Pistons' Jalen Duren, J.B. Bickerstaff Shift Focus to NBA Playoffs

Young stars and veteran coach aim to return Detroit to Eastern Conference elite

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:20pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of blue, red, and yellow, conceptually representing the dynamic energy and multi-faceted approach of the Detroit Pistons as they rebuild towards NBA Playoff contention.The Pistons' young core and veteran leadership aim to reconstruct the team's identity as an Eastern Conference contender.Today in Detroit

The Detroit Pistons are on the verge of returning to the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2019, led by the rising duo of Jalen Duren and Cade Cunningham along with veteran head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. After years of rebuilding, the Pistons are poised to reclaim their status as an Eastern Conference powerhouse, reminiscent of their championship teams in the 2000s.

Why it matters

The Pistons' resurgence is a feel-good story for the city of Detroit, which has endured its share of economic and civic challenges in recent decades. A deep playoff run would reignite excitement around the team and provide a boost of civic pride for the community.

The details

In his second NBA season, 21-year-old center Jalen Duren has blossomed into an elite two-way player, anchoring the Pistons' defense while also developing an impressive offensive game. Paired with 2021 first overall pick Cade Cunningham, the Pistons have a dynamic young core that has meshed well under the guidance of veteran coach J.B. Bickerstaff. After several seasons of rebuilding, the Pistons are now poised to return to the playoffs and potentially challenge the conference's top teams.

  • The Pistons last made the playoffs in 2019.
  • Jalen Duren was drafted 13th overall by the Pistons in the 2022 NBA Draft.
  • Cade Cunningham was selected 1st overall by the Pistons in the 2021 NBA Draft.

The players

Jalen Duren

A 21-year-old center in his second NBA season with the Detroit Pistons, emerging as an elite two-way player.

Cade Cunningham

The 2021 first overall draft pick by the Detroit Pistons, a rising star who has formed a dynamic duo with Jalen Duren.

J.B. Bickerstaff

The veteran head coach of the Detroit Pistons, guiding the team's return to playoff contention.

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What they’re saying

“We've been through a lot to get to this point, but the work is far from over. Our focus is on finishing the job and bringing playoff basketball back to Detroit.”

— Jalen Duren, Pistons Center

“This group has really bought into the process and what we're building here. The energy and chemistry within the team is as good as I've seen in a long time.”

— J.B. Bickerstaff, Pistons Head Coach

What’s next

The Pistons will look to clinch a playoff berth in their final regular season games, with their first postseason appearance in four years on the horizon.

The takeaway

The Pistons' resurgence under Jalen Duren, Cade Cunningham, and J.B. Bickerstaff has rekindled hope in Detroit, as the team aims to recapture the success of their championship-winning squads from the 2000s and establish themselves as an Eastern Conference power once again.