The Detroit Pistons have seen three key players shine through their first two preseason games, a 109-107 win over the Phoenix Suns on October 5 and a 114-108 loss to the Washington Wizards on October 10. With the team now looking ahead to a road game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 14, these early performances offer a glimpse of who might drive success this season.
Rookie guard Ebuka Okorie, the No. 17 overall pick, has immediately shown his potential. He scored the game-winning bucket against the Suns to finish with seven points. Okorie then led the team with 14 points on 6-of-15 shooting in the preseason loss to the Wizards. His confidence and scoring touch are already making an impact.
Forward Paul Reed has brought consistent physicality. He scored in double figures in both contests, putting up 11 points and grabbing seven rebounds against Washington. Reed's toughness and energy were important for Detroit last season, especially during their playoff run to the Eastern Conference's top seed. He averaged 7.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in 2025-26.
Ron Holland II is aiming for a bigger role in his third year. He led all scorers with 14 points in the preseason opener and added eight points against the Wizards. The No. 5 pick from 2024 averaged 8.2 points and 4.0 rebounds last season. His development is a major storyline as the Pistons build their future.
These preseason games are more than just warm-ups. They provide the coaching staff with vital data on player readiness and lineup combinations. For a team coming off a No. 1 seed, identifying which players can take a step forward is essential. Okorie's immediate contribution, Reed's reliable interior presence, and Holland's offensive growth could all be significant factors.
The team's depth will be tested over a long NBA season. Having reliable options beyond the starting five is a must for any contender. Strong showings now build confidence and can translate to rotational minutes when the real games begin.
The immediate focus is the next preseason test against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 14. It's another chance to refine plays and evaluate rotations before the regular season tips off. After that, the real work begins as Detroit looks to defend its position atop the Eastern Conference.
The foundation from last year's 2025-26 campaign is strong. But the NBA is relentless, and every team improves. Integrating new talent like Okorie while raising returning players like Holland and Reed will define their offseason progress. The full preseason and regular season schedule is available on our schedule page.
