DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons’ victory over the Boston Celtics Monday night not only solidified the franchise as a championship contender in the Eastern Conference. It also marked the official midpoint of the Pistons’ 2025-26 season.
The Pistons have had a remarkable start, going 32-10 through Wednesday night, the second-best record in the NBA. There is still a ton of basketball left to be played, but the Pistons are positioning themselves to maintain their dominance through the second half of the season.
“I’m excited to just be a part of this team and be a part of this organization,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “It’s not one person ever that does it. It’s organizations that do it, and its players are a huge part of that. They work their tails off. These guys have overcome a lot.”
Bickerstaff continued, “To me, it speaks volumes, and that’s why they’ve been able to grow and continue taking steps: When things got hardest for this group, they didn’t separate from one another. They rallied around one another and bought into each other. Believed in each other that they could, and that’s why they find themselves in this position now.”
Pistons beat writer Coty M. Davis breaks down the first half of the season by handing out midseason grades for each player. (Players are listed in alphabetical order by position.)
Guards
Cade Cunningham — Stats: 25.7 points, 9.8 assists, 5.9 rebounds, 45.2% FG in 36 games.
Analysis: Cade Cunningham has been a top-three MVP candidate all season, and at times, one can argue he is the frontrunner. While his numbers are slightly similar to his breakout campaign a year ago, Cunningham’s play has become more efficient and effective, especially when it comes to his impact on winning.
While his three-level scoring has dominated his offensive game, Cunningham’s growth on the defensive end has been most impressive. He has developed into one of the league’s most respected two-way players. He has averaged a career-best 1.5 steals and is tied for eighth among guards in total blocks with 30. Grade: A-plus
Javonte Green — Stats: 7.3 points, 36.2% 3-pointers, 2.7 rebounds in 41 games.
Analysis: Bickerstaff recognized early on that Javonte Green could be “a player who wins you games” from the moment the Pistons signed him as a free agent last summer. Five months later, Bickerstaff’s optimism has proven correct. Green’s two-way play has been essential to the Pistons reaching the halfway point of the season with the best record in the East. He has also established himself as arguably Detroit’s most reliable 3-and-D player. Grade: B
Jaden Ivey — Stats: 8.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 46.3% FG in 26 games.
Analysis: Jaden Ivey returned to the lineup Nov. 22 after being sidelined for nine months due to injuries. While he has shown brief moments of brilliance, he has not yet regained the form he had before breaking his left fibula a year ago. His most disappointing outing came nearly two weeks ago, when he started back-to-back games amid Cunningham’s absence.
Bickerstaff’s preference for other players at the position seemed to create a missed opportunity for Ivey, who averaged 8.0 points on 36.8% shooting and 3.0 rebounds during the two games. Recently, Ivey announced he is no longer on a minutes restriction. However, during his two-game starting stint, he still averaged only 20.0 minutes. Grade: C-minus
Basketball players
Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins, left, drives against Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Daniss Jenkins — Stats: 7.4 points, 3.3 assists, 43.1% FG, 40.5% 3-pointers in 33 games.
Analysis: The Pistons began the season unsure who would serve as the team’s backup point guard. Daniss Jenkins proved to be the solution. Since helping the Pistons win in overtime against the Washington Wizards in November, Jenkins has emerged as one of the league’s best stories, all while being an essential part of Detroit’s success.
Jenkins’ standout performances stem from his ability to keep the Pistons competitive during non-Cunningham minutes, particularly in games the All-Star guard has missed due to injury. Detroit has gone 4-1 during Cunningham’s absences this season. In those games, Jenkins has excelled, averaging 15.0 points on 37.9% shooting from the field, 9.0 assists and 1.4 steals with three starts. Grade: B-plus
Chaz Lanier — Stats: 3.3 points, 35.4% FG, 34.1% 3-pointers in 16 games.
Analysis: Chaz Lanier has not had a consistent role this season. He has recently spent the past few weeks completing assignments in the G League, but the rookie prospect from Tennessee has had a handful of moments that helped the Pistons win a few games. Lanier’s most recent contributions came during the Pistons’ 108-93 comeback win over the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 7, where he scored eight points in the fourth quarter. Grade: C
Caris LeVert — Stats: 7.9 points, 2.8 assists, 43.1% FG, 34.0% 3-pointers in 31 games.
Analysis: Caris LeVert has had a mediocre start to his career in Detroit. He has had several moments this season when his hustle or 3-point shooting came at the right time, creating game-changing plays for the Pistons. He has been a consistent contributor off the bench, but ongoing knee management has hindered his ability to find a rhythm.
LeVert’s best moment this season was during the Pistons’ 122-117 victory at Indiana on Nov 24. He scored a season-high 19 points, to go along with three assists and a steal. Grade: C-plus
Marcus Sasser — Stats: 5.5 points, 48.8% FG, 44.8% 3-pointers in 11 games.
Analysis: Marcus Sasser entered the season with a promising opportunity to establish himself in Bickerstaff’s rotation; however, his chance was hampered by a hip injury sustained during training camp. Sasser has played 11 games since his return, but has received significant playing time in only two, against the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami. In both games, Sasser showcased his ability to improve Detroit’s subpar shooting, averaging 18.5 points on 66.7% from behind the arc. Grade: Incomplete
Forwards
Tobias Harris — Stats: 13.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 46.8% FG in 26 games.
Analysis: At 33, Tobias Harris is still producing at a high level. As the third-leading scorer, he has hit double figures in 19 of 26 games while maintaining his reliable rebounding. As a 15-year veteran, Harris best displayed his longevity during the Pistons’ victory over the Celtics on Monday, where he scored a team-best 25 points.
This season, however, is shaping up as the most injury-plagued of his career. Harris recently returned from a hip injury that sidelined him for five games. Earlier in the season, Harris missed nine games due to a right ankle sprain. Grade: B-minus
Ron Holland II — Stats: 8.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 41.1% FG in 39 games.
Analysis: Ron Holland II hasn’t been the sharpshooting wing that impressed during the Las Vegas Summer League in July. While there are still improvements to be made in his offensive game, he has remained a crucial part of Detroit’s success by bringing the high energy and hustle that made him a surprising contributor during his rookie season.
Holland’s most significant growth has come with his rebounding, where he has averaged 6.3 boards over the last 3 games. Holland has also showcased growth in his defense. Among all forwards, he ranks 10th in the league in total steals with 52. Grade: B-minus
Bobi Klintman — Stats: 2.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, 33.3% FG in six games.
Analysis: Bobi Klintman‘s playing time has been limited this season, with his only significant minutes occurring in the Pistons’ 125-107 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Nov. 7. He played 14 minutes off the bench, finishing with eight points and five rebounds. Outside of helping the Pistons win their first game of the In-Season Tournament, Klintman has spent much of his second season in the G League. Grade: Incomplete
Duncan Robinson — Stats: 12.1 points, 44.1% FG, 40.6% 3-pointers in 39 games.
Analysis: Spacing the floor has been Duncan Robinson‘s primary role since he joined the Pistons in a sign-and-trade deal in July. Aside from a few instances, his shooting performance has been consistent with his career average of 39.8%. Notably, he is the only player on the roster to have made over 100 3-pointers this season (114). Robinson’s defense has been a surprising factor in his success, with a total of 28 steals and 13 blocks so far this season. Grade: B-plus
Ausar Thompson — Stats: 10.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 50.8% FG in 37 games.
Analysis: Similar to Holland, Ausar Thompson‘s shooting has not improved, except for the mid-range turnaround jumper he has added to his offensive repertoire. His most significant improvements have come on the defensive end, where he has shown the ability to defend some of the best perimeter players. One of Thompson’s best defensive performances came on Jan. 10 against the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite the loss, Thompson took the helm in limiting James Harden to 4-of-20 shooting with five turnovers. Grade: B
Basketball players
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) takes a shot against Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Bigs
Jalen Duren — Stats: 17.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, 63.0% FG in 34 games.
Analysis: No one on the Pistons’ roster has taken a more prominent step than Jalen Duren. He has established himself as one of the top big men in the league due to his growth on both ends of the court. Bickerstaff has used his playmaking as a tertiary facilitator. Duren has also expanded his offensive game by stepping out 15 feet for a mid-range jumper.
Duren’s individual growth, combined with the team’s position at the top of the conference, has him on the verge of his first All-Star selection and in the running for Most Improved Player of the Year. Grade: A-plus
Paul Reed — Stats: 5.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 59.2% FG in 31 games.
Analysis: Unless there’s an injury to the frontcourt, Paul Reed‘s playing time is uncertain. However, he has become the prime example of the motto “stay ready.” Reed has stepped up on several occasions so far this season, which included scoring a season-high 28 points to lead the short-handed Pistons to a 124-113 victory over the Bulls on Nov. 12. He also added 13 rebounds, six assists, and four steals – reaffirming his status as Detroit’s unsung hero. Grade: B-minus
Tolu Smith III — Stats: 5.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 46.7% FG in five games.
Analysis: Tolu Smith III has spent a significant portion of his second year in the G League, but he has made the most of his opportunities with the Pistons. His most recent opportunity came during Detroit’s loss to the Clippers, when he recorded 14 rebounds, nine points, and four blocks in 26 minutes. Grade: Incomplete
Isaiah Stewart — Stats: 10.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 53.0% FG in 37 games.
Analysis**:** The Pistons have gotten the best of both worlds with Isaiah Stewart through the first half of the season. Bickerstaff has incorporated Stewart’s 3-point shooting into his offensive scheme, making Stewart a dependable secondary option and creating more spacing.
Stewart has been great on offense, but his most significant contribution has come on defense. While leading all reserves, Stewart currently ranks third in the league in blocks per game. As long as he plays over 20 minutes per game, Stewart is on track to secure a spot on the All-Defensive Team. However, given his production and the Pistons’ success, he should also be in the running for Sixth Man of the Year honors. Grade: A