The Detroit Pistons are planning a key evolution for star guard Cade Cunningham's game next season, focusing on creating off-ball opportunities. This strategic shift comes after the team's 94-125 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 18, 2026, which ended their playoff run in the Eastern Conference semifinals. According to Hunter Patterson of The Athletic, the next step for the 2025-26 NBA MVP finalist is to get him more looks without the ball in his hands.
Cunningham and teammate Ausar Thompson have already begun working out together this summer to implement this new approach. The Pistons believe this adjustment can provide Cunningham extra rest from constantly initiating the offense and unlock another dimension for their attack. It's a direct response to the team's recent form, which saw them lose their last two games after a promising stretch.
Why is off-ball development important for Cade Cunningham?
Cade Cunningham took a massive leap last season, finishing fifth in NBA MVP voting. He averaged 23.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 9.9 assists, and 1.4 steals per game during the regular season. He even received two first-place MVP votes. But the Pistons' offense became too predictable in the playoffs. Opponents keyed in on Cunningham, and the supporting cast struggled to consistently produce.
Jalen Duren had a difficult postseason debut. Tobias Harris did his best as the secondary option, but it wasn't enough against top defenses. The lack of offensive variety was a primary reason Detroit failed to reach the Eastern Conference finals. Developing an off-ball game for Cunningham forces defenses to account for him in multiple ways, not just as a primary ball-handler.
How does Ausar Thompson fit into this plan?
The entire strategy hinges on Ausar Thompson's growth as an offensive initiator. If Thompson can continue making strides with the ball, he can run the offense for stretches. This would allow Cunningham to operate from the wing or corner, potentially exploiting mismatches and conserving energy. Patterson's report notes Thompson has already spent several hours training with Cunningham this offseason.
This internal development is viewed as a potential game-changer for the Pistons' ceiling. It doesn't require a major trade or free-agent signing. Instead, it leverages the existing young core. A more dynamic Thompson takes pressure off Cunningham, and a more versatile Cunningham makes the entire offense harder to guard. You can track the progress of all Pistons players on our [squad](/squad) page.
What is the context of the Pistons' recent season?
The Detroit Pistons are coming off their best season since 2008. They won 60 games and made a deep playoff run. However, their season ended with that 94-125 defeat in Cleveland. Their recent form over the last five games was 2 wins and 3 losses (LLWWL). Ending the season with two consecutive losses highlighted the areas needing improvement.
Building a sustainable contender requires constant adaptation. The Pistons' front office and coaching staff have identified this offensive tweak as a necessary next step. It's about maximizing the talent of a superstar in Cunningham and accelerating the development of a key young piece in Thompson. The team's full schedule and recent results are always available on our [fixtures](/fixtures) hub.
What are the expected outcomes for next season?
If the plan works, the Detroit Pistons' offense could become significantly more potent. Cunningham scoring off cuts and catch-and-shoot opportunities adds a deadly layer. It also prepares the team for playoff basketball, where schemes are more complex and individual weaknesses are targeted. Thompson becoming a reliable secondary playmaker would solve a major roster need.
The work is already underway this summer. The partnership between Cunningham and Thompson in voluntary workouts signals a strong commitment. For a team that has rebuilt successfully, this is the phase of refining a contender. The focus is on incremental gains that translate to postseason success. The entire Eastern Conference [standings](/standings) will be impacted by how well Detroit executes this basketball evolution next year.
