Detroit Pistons confident in progress despite winless start

DETROIT, MI – The Detroit Pistons experienced a surge of optimism following changes in the offseason paired with promising preseason play. They held 3 of 5 opponents to under 100 points behind energy, hustle, defense and ball movement not consistently seen for years.

And the Detroit Lions off to a hot start, and the Tigers making a surprise run to a Tarik Skubal game 7 start in the ALDS, was more fuel to the fire.

Fans want to believe in the Pistons despite the recent history but the regular season start threatens to dampen the enthusiasm.

It’s understandable angst fans have given the 0-3 start to the season. But is this a situation actually deserving of patience, time for new teammates to build chemistry, and for new head coach JB Bickerstaff to establish his vision?

It’s a big ask for supporters to buy in before the results especially after the promise of the previous rebuild. Troy Weaver’s ‘Restore’ several of the worst seasons in Pistons history.

So why expect the promise and hype surrounding new PBO Trajan Langdon and Bickerstaff to be any different?

Veteran Leadership and Perspective

If you trust anyone on the team, trust the perspective of Malik Beasley. He’s played with good organizations, but he’s also gone through challenging paths during his basketball journey.

“Ive been through struggles in the NBA,” Beasley said. “And we’re right there.”

“We’re going to be in position where we’re in games at the end because of our grit and grind.”

Beasley, a free agent signing, was quickly an answer to the Pistons need of outside shooting. But he was also valued for his leadership and experience, to better assist the younger players through the ups and downs of a rebuild.

“He’s been great,” Bickerstaff exclaimed. “Not just as a player but as a leader.”

The active type of veteran leadership they currently have is much better than at any time during the Weaver’s tenure. And JB Bickerstaff is a coach already providing answers to some of the biggest questions surrounding the team.

For instance, there’s been less questions on if the Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey backcourt can work. Obviously more time is needed before any narratives are considered reality with this group. But it’s clear the team is moving in the right direction, aided by the vision of Bickerstaff and leadership of the veterans.

Measuring Progress

Despite a tough 124-118 loss to the Celtics on Saturday night, the Pistons showed resiliency and fight. They had an opportunity to win the game but the experience and poise of the defending NBA champions ultimately won out.

But Bickerstaff was credited with making the necessary adjustments in game to give the team a fighting chance for their first win of the season.

“Coach came up with a great game plan to slow them down in the second half and it worked out great,” Beasley said. “We’re still learning, but did fight back. We want to win, but just need to keep pushing.”

There are sure signs of progress, but winning is the end goal and nothing less. But for JB Bickerstaff and Malik Beasley, they’ve been there before with the final frame ending in success.

So despite a winless start to the season, Bickerstaff believes the team is headed in the right direction. Similar to the 3-13 Detroit Lions during Dan Campbell’s first season as the team’s head coach. And despite early struggles, they were still able to build a solid foundation that today is greatly rewarding those who believed from the start.

“We’re trying to build this off grit,” Bickerstaff said. “Im proud of their effort, but there are things to clean up.”

“I look to continue building.”