The Detroit Pistons' resurgence has been one of the better stories of the 2024-25 NBA season.
Just last season, they were bottom-table and hopefully for good lottery luck -- even if they, unfortunately, drew the No. 5 overall selection, which happened to turn into Ron Holland.
This season, they have a 40-32 record through 72 showings, leaving them as the No. 6 seed, trailing the No. 5-seeded Milwaukee Bucks by just one game.
Not only have the Pistons emerged as a legitimate playoff team -- aiming to make the playoffs outright, leaping the Play-In Tournament -- but they've found a true identity.
Cade Cunningham is making the jump to superstardom. He's averaging 25.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 9.2 assists per game in an average of 35.2 minutes played.
The Oklahoma State product was a first-time All-Star and is the driver of the squad. There is plenty of young talent littered around him, though.
Adding Malik Beasley and Tobias Harris was just enough of a veteran presence to really help the club turn the corner.
Isiah Thomas makes bold Pistons claim
Former Bad Boy Piston Isaiah Thomas was quite candid when speaking about the franchise he used to represent.
The Hall of Fame guard took to NBATV to sing the praises of the squad, and even make a bold proclamation.
"They are back. They have found their culture. They have found their identity. They are Bad Boys walking out," Thomas claimed.
"They are back. They have found their culture. They have found their identity. They are Bad Boys walking out."
Isiah Thomas and Channing Frye speaks on the #Pistons picking up their 40th win of the season on NBA Game Time. https://t.co/cLVoFpK3t1pic.twitter.com/qPUyaRGT4Q
— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) March 24, 2025
Thomas knows a thing or two about finding success in Detroit while have quite the identity behind them, hence their Bad Boys nickname.
The new-look Pistons are fast, physical and fun. There is a reason why most NBA fans find it enjoyable to watch them play basketball, regardless of what national pundits might have to say.
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This story was originally published March 24, 2025 at 11:41 AM.