DETROIT, MI – The Detroit Pistons (8-3) have raced ahead of the pack to begin the 2025-26 season. That’s good enough for first in the Eastern Conference by a full game, and second best in the NBA behind the OKC Thunder.

For many observers this may come as a surprise, but to the Pistons it’s the expected next step in the process to becoming elite. At media day the team used words like playoffs and wanting to play for a championship. I get that narrative is what every team is supposed to say, but only few can actually execute the vision.

One team that proved able, just in a different sport, is the Detroit Lions. They saw a quick rise under GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell, and the Pistons are on a similar trajectory.

“The front office has done an amazing job,” Jalen Duren said. “Bringing guys together who have the same mentality. We all dogs and want to win as well as see the next guy succeed. We have high character guys and we see it playing out on the court.”

Never Stopped Believing

It’s more than knowing what to do, or willingness to do it, but having players that are able to actually achieve. This is what the Lions and Pistons have gotten so right in the foundation of their success. Their young drafted players are leading the charge. The Pistons success was delayed due to injuries, but most notably an inability to properly build around their core.

For the Pistons they’ve had to even block out and overcome what the stats proved of them prior to the turnaround. That they were “bad” as Cade Cunningham admitted of the team a few seasons ago. But that never stopped him from believing in what he could be, and where he could lead the team.

“More than anything my faith in myself and knowing I was going to be successful in the NBA. And knowing I was going to do everything it took to be successful.”

From rudderless to biggest yacht in the bay, these Detroit teams mean big business. The Lions are no longer sneaking up on opponents as a multiple time playoff team.

And now neither are the Pistons who’s rise has come from out of nowhere after a few of the worst seasons in franchise history. This start has only further reinforced their self belief and mindset that they belong among the NBA’s best.

“It’s been a hell of a ride and lots of ups and downs,” star Cade Cunningham said. “But it’s still early so I’m not above myself.”

”This is what we wanted.”

Bravado, balance and balling can describe the Pistons through 10 games. But their defense has been one of the NBA’s best which many say is the key to winning it all. That’s the mindset that keeps Cunningham and his lightly seasoned teammates balanced. Rather than reading the clippings, hearing the national segments and losing their way, they stay grounded in the big goal.

“We want something bigger than this,” Cunningham said. “So we want to keep our heads down and keep working.”

That no days off mentality is exactly the cloth Detroit is cut from. And it’s what makes Cade and the city of Detroit perfect partners in the renaissance of the team. The fans have maintained a high standard of expectation for the three time championship winning organization. And that’s something that inspires Cade Cunningham and this team beyond their own desires to be great.

“I got lucky to fall into a franchise and a city that has the same mentality I felt it took for me to take the next step.”