Detroit Pistons 2025-2026 guide: Roster, Depth Chart & Key Players
After last season’s breakout, the Pistons have everything it takes to do it again, even if the front office didn’t provide much help in the offseason
After years of struggles, the Detroit Pistons are finally competitive again and back in the playoff conversation, thanks above all to a defensive organization that few teams in the league can match.
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Key Players
Cade Cunningham (G, 16.5 cr) has become exactly what everyone expected from him on Draft Day: an elite-level scorer, a double-digit assist man, and a defender who takes full advantage of his exceptional frame. In short, he’s now among the league’s top players and will inevitably be one of the most sought-after picks in any serious fantasy team.
Alongside Cade, the Pistons have carefully developed Jalen Duren (C, 15.5 cr). Drafted as one of the youngest players in the NBA, he’s taken a few seasons to mature and is still far from reaching his full potential. For now, though, he’s a rock-solid option, averaging 15 points, 10 rebounds, a few blocks, and plenty of clutch-time presence, enough to make him one of the cornerstones of this roster.
Possible Surprises
Although his development hasn’t been as quick as that of his more talented twin, Ausar Thompson (G, 8.0 cr) has already become an essential part of this lineup. His outstanding defensive instincts and ability to capitalize on Cunningham’s assists with spectacular finishes at the rim make him a fan favorite. His shooting still needs polishing, with a perimeter shot that’s not yet reliable, but with another year of NBA experience under his belt, some progress in that area is certainly expected.
Players to Avoid
After a season derailed by injuries, Jaden Ivey (G, 7.0 cr) seems to have fallen out of Detroit’s plans. The point guard role firmly belongs to Cade, and Ivey’s inconsistency as a shooter – combined with evident defensive shortcomings – makes him unreliable as a shooting guard. The arrival of the much more experienced Caris LeVert (G, 7.5 cr) appears to have definitively closed the gap between Ivey and the rest of the team, opening up scenarios that would have seemed unthinkable just a year ago.
Likely Starting Lineup
PG: Cade Cunningham (Guard, 16.5 credits)
SG: Jaden Ivey (Guard, 7.0 credits)
SF: Ausar Thompson (Guard, 8.0 credits)
PF: Tobias Harris (Forward, 8.5 credits)
C: Jalen Duren (Center, 15.5 credits)
Power Ranking
Detroit’s offseason didn’t bring any major additions beyond LeVert, which isn’t enough to take this roster to the next level. Their main weapon this season will be the valuable playoff experience they gained last year, along with another year of growth from the team’s young leaders. The goal will be to repeat last season’s success, though the coaching staff would certainly have appreciated a bit more help from the front office.
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Dunkest Fantasy Basketball Player List NBA 2025/26
To make life easier for all draft mode enthusiasts, we’ve made the Dunkest NBA 2025/26 player list available for download in Excel format, so you can start planning your auction in the coming days.