year also. They're covered in every area they got. They got great coaching.”

— Isiah Thomas, Former Pistons Guard (R.org)

“I think that the playoff experience that they got last year playing against the Knicks, they're ready, and they're primed to do big things.”

— Isiah Thomas, Former Pistons Guard (R.org)

What’s next

The Pistons will look to continue their strong regular season play and secure the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The takeaway

Isiah Thomas' endorsement of the Pistons' playoff readiness could help alleviate concerns about the team's lack of postseason experience and build momentum for a potential deep playoff run. The Pistons' physical, inside-out style of play and talented young core led by Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Isaiah Stewart have Thomas believing they are primed to make noise in the Eastern Conference this spring.