The Detroit Pistons are using the offseason to build chemistry and address weaknesses after their 2025-26 campaign ended with a 94-125 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 18, 2026. With training camp weeks away, players have taken the initiative with summer workouts, including a player-led mini-camp organized by All-NBA guard Cade Cunningham in San Diego. This bonding is vital for a roster reshaped by President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon, who added veteran shooters Isaiah Joe, John Collins, Taurean Prince, and Gary Harris.
How are the Pistons building chemistry?
Cade Cunningham was the driving force behind a recent players-only mini-camp in San Diego. This type of offseason work is exactly what a team integrating several new role players needs. Langdon's moves brought in proven perimeter shooters to space the floor for Cunningham's playmaking. The team also added rookies Ebuka Okorie and Ugonna Onyenso via the draft, plus free agent Elijah Harkless. Building early connections is a priority, and you can track the team's progress on our roster page.
What is expected from rookie Ebuka Okorie?
First-round pick Ebuka Okorie enters the league with a strong scoring pedigree after leading the ACC in scoring as a freshman. He carried that momentum into Summer League, averaging nearly 20 points per game for Detroit. Okorie is expected to compete for backup point guard minutes behind Cunningham. To prepare, he's been studying and training with Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell, one of the NBA's elite isolation scorers. This mentorship could accelerate his adjustment to the pro game.
How is Daniss Jenkins improving his game?
Daniss Jenkins showed promise as a playmaker in his rookie year but struggled to finish at the rim. He finished the regular season last in the NBA in field goal percentage on drives, at just 38.5% on over 200 attempts. This was a problem that persisted into the postseason. Jenkins has spent the summer working with skills coach Jeremie Hart on a variety of crafty finishes around the basket. Part of his issue was an aggressive style that sometimes led to rushed decisions in the paint.
What does this mean for the upcoming season?
Jenkins' overall field goal percentage was just over 40%, but his three-point shooting was a respectable 37.4%. Improving his efficiency inside will make him a more complete offensive threat. With a deeper roster of shooters, the Pistons aim to provide Cunningham with more space to operate. Fans can see how the new pieces fit when the schedule is released on our schedule page. The work done this summer will be tested quickly when the new NBA season tips off.
