The Detroit Pistons are evaluating their new-look roster in preseason, with newcomer Isaiah Joe offering insight into the intense, player-focused culture under head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Detroit holds a 1-1 preseason record after a 114-108 loss to the Washington Wizards on October 10, 2026, and a 109-107 win over the Phoenix Suns on October 5. Their next test is an away game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 14.
Isaiah Joe, acquired from the Oklahoma City Thunder this offseason, immediately noticed the energy Bickerstaff brings. "From the outside looking in, he's always so lively and wired," Joe said. "I think he's really for the guys."
Bickerstaff's defensive demands are non-negotiable, a philosophy the new players are quickly learning. The coach's track record supports his approach. He finished second in NBA Coach of the Year voting the last two seasons, proving his methods translate to regular-season success. Joe, having been part of a successful Thunder rebuild, understands the level of commitment required to win.
With half their exhibition schedule complete, the Pistons have shown flashes. The last-second victory over Phoenix provided an early highlight, while the overtime loss to Washington offered teaching moments. A significant piece is still missing, as All-Star center Jalen Duren has been held out for precautionary reasons after signing a five-year deal.
Bickerstaff stated he "definitely" expects Duren to play before the preseason ends, leaving two potential opportunities. In his absence, the team is testing combinations from their summer haul of John Collins, Isaiah Joe, Taurean Prince, Elijah Harkless, Ebuka Okorie, and Ugonna Onyenso. Collins has started both games at power forward, while Joe, Prince, and Okorie are projected for immediate rotation minutes.
Joe's shooting stroke has been cold to start, with two subpar performances from the field. That's not a long-term concern for a proven NBA sniper. Over the last four seasons, he established a three-point percentage around 40%. Once he finds his rhythm within the Pistons' offensive sets, that elite outside shooting will be a major asset.
His role extends beyond scoring. Joe's experience in a winning environment and his buy-in to Bickerstaff's defensive identity are valuable for a team blending several new faces. Integrating his skill set is a key preseason objective as Detroit prepares for the regular season opener on October 20. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page.
The immediate focus is the October 14 road game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It's another chance to experiment with lineups and, potentially, to reintegrate Jalen Duren. These final preseason contests are about building cohesion and establishing the defensive intensity Bickerstaff requires. The 1-1 record is secondary to the process of molding a revamped roster into a competitive unit for the long NBA grind ahead.
