Hunter Patterson
@hunterpatterson.bsky.social
📤 526
📥 15
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Covering the Detroit Pistons for The Athletic.
The Pistons have the NBA’s best fourth-quarter defense over their last six games. It once again allowed them to overcome challenges offensively. Here’s how Detroit got ‘stingy’ down the stretch Thursday:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
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Pistons’ fourth-quarter defense comes through again in Detroit: ‘That’s who we are’
"I thought in that second half, and in the fourth quarter in particular, we got stingy," says Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6976425/2026/01/16/detroit-pistons-defense-win-phoenix-suns/?source=emp_shared_article
about 20 hours ago
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Teamed up with
@johnhollinger.bsky.social
to discuss the Pistons’ trade deadline approach and how it could affect their offseason plans. We got into Jaden Ivey’s future, Tobias Harris’ value, Daniss Jenkins’ contract and more:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
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Pistons at NBA trade deadline: Evaluating potential moves and future projections
Former NBA exec John Hollinger talks to Hunter Patterson about what the Pistons should do at the trade deadline.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6969906/2026/01/15/pistons-nba-trade-deadline/?source=emp_shared_article
2 days ago
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The trade deadline is just a few weeks away. Here’s more on the Pistons’ TPE, plus a handful of players they could look to target with it:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
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Who can the Pistons target with their trade exception?
The Pistons have roughly $14.2 million to spend in TPE. Which players might fit the bill?
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6964333/2026/01/13/detroit-pistons-trade-exception-bobby-portis/?source=emp_shared_article
4 days ago
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The Pistons made a proclamation with last night’s dominant win over the Knicks: The East officially runs through Detroit.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
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Pistons send message to Knicks and the NBA: They’re the team to beat in the East
Despite missing two starters, Detroit blew out New York on Monday on the second night of a back-to-back.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6944494/2026/01/06/pistons-beat-knicks-cade-cunningham-nba/?source=emp_shared_article
11 days ago
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Here’s more on Duren, Harris and LeVert’s injuries and what they mean for the Pistons:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
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Jalen Duren, Tobias Harris out vs. Cavaliers amid Pistons’ injury woes
Their absences will temporarily thin the Pistons' frontcourt depth, which means more minutes for players like Isaiah Stewart and Paul Reed.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6937864/2026/01/03/jalen-duren-tobias-harris-injuries-pistons-cavaliers/?source=emp_shared_article
14 days ago
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Marcus Sasser personifies the Pistons’ depth. Here’s more on his readiness, and how a game of soccer at UCLA contributed to it: “That’s a hard job. To miss time, to not know when your name is going to be called. “He’s weathered the storm.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
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Pistons beat Lakers thanks to soccer, selflessness and Marcus Sasser
Detroit took some time to decompress and then got an unexpected boost from a previously little-used role player, showing off its depth.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6931423/2025/12/31/pistons-marcus-sasser-lakers-win/
17 days ago
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While Kawhi Leonard had his way with Detroit’s defense, last night’s loss highlighted another problem for the Pistons. Here’s more on their lack of consistency from 3 and what it could mean moving forward:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
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The Pistons still have a 3-point shooting problem, with no easy solutions
While Detroit has been able to ride its defense to the top of the East, Sunday's loss showed the need to improve from long distance.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6924996/2025/12/29/detroit-pistons-3-point-shooting-loss-clippers/
19 days ago
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This time last year, the Pistons’ West Coast trip laid the foundation for where they are today. But being the No. 1 seed in the East isn’t enough. “It was bound for us to be successful, but it’s still early. … I’m excited for what’s to come.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
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Pistons keep taking care of business out West but are far from satisfied
Detroit's turnaround began on last year's West Coast road trip. A win in Sacramento on Tuesday night kept the good times rolling.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6917052/2025/12/24/pistons-chemistry-win-sacramento/?source=emp_shared_article
24 days ago
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Holiday season means it’s mailbag season. Tap in with Pistons questions in this thread or at the link below and I’ll get them answered.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
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Submit a question for our Detroit Pistons mailbag
What's on your mind as the trade deadline looms and the Pistons work to sustain their start?
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6911737/2025/12/22/detroit-pistons-mailbag-nba-eastern-conference/
26 days ago
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Cade Cunningham’s time at Bowie High School forged him into the leader he is for the Pistons. I caught up with Cade and a group of people closest to him from Bowie for an exclusive to better understand how Arlington shaped him:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
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Cade Cunningham’s high school experiences forged him into Pistons’ leader
"Just trying to connect with people, I think I've always had that in me, but it started in high school," says Cade Cunningham.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6901028/2025/12/19/cade-cunningham-pistons-high-school-stats-games-career/?source=emp_shared_article
29 days ago
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As the NBA’s trade season begins today, here’s what I’m hearing about the Pistons’ approach:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
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Pistons’ focus is development, not big moves, at NBA trade deadline
Of course things can change, but don't expect Detroit to be a big player at the trade deadline this season.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6889545/2025/12/15/pistons-nba-trade-deadline-needs-development/?source=emp_shared_article
about 1 month ago
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Last night’s win offered a glimpse of how dangerous Detroit can be with good health. Even at 20-5 and first in the East, the Pistons have yet to reach their peak. “I think we’re the best team in the league, and we’re going to continue to show it.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
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Pistons are cruising with a stellar offense, defense: ‘We’re here to win championships’
"I think we're the best team in the league, and we're going to continue to show it," Jalen Duren said after Friday's victory over the Hawks.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6886147/2025/12/13/
about 1 month ago
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The synergy between Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren is obvious this season. But their chemistry was developed off the court. An exclusive on how two offseason trips strengthened their bond and pushed the Pistons to the top of the Eastern Conference:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
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Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren and the Roman holiday that’s fueling the Pistons
The pair spent time together in Colorado and Dallas, too, but their Rome excursion was on another level.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6858595/2025/12/05/cade-cunningham-jalen-duren-pistons-travel-rome/
about 1 month ago
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After tying the longest win streak in franchise history, the Pistons are far from content. J.B. Bickerstaff wants Detroit “to be greedier” and never “feel full or satisfied.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
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Pistons, after tying franchise record with 13th straight win, want to be ‘greedier’
The Pistons have won 13 in a row twice before in franchise history. In both seasons, they won the NBA championship.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6835186/2025/11/24/pistons-13-wins-in-row-franchise-record-tied-2025/?source=emp_shared_article
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Hunter Patterson
Eric Koreen
about 2 months ago
The East is ... Good? Roundtable with
@hunterpatterson.bsky.social
and
@jxlorenzi.bsky.social
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'Leastern' no more: What the first month has taught us about NBA's other conference
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6824708/2025/11/21/bulls-hawks-raptors-nba-surprise-teams-eastern-conference/
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Another night, another dominant outing from Jalen Duren and the Pistons. Detroit’s depth, defense, and Duren’s expanded offensive role extend the winning streak to 10 games.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
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Jalen Duren is making an All-Star case as he powers Pistons to 10th straight win
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6816196/2025/11/18/jalen-duren-pistons-winning-streak/?source=emp_shared_article
about 2 months ago
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A dap between Cade Cunningham and Kevin Durant confirmed it: Cade’s signature Nikes are expected to drop in the spring of 2027. “It’s a dream come true, bro.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
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Cade Cunningham becomes sixth active NBA player to get a Nike signature shoe
Cunningham will join LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Devin Booker and Ja Morant as signature Nike athletes.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6814799/2025/11/17/cade-cunningham-nike-signature-shoe-deal-pistons/?source=emp_shared_article
2 months ago
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Six players sidelined? No problem for the Pistons’ “nasty dogs.” Detroit’s ninth consecutive win highlights its identity. “They’ve just got a nastiness to them, and that’s the fun part. … We like to push people’s buttons and see how they respond.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
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Pistons' 'nasty dogs' mentality extends win streak to 9 after beating 76ers
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6809232/2025/11/15/detroit-pistons-win-streak-nine-76ers/?source=emp_shared_article
2 months ago
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The Pistons believe “what’s brewing in (their) locker room is special.” Here’s more on the brotherhood driving Detroit’s win streak. “(Tonight) was a testament to how hard we play and how much we care for each other.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
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Pistons' 8 straight wins show 'what's brewing in that locker room is special'
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6803500/2025/11/13/pistons-win-streak-injuries-bulls/?source=emp_shared_article
2 months ago
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Wrote on a wild Pistons win, Daniss Jenkins’ clutch performance and why the outcome was more important than Cade Cunningham's missed shots during a career night. “When it’s said and done, he’ll be one of the best Detroit Pistons players of all time.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
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Cade Cunningham's career-night carrys East-leading Pistons past Wizards
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6796639/2025/11/11/cade-cunningham-triple-double-pistons-nba/?source=emp_shared_article
2 months ago
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The Pistons are off to their best 10-game start in 20 years and sit atop the Eastern Conference. I wrote on what’s been driving Detroit’s success, from Cade Cunningham’s continued ascension to Jalen Duren’s fourth-year leap and more:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
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How the East-leading Pistons are off to their best 10-game start in 20 years
Ascensions by Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, defensive toughness and other factors have fueled a six-game winning streak.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6792685/2025/11/10/detroit-pistons-best-10-game-start-cade-cunningham/?source=emp_shared_article
2 months ago
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The Pistons are off to their best start since 2008-09. Cade Cunningham’s fourth-quarter dominance thus far is a major reason why. “Everything you want in a No. 1 guy, Cade is it.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
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Cade Cunningham, Pistons turning the corner toward 'not being losers'
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6783017/2025/11/06/cade-cunningham-pistons-jazz-nba/?source=emp_shared_article
2 months ago
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The synergy between Jalen Duren and Cade Cunningham was on full display in Mexico City. Here's more on their chemistry and how it can elevate the Pistons moving forward:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
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Pistons' Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren show chemistry, create career nights in Mexico City
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6770270/2025/11/02/cade-cunningham-jalen-duren-pistons-mexico-city/?source=emp_shared_article
3 months ago
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Tomorrow will be a home game for the Pistons in Mexico City. Here’s more on how they’re bringing Detroit basketball to Arena CDMX.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
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Pistons prepped to bring some ‘Deeeetroit Basketball’ to fans in Mexico City
The Pistons are the home team in Mexico City which means they're going to be putting on a show for their international fans.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6766304/2025/10/31/detroit-pistons-mexico-city-nba-fans-international/?source=emp_shared_article
3 months ago
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reposted by
Hunter Patterson
Law Murray 📘
3 months ago
Morning roundtable
@theathletic.com
with
@talkhoops.bsky.social
@hunterpatterson.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
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Victor Wembanyama’s wizardry, Sixers’ hot start and more NBA early-season surprises
Will Philly ever lose? (Probably.) What about San Antonio? (Also probably.) Still, their starts and others have opened our eyes.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6760435/2025/10/30/victor-wembanyama-spurs-sixers-lamelo-ball-hornets
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After an uncharacteristic start to the season, Cade Cunningham returned to All-NBA form with a historic performance last night. “I just wanted to respond for my team.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
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Pistons’ Cade Cunningham regains his form, and then some, in win over Magic
Looking like the All-NBA version of himself, Cunningham went off for 30 points, 10 assists and six rebounds on Wednesday.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6762301/2025/10/30/cade-cunningham-pistons-magic-win/?source=emp_shared_article
3 months ago
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The Pistons went 11 minutes of game time without a made field goal last night as the Cavs put together a 25-3 run and never looked back. Here’s more on Detroit's dry spell and how the team is still searching for its offensive flow:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
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Pistons still searching for offensive flow after blowout loss to Cavaliers
Detroit's offense remains too stagnant, as evidenced by a long dry spell against Cleveland at home.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6755998/2025/10/28/pistons-loss-offense-cavs/?source=emp_shared_article
3 months ago
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Cavs up 63-41 on the Pistons at the half. Detroit shot just 13/43 from the field, 6/18 from distance, has 11 turnovers and 18 fouls. Cleveland has been in control from the jump.
3 months ago
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The fouls are definitely a problem for the Pistons so far, but they also only have four assists to nine turnovers. And the Cavs have capitalized on those for 14 points.
3 months ago
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Good stuff from Jalen Duren in short-roll situations thus far. He’s already got two assists and seems comfortable making those reads.
3 months ago
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Even with a Jalen Duren ejection and Isaiah Stewart and Ron Holland II fouling out, the Pistons’ goal was “controlling chaos.” Here’s more on how doing so last night led to their first win of the season.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
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Jalen Duren ejected for elbowing Amen Thompson, but Pistons rally to defeat Rockets
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6748626/2025/10/25/jalen-duren-ejected-amen-thompson-pistons-rockets/?source=emp_shared_article
3 months ago
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Despite the Pistons’ late charge, their lackluster start was too much to overcome last night. “We’ve got to come out with more urgency. This is the year that we want to get something done, so that’s not an appropriate way to start.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
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Pistons wait too late to show ‘sense of urgency’ in season-opening loss to Bulls
"We are, obviously, still a work in progress," says head coach J.B. Bickerstaff after Wednesday's loss.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6742621/2025/10/23/pistons-season-opener-loss-bulls-cade-cunningham/?source=emp_shared_article
3 months ago
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Thanks to Ausar Thompson’s first healthy offseason, he has “the mentality of wanting to kill whoever” is in front of him this year. An exclusive on his summer, how Amen helped inspire his new mindset and why the Pistons believe he’s ready to break out:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
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Pistons' Ausar Thompson ready to 'flip' script after productive, healthy offseason
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6731457/2025/10/21/pistons-ausar-thompson-amen-2025-26-season/?source=emp_shared_article
3 months ago
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With the deadline in the rearview, here’s more on Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren not reaching rookie-scale extensions with the Pistons:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
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2022 draftees Jalen Duren, Jaden Ivey will be restricted free agents
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6734862/2025/10/20/jalen-duren-jaden-ivey-pistons-rookie-scale-contract-extension/?source=emp_shared_article
3 months ago
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With the Pistons less than a week away from their regular-season opener, here are a handful of observations from preseason. How Jaden Ivey’s absence could affect rotations, evaluating point Ausar Thompson, looking into Jalen Duren’s development and more:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
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Jaden Ivey’s surgery complicates Pistons’ early-season plans
Detroit got some tough news on Ivey, but Cade Cunnigham's shooting is one of a few positive preseason developments.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6725396/2025/10/17/detroit-pistons-jaden-ivey-ausar-thompson-preseason-wrapup/?source=emp_shared_article
3 months ago
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Detroit (preseason) basketball is back tonight. Here’s a Pistons primer with depth-chart predictions and storylines to watch for:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
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Pistons preview: Jaden Ivey could be secret weapon for Detroit this season
"He looks explosive, he looks comfortable out there. He looks like himself," says coach J.B. Bickerstaff of Ivey.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6692095/2025/10/06/detroit-pistons-preview-nba-jaden-ivey/?source=emp_shared_article
3 months ago
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J.B. Bickerstaff wants the Pistons to go from a “great defensive team to an explosive offensive team.” Here’s more on how:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
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Pistons hope to keep turning good defense into ‘explosive’ offense
Detroit hopes to use its athleticism to create turnovers and lead to easy transition baskets this season.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6686747/2025/10/03/pistons-jb-bickerstaff-defense-offense/?source=emp_shared_article
4 months ago
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With Pistons training camp tipping off today, here are five takeaways from media day:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...
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Pistons media day: Cade Cunningham’s aspirations, no restrictions on Jaden Ivey
Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons are ready to move on from last season's success and take the next step in their development.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6675315/2025/09/30/pistons-media-day-cade-cunningham-nba-2025/?source=emp_shared_article
4 months ago
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The Motor City Cruise are hosting open tryouts tomorrow. Here’s more on how John Ukomadu went from last year’s tryout to entering his second season with the Cruise. “I knew what I wanted out of basketball. … So why not take the chance now?”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/663...
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How Motor City Cruise offers local hoopers an opportunity for $250 and a dream
"There are always talented guys that sort of slip through the cracks," Cruise GM Max Unger says of the G League tryout opportunity.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6639442/2025/09/19/motor-city-cruise-pistons-john-ukomadu-g-league/?source=emp_shared_article
4 months ago
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Can confirm the NBA has launched its own investigation into Malik Beasley’s gambling allegations. Here’s more on what we know:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/661...
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https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6616810
4 months ago
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Which Piston has the strongest synergy with Cade? What are expectations for Ausar with a full offseason? Where does Detroit stack up in the East? Here are answers to those questions plus others in my most recent mailbag:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/661...
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Cade Cunningham's chemistry, big impact players and predictions: Pistons mailbag
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6611713/2025/09/09/detroit-pistons-cade-cunningham-mailbag/?source=emp_shared_article
4 months ago
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Joined my guy
@justesbaraheni.bsky.social
to chop it up about the Pistons. Tap in and check out the full pod here:
youtu.be/u8OvehFMga8
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4 months ago
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Pistons fans, it’s time for another offseason mailbag. Tap in here or at the link below!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/659...
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Submit a question for Hunter Patterson’s offseason Pistons mailbag
NBA opening night is roughly a month and a half out, but media day for the Detroit Pistons is scheduled for the end of September. Trajan Langdon, the Pistons’ president of basketball operations,...
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6592519/2025/09/02/pistons-cade-cunningham-mailbag/
5 months ago
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