If you haven’t been paying attention to the Motor City lately, you’re missing one of the weirdest—and most successful—turnarounds in recent NBA history. It is mid-January 2026, and the Detroit Pistons are actually sitting near the top of the Eastern Conference. Yeah, you read 그게 right. A team that was once the poster child for "the process gone wrong" is now a legitimate powerhouse.
But looking at the Detroit Pistons depth chart today isn't like looking at the 2004 "Goin' to Work" crew. It’s a strange, highly effective mix of homegrown lottery talent, savvy veterans who actually want to be there, and a bench that seemingly produces a new hero every Tuesday night.
Honestly, the biggest misconception right now is that this is just the "Cade Cunningham Show." While Cade is playing at an MVP-caliber level—averaging over 26 points and nearly 10 assists—the reason they are winning is the sheer density of the rotation. J.B. Bickerstaff has these guys playing a brand of disruptive, "pedal-to-the-floor" basketball that has Detroit ranked 2nd in the league in defensive rating.
The Starters: The Core Four and a Sniper
When everyone is healthy, the starting five has a clear identity. It’s big, it’s fast, and it’s surprisingly versatile.
- PG: Cade Cunningham. The engine. He’s finally past the nagging injuries, including a recent scare with a right wrist contusion that kept him out for a couple of games in early January. He’s the undisputed leader.
- SG: Duncan Robinson. This was the "money" move. Detroit needed gravity, and Robinson provides it. He isn't just a spacer; he’s a release valve for when teams double Cade. He's currently hitting nearly 40% from deep.
- SF: Ausar Thompson. A defensive nightmare. Ausar is basically a human eraser. He might not be a 20-point scorer, but his ability to switch 1 through 4 is why Detroit's defense is so terrifying.
- PF: Tobias Harris. The veteran presence. Some fans were skeptical when he came back to Detroit, but his steadying hand has been vital. He’s been dealing with a hip sprain recently, but when he’s on the floor, he’s the ultimate "glue guy" who can still give you 15 and 7.
- C: Jalen Duren. A double-double machine. Duren is only 22, which is scary. He’s averaging nearly 18 points and 11 rebounds. His chemistry with Cade in the pick-and-roll is the foundation of their half-court offense.
When Harris was out recently with that hip issue, we saw Isaiah Stewart slide into the starting power forward spot. It changes the dynamic—more "Beef Stew" grit, less offensive fluidity—but it shows just how much depth this frontcourt actually has.
The Bench: Where the Games Are Won
This is where things get interesting. Most teams have a massive drop-off when the starters sit. Detroit doesn't.
Jaden Ivey is the name everyone talks about. There was a lot of noise about him moving to the bench, but honestly? It’s been a stroke of genius. He’s playing a "super-sub" role, coming in to torture tired second units with his speed. He’s still getting starter minutes, but he’s doing it against guys who can’t keep up with him.
Then you have the "new" faces. Caris LeVert was a savvy addition for secondary playmaking. He’s been a bit up and down lately, but his veteran savvy in the fourth quarter is a luxury most young teams don't have.
And we have to talk about Daniss Jenkins. The guy is a two-way success story. He’s been so good that the front office is basically being forced to clear a permanent roster spot for him before the playoffs. He’s that "third point guard" who just makes winning plays.
Current Rotation Pieces
- Isaiah Stewart: The ultimate sixth or seventh man. He blocks shots, hits the occasional three, and scares the life out of opposing centers.
- Ron Holland II: The sophomore is starting to find his rhythm. He’s a high-motor wing who excels in transition. He recently had a stretch of three games in double figures, showing he’s more than just a raw prospect.
- Paul Reed: "BBall Paul" provides the energy. He’s been out for personal reasons lately, but his rebounding is crucial for the second unit.
- Javonte Green: A veteran wing who just knows where to be. He’s fallen out of the rotation slightly with the emergence of Holland, but he’s the perfect "break glass in case of injury" player.
The Looming Trade Deadline: Will They Move?
The Detroit Pistons depth chart is currently a subject of intense debate among NBA insiders. Some, like Jake Fischer, report that Trajan Langdon and the front office are "messaging" that they aren't in a hurry to make a splashy move. They want to keep the cap sheet clean because Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson are both due for massive extensions soon.
However, the rumors won't die. You’ve probably heard the names: Lauri Markkanen and Michael Porter Jr.
The logic is simple. Detroit is 1st in the East right now. If you have a chance to add a 25-point-per-game scorer like MPJ, do you take it? A hypothetical deal would likely involve moving salaries like Tobias Harris or Duncan Robinson, plus young assets like Jaden Ivey or Ron Holland. It’s a high-stakes gamble. Do you mess with the chemistry of a team that’s already winning, or do you push your chips in for a title run?
What Most People Miss About the "Positionless" Pistons
People still try to label these guys. "Is Ausar a two or a three?" "Is Stewart a four or a five?"
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The truth is, Bickerstaff doesn't care. Detroit's depth chart is built on redundancy. They have multiple guys who can initiate the offense (Cade, Ivey, LeVert, Jenkins) and multiple guys who can protect the rim (Duren, Stewart, Reed).
This redundancy is why they survived Cade's wrist injury and Tobias's hip injury without falling off a cliff. Most teams lose their star and go 1-4. Detroit just kept winning. They are currently 29-10, which is basically unthinkable if you look back at where this franchise was two years ago.
Managing the Rosters and the G-League
One thing to keep an eye on is how they handle the "bottom" of the depth chart. Guys like Bobi Klintman, Isaac Jones, and Chaz Lanier have been spending a lot of time on assignment with the Motor City Cruise.
Specifically, Bobi Klintman is a name to watch for 2027. He has the size and shooting touch that fits the modern NBA perfectly, but there just aren't enough minutes in the current rotation. The fact that Detroit has "NBA-ready" talent sitting in the G-League tells you everything you need to know about how deep this squad has become.
Key Factors for the Second Half of the Season
- Health Maintenance: Keeping Cade's wrist and Duren's ankles 100% is the only thing that can stop this momentum.
- The Daniss Jenkins Contract: Converting him to a standard deal is a priority so he's eligible for the post-season.
- Shooting Consistency: Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert need to stay hot to prevent teams from clogging the paint against Duren.
What's Next for the Motor City?
If you're a fan or a bettor, the move here is to watch the chemistry between Ivey and the bench. If Ivey continues to embrace the "Sixth Man" role without ego, Detroit is a lock for a top-three seed.
Keep an eye on the injury reports heading into the Indiana Pacers game. With Cade and Ausar both listed as "probable" with minor contusions (wrist and heel, respectively), it’s clear the team is being cautious. But this is a team built for the long haul. They aren't just a "flash in the pan" anymore.
The next logical step for anyone tracking this team is to monitor the trade deadline on February 6th. Even if they don't make a "blockbuster," moving a piece like Wendell Moore Jr. or Isaac Jones to open a spot for Jenkins is the kind of marginal move that defines championship contenders. Detroit is no longer building for "next year." Next year is already here.
Actionable Insights for Following the Pistons:
- Track the "Net Rating": Watch how the team performs when Cade is off the floor. If the Ivey-led units maintain a positive Net Rating, the Pistons are legitimate Finals threats.
- Watch the Shooting Splits: Specifically, keep an eye on Ausar Thompson's corner three percentage. If he keeps defenses honest, the floor opens up for Duren's lob threats.
- Monitor the Jenkins Situation: Once his 50-game two-way limit approaches, expect a roster move. This will be the first real signal of how the front office views the playoff rotation.