NBA general managers see the Detroit Pistons as the fifth-best team in the Eastern Conference, according to the league's annual survey. The projection arrives as the Pistons prepare for their final preseason game after a convincing 128-106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 14.
The 2026-27 NBA GM survey, released Thursday, placed Detroit fifth in the Eastern Conference. That's the same spot they held in last year's preseason poll. But there's a sign of growing respect. The percentage of GMs who voted for the Pistons to finish in the top four jumped from 4% to 12% this year. Detroit even snagged a single first-place vote and tied the Boston Celtics for second in second-place selections with 20% of that vote.
The reigning champion New York Knicks topped the East predictions, followed by the Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Celtics, and Pistons. For the NBA Finals, 50% of GMs picked the San Antonio Spurs as favorites, with the Oklahoma City Thunder close behind at 43%.
Ausar Thompson was the standout Piston in the survey. The newly-extended forward was voted the second-best defensive player in the entire NBA, finishing just behind Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama. Thompson also ranked second for best perimeter defender, trailing only his twin brother Amen, and placed in the top six for most versatile defender and most athletic player.
Star guard Cade Cunningham's sole appearance was in the best leader category, where he received under 7% of the vote. New acquisition Isaiah Joe got some nods for the most underrated player signing this offseason. That category was won by former Piston Tobias Harris, who signed with San Antonio.
The Pistons have shown a mixed bag in exhibition play. Their most recent outing was a dominant 128-106 win over Minnesota. Before that, they fell 114-108 to the Washington Wizards on October 10. They opened their preseason slate with a tight 109-107 victory over the Phoenix Suns on October 5. These games are helping shape the rotation ahead of the real tests.
The Pistons wrap up their preseason schedule at home against the Toronto Raptors on October 16. It's the final chance to fine-tune lineups and build chemistry before the regular season tips off. After the GM survey's middling prediction, the team has a clear opportunity to outperform expectations. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full regular season schedule on our schedule page. The early signs, like Thompson's elite defensive recognition and the blowout win over Minnesota, offer reasons for optimism in Detroit.
