Three Detroit Pistons Role Players Who Could Be Unsung Heroes In NBA Playoffs

With Cade Cunningham's injury, these Pistons role players need to step up for a deep playoff run.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 1:21am

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The Detroit Pistons are in good position to lock up the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, despite the recent loss of their star player Cade Cunningham due to a collapsed lung diagnosis. In Cunningham's absence, role players like Dannis Jenkins, Ronald Holland II, and Kevin Huerter will need to step up if the Pistons hope to make a deep playoff run.

Why it matters

The Pistons are currently four games ahead of the Boston Celtics for the No. 1 seed in the East, but without Cunningham, they will need contributions from their supporting cast to maintain that position and make a postseason push. These three role players could end up being unsung heroes if they can provide a boost on both ends of the floor.

The details

Dannis Jenkins has seen his role grow with Cunningham out, and he put up 22 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds in a recent win over the Warriors. Ronald Holland II has been a consistent scorer and defender, scoring in double figures in 5 of the last 7 games. The Pistons also acquired Kevin Huerter at the trade deadline to help improve their three-point shooting, an area they've struggled with all season.

  • With 12 games remaining in the regular season, the Pistons are in good shape to lock up the No. 1 seed in the East.
  • Cade Cunningham was recently diagnosed with a collapsed lung and his status for the playoffs is uncertain.

The players

Dannis Jenkins

A Pistons guard who has seen his role grow with Cunningham out, and put up a career-best game with 22 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds in a recent win over the Warriors.

Ronald Holland II

A Pistons forward who has been a consistent scorer and defender, scoring in double figures in 5 of the last 7 games.

Kevin Huerter

A guard the Pistons acquired at the trade deadline to help improve their three-point shooting, an area they've struggled with all season.

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The takeaway

If the Pistons hope to make a deep playoff run without their star Cade Cunningham, they will need significant contributions from role players like Dannis Jenkins, Ronald Holland II, and Kevin Huerter to pick up the slack on both ends of the floor.