The Detroit Pistons were the worst team in the 2023-24 NBA season and have made an insane recovery this year. In the 2024-25 season they are currently 6th in the Eastern conference with a 29-26 (.527) record. Even with a winning season so far, I believe they are one to two moves away from being an actual contender. Jaden Ivey, though a skilled offensive player, lacks a heightened defensive presence. Cunningham and Ivey remind me of a once prominent Dame and CJ duo. One of them needs to go for a veteran presence and a first round pick, preferably Ivey. They could easily get someone like Norman Powell, KCP, or Zach Lavine. Someone who can provide a little more offensive spark than Ivey and still not get beat by his man on defense. Another option could be Marcus Smart or GP2. Tobias Harris and Jalen Duran are great players don’t get me wrong but I don’t think they fit well into Detroits offensive or defensive schemes. I think the Pistons should pursue big men Bol Bol and Mo Bamba as they are Swiss Army knives. Both can score inside and out, rebound and get blocks, they just need an actual chance to prove what they can do and what better place than a rebuilding Pistons team that can verify good playing time for each. So with these moves you are looking at a backcourt of Cade Cunningham, a guy who can facilitate, shoot, and drive by his defenders with ease. And Norman Powell, a great kick out option for 3 who stretches the court and who has been impressive on defense this year averaging 1.3 steals per game which is about .7 more than the previous season. The front court would be filled with size and defense. At small forward, Ausar Thompson who is 6’6” and a well rounded player, doin go just about everything very solidly. An inside threat, but lacks a shooting ability, can pass very well, hustle plays and rebounds is where he thrives and his defense is often looked passed but is a top 10 defender on a good day. Bol Bol is listed at a height of 7’3” and is a unicorn. He can score from just about anywhere, rebounds just fall right to him, and he can block just about anyone at the rim. The only problem is he averages about 13 minutes per game for his career and what we have seen from him recently on the suns as a starter is only the beginning of his rise to stardom. Now Mo Bamba had his chance to be a good starter in the league, a tall Center who could shoot the three very well but unfortunately his game never flourished, however, I think with a fresh start alongside Cunningham could be just what he needs. He still has a lot to give and doesn’t deserve to just rot on someone’s bench for the rest of his career. This is all unrealistic and just my thoughts on what they should pursue for roster depth and I think ultimately it would help them make a strive towards playoff contention as they have in the past relied on big men defense and rebounding to carry the team while the guards rack up points and assists. I think this roster mimics a form of the bad boy pistons but without the ruthlessness, they’re all just dogs who would never give up. Thanks for reading!