Only two years ago the Detroit Pistons went 14-68 on the way to an NBA- record 28-game losing streak. Now, they are 40-13 and atop the Eastern Conference by 5.5 games. This resurgence all started with the hire of J.B. Bickerstaff before the 2024-25 season. In his first season, he led them to an astounding 30-win improvement and a playoff spot. Though their playoff run was short-lived, losing in the first round to the Knicks in six games, a foundation of young talent had been built in the Motor City. Cade Cunningham has blossomed into a true superstar, leading the league with 9.6 assists per game to go along with scoring over 25 a night. 22 year old Jalen Duren has also broken out, being named a first-time All-Star this year in an increased role. In a conference where they hold firm control, it will be interesting to see if Detroit can make a deep run in this year’s playoffs.
Cooper Flagg: As Advertised
Coming into the season as the #1 overall pick, Cooper Flagg had many doubters wonder if the hype he received was warranted. The Maine native has silenced these critics on his way to a runaway Rookie of the Year campaign. In a year that is mirroring LeBron James’ rookie season, the Duke product broke one of the King’s records by becoming the youngest player ever to score 40 points in a game. With Kyrie Irving injured for the whole year and Anthony Davis now in Washington, Flagg has taken most of the responsibility for the Mavericks. The 6’ 9’’ forward has averaged 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. Despite Dallas being just 19-35, it is safe to say Flagg has exceeded all expectations that he received on draft night.
Lebron’s Final Season?
The 41-year-old has received much speculation over recent years on when he was going to call it quits on his legendary career. However, this year it feels as if these questions are even more relevant as James has yet to shut down these rumors. In his return to Cleveland in late January, the Akron native was seen with tears in his eyes after watching his tribute video. In the postgame, he stated ” … it could be [my last season]. I obviously haven’t made a decision on the future, but it very well could be.” The 23-year-veteran has scored at his lowest clip since his rookie year and will fail to be an All-Star starter for the first time since that aforementioned freshman campaign. Injuries have also cost James, as the 18 games he missed will prevent him from being an All-NBA selection due to not reaching the 65 games necessary to be eligible. In a career that has spanned over two decades including playing alongside his son, it will be an adjustment to not see the King on the court if he decides to retire.
The Cavaliers decided to make a splash at the trade deadline this year, shipping off fan-favorite Darius Garland with a second round pick to the Clippers in exchange for James Harden. The 2018 MVP, now on his sixth team, hasn’t seemed to show any signs of slowing down, still averaging 25.0 ppg and 8.2 assists per night. After coming off a 64-18 season and the one seed in the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers had struggled to play at the same level from last year. This paired with the fact that Garland had only played in 26 games all year formed the decision to go after the 11-time All-Star. Donovan Mitchell paired with Harden will change the dynamic of the team and possibly result in him having the ball in his hands significantly less. This move wasn’t all for Cleveland, as the acquisition of Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis from the Sacramento Kings coupled with the Harden deal made for quite a busy deadline. The Cavaliers hope these deals will help push them back into contention for their first Finals victory since 2016.
