1. Hire a Proven Front Office Leader: Consistent direction starts with smart, long-term basketball decisions. Ownership should ensure the GM or President has a modern vision and experience in building through the draft and smart trades.
2. Develop Young Talent Properly: Players like Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Jalen Duren have upside, but the team needs to invest in better player development—especially in shooting, decision-making, and defensive discipline.
3. Establish a Clear Offensive Identity: The Pistons have lacked a coherent system. They must decide on a style (e.g., pace-and-space, pick-and-roll heavy) and bring in a coaching staff that can implement and stick with it.
4. Add Veteran Leadership and Shooting: Young teams need veterans to guide them and shooters to space the floor. Signing or trading for 3&D wings and stabilizing locker room voices would help.
5. Make Smart Free Agent and Draft Moves: Don’t just chase big names—focus on fit and long-term value. Their high lottery picks must yield cornerstone players, and they need to hit on at least one mid-level or under-the-radar free agent.
6. Improve Defense: They’ve been one of the worst defensive teams in the league. That comes down to scheme, effort, and personnel. They need rim protectors, switchable defenders, and defensive accountability.
