Pistons hope Cade Cunningham bounces back from injury-stunted season to lead young team to playoffs

DETROIT PISTONS

Last season: 17-65, missed playoffs.

Coach: Monty Williams (1st season with Pistons; 10th season overall, 367-336)

What to expect: If Cade Cunningham stays healthy, the three-time NBA champion can challenge for a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2019 to possibly end an embarrassing drought. The Pistons have lost a league-record 14 straight games in the postseason since 2008. Cunningham, the No. 1 pick overall two years ago, has not played since Nov. 9, 2022, when he was sidelined by a shin injury that was surgically repaired. The savvy point guard leads a young team with shooting guard Jaden Ivey and post player Jalen Duren, the No. 5 and No. 13 picks overall in 2022, veteran scorer Bojan Bogdanovic and rookie wing Ausar Thompson. Team owner Tom Gores made a bold move in a bid to spark a turnaround, hiring Williams, the 2022 NBA Coach of the Year, shortly after he was fired by Pistons season-ticket holder Mat Ishbia, who owns the Phoenix Suns.

Departures: Coach Dwane Casey, G Cory Joseph.

Additions: Williams, Thompson, G/F Joe Harris, G Monte Morris, G Marcus Sasser, the No. 25 pick overall in the draft.

Player to watch: Cunningham. USA Basketball chose Cunningham to join its select team to practice and scrimmage against its World Cup team, and he impressed everyone watching. The former Oklahoma State star was unanimously voted to the NBA All-Rookie first team for the 2021-22 season after averaging averaged 17.4 points along with more than five assists and five rebounds. Cunningham had increased his production during his injury-stunted second season that ended after just 12 games.

Season opener: Oct. 25 at Miami.

Fanduel Sportsbook NBA title odds: 500-1.

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