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Hunter Patterson

@hunterpatterson.bsky.social
908 followers 22 following 140 posts

Covering the Detroit Pistons for The Athletic.

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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 7h
The weight clause in the Pistons’ five-year, $200 million offer to Jalen Duren has been removed, league sources tell me and @samamick.bsky.social: www.nytimes.com/athletic/764...
nytimes.com
Pistons remove weight clause from $200 million offer to Jalen Duren (Gift Article)
Duren has until 11:59 p.m. ET Thursday to decide between this offer and a one-year qualifying offer to reach unrestricted free agency.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 12h
Jalen Duren has until tomorrow to either accept the Pistons’ $9.6 million qualifying offer or their five-year, $200 million deal. Here’s context on Duren’s options ahead, Detroit’s ability to extend the deadline and more: www.nytimes.com/athletic/764...
nytimes.com
Jalen Duren, Pistons face a contract deadline. Will a deal get made?
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Jalen Duren is expected to miss Pistons media day as negotiations continue to stall, league sources tell @theathletic.com, with @samamick.bsky.social: www.nytimes.com/athletic/763...
nytimes.com
Jalen Duren expected to miss Pistons media day amid contract dispute: Sources (Gift Article)
If Duren follows through on his no-show plans on media day, it would be an indication that he'll likely miss the beginning of training camp.
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Reposted by Hunter Patterson
Mike Prada @mikepradanba.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
This was really interesting reporting by @hunterpatterson.bsky.social and @samamick.bsky.social on the Jalen Duren weight clause revelation. I admit: It never occurred to me that the Pistons might have concerns about Duren's weight. www.nytimes.com/athletic/762...
nytimes.com
Jalen Duren’s rare weight clause in Pistons’ latest contract offer, explained (Gift Article)
Weight clauses are not extremely common in the NBA, though certainly not unheard of, and sometimes resemble incentives.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Here’s context on the weight clause in the Pistons’ offer to Jalen Duren, with @samamick.bsky.social. Details on when Detroit initially wanted Duren to lose weight, monthly weigh-ins and more: www.nytimes.com/athletic/762...
nytimes.com
A weight clause is adding another twist to Jalen Duren's $200 million Pistons standoff
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
An update on where things stand with Jalen Duren’s contract negotiations with the Pistons, with @samamick.bsky.social. The latest on Detroit’s most recent offer, new suitors emerging, the possibility of Duren accepting the qualifying offer and more: www.nytimes.com/athletic/761...
nytimes.com
Is Jalen Duren closer to being a $200 million player? What we're hearing on talks with Pistons
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Michael Blackstone was living with stage 4 lung cancer before even accepting his role as the Pistons’ EVP of basketball operations. Three years after his diagnosis, Blackstone’s “drive” is to help as many people as he can: www.nytimes.com/athletic/760...
nytimes.com
Pistons’ Michael Blackstone details cancer fight, his ‘drive’ to help others (Gift Article)
"My goal for finally bringing this to light … is to help as many people as I possibly can," the Pistons' VP of basketball operations said.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Here’s more on Ausar Thompson’s new $155 million deal and what it could mean for Jalen Duren’s contract stalemate with the Pistons: www.nytimes.com/athletic/760...
nytimes.com
Ausar Thompson, Pistons agree to 5-year contract extension: Source
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
The Pistons survey results are in. Tap in to see how the fanbase feels about Detroit’s title chances, who they think the second-most valuable Piston is and much more: www.nytimes.com/athletic/757...
nytimes.com
Pistons fan survey: Did Detroit do enough this offseason to compete for a title? (Gift Article)
We surveyed hundreds of Pistons fans about a variety of topics. The results are in.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Here’s the latest on what @samamick.bsky.social and I are hearing about Jalen Duren and the Pistons. From Detroit’s most recent offer to at least one team that would be a suitor if Duren takes the $9.6 million qualifying offer and much more: www.nytimes.com/athletic/758...
nytimes.com
What we’re hearing on Jalen Duren and his stalemate with the Pistons (Gift Article)
For the 22-year-old Duren, the choice to force his way into unrestricted free agency next summer could make for a risky business decision.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
What’s the next step for Cade Cunningham coming off an All-NBA First Team selection? Here’s more on how the Pistons can benefit from using Cunningham as an off-ball scorer: www.nytimes.com/athletic/755...
nytimes.com
How Pistons can unlock Cade Cunningham’s off-ball looks for more offense (Gift Article)
Cade Cunningham can continue to grow this season and his work off the ball could help.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
With almost a month until preseason, here’s a Pistons fan survey to voice your opinions. What does success look like next season? Are they contenders? Who is Detroit’s biggest competition in the Eastern Conference? www.nytimes.com/athletic/754...
nytimes.com
Pistons fan survey: Can J.B. Bickerstaff lead Detroit to a title? Jalen Duren’s salary? (Gift Article)
Do the Detroit Pistons have what it takes to become NBA champions? Have your say.
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Reposted by Hunter Patterson
John Hollinger @johnhollinger.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Joined forces with our @hunterpatterson.bsky.social to talk about Jalen Duren's situation in Detroit. www.nytimes.com/athletic/752...
nytimes.com
Why Jalen Duren’s contract talks with the Detroit Pistons have dragged on
Former Grizzlies exec John Hollinger discusses the standoff between Jalen Duren and the Pistons.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
To better understand the Jalen Duren-Pistons stalemate, I turned to @johnhollinger.bsky.social, former Grizzlies VP of basketball ops. We discussed the most likely outcome, nuances of the negotiation, how Duren’s situation could affect Ausar Thompson and more: www.nytimes.com/athletic/752...
nytimes.com
Why Jalen Duren’s contract talks with the Detroit Pistons have dragged on (Gift Article)
Former Grizzlies exec John Hollinger discusses the standoff between Jalen Duren and the Pistons.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Where do the Pistons stack up in a revamped Eastern Conference? Internal development will likely determine Detroit’s ceiling: www.nytimes.com/athletic/747...
nytimes.com
How do the Pistons stack up against LeBron, Giannis and a new-look Eastern Conference? (Gift Article)
The NBA's power balance may have shifted, but that doesn't mean last year's No. 1 seed can't be competitive.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Have the Pistons improved this summer as they look to build on their 60-win season? Here’s my outlook on Detroit’s offseason moves so far with depth chart projections: www.nytimes.com/athletic/746...
nytimes.com
The Pistons stuck to their offseason plan. Now comes the hard part with Jalen Duren (Gift Article)
With Jalen Duren's ongoing contract negotiations, what is the outlook on Detroit's offseason?
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
What’s the latest on Jalen Duren’s contract negotiations? What led to the Isaiah Stewart trade? Are the Pistons done making moves? After nearly a week in Vegas for summer league, here’s what I’m hearing about Detroit: www.nytimes.com/athletic/744...
nytimes.com
Jalen Duren’s contract talks with Pistons, big swings and more: What I’m hearing (Gift Article)
Here's the latest on the Pistons from NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
I sat down with Pistons rookie Ebuka Okorie for an exclusive on how he can help Cade Cunningham, his relationship with Trajan Langdon, his basketball superpower and more: “He’s got some things you can’t teach.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/743...
nytimes.com
Pistons traded up for Ebuka Okorie. Why they believe he's a draft-day steal
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
What’s next for Jalen Duren and the Pistons after contract negotiations have stalled? It makes most sense to come to an agreement sooner than later. Here’s more on why a reunion would benefit both Duren and Detroit: www.nytimes.com/athletic/742...
nytimes.com
Where does Jalen Duren go from here with Pistons in restricted free agency?
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Here’s more on the Pistons agreeing to trade Caris LeVert and two 2027 second-round picks for Taurean Prince and Gary Harris: www.nytimes.com/athletic/742...
nytimes.com
Pistons trade Caris LeVert to Bucks for Taurean Prince and Gary Harris: Sources
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Can confirm, per a league source, the Pistons are trading Caris LeVert and two second-round picks to the Bucks for Taurean Prince and Gary Harris. Detroit also creates a $15 million trade exception.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Here’s more on the Pistons and Javonte Green agreeing to a one-year reunion: www.nytimes.com/athletic/liv...
nytimes.com
Pistons bringing back Javonte Green: Source
The Detroit Pistons and Javonte Green have agreed to a one-year, $3.95 million contract for the forward to return to the Pistons, a league source confirmed to The Athletic on Friday.Detroit signs Gree...
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Can confirm, per a league source, Javonte Green and the Pistons have agreed to a one-year, $3.95 million deal that’ll bring him back to Detroit.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Initial thoughts on John Collins agreeing to sign with the Pistons and how he can help Detroit: www.nytimes.com/athletic/liv...
nytimes.com
John Collins gives Pistons a lob threat, 3-point shooting
The move for John Collins was a three-fold win for the Detroit Pistons. Signing Collins to a contract worth roughly $17 million annually likely slots him in as the starting power forward. Though Colli...
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Can confirm, per a league source, the Pistons have agreed to a three-year, $51 million deal with John Collins. Only the first year is guaranteed. Collins shot a career-high 40.6% from 3-point range last season on 3.2 attempts per game.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Can confirm, per league sources, Kevin Huerter and the Pistons have agreed to a three-year, $27 million deal with a team option on the third year.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Here’s more on the Pistons agreeing to trade for Isaiah Joe and how Detroit can bring him in on a trade exception, with @johnhollinger.bsky.social: www.nytimes.com/athletic/739...
nytimes.com
Pistons acquire Isaiah Joe in trade with Thunder: Source (Gift Article)
The sharpshooting guard, who hit 42 percent of his 3s last season, will give the Pistons a much-needed perimeter threat.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Here’s more on the Pistons agreeing to trade Isaiah Stewart, what they got back, what this means for Paul Reed and what could be next: www.nytimes.com/athletic/739...
nytimes.com
Pistons trade Isaiah Stewart to Grizzlies for second-round picks: Source (Gift Article)
The man known as "Beef Stew" will now beef up Memphis' frontcourt.
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Reposted by Hunter Patterson
The Athletic @theathletic.com · 25/06/2026
The Pistons have traded Isaiah Stewart to the Grizzlies in exchange for three future second-round picks, a league source confirmed to @hunterpatterson.bsky.social. The man known as "Beef Stew" will now beef up Memphis' frontcourt. Read for free: nyti.ms/4w69UT7
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
The Pistons wanted Ebuka Okorie enough to trade up four spots to select him Tuesday. Trajan Langdon describes Okorie as “a winner” and sees him becoming “a weapon that can get paint touches at will” with Detroit: www.nytimes.com/athletic/738...
nytimes.com
Pistons trade up for Ebuka Okorie at No. 17: ‘He’s a winner’ (Gift Article)
"I'm not going to take this for granted, and I'm just going to keep working every day," Okorie said after being drafted.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Here’s more from Trajan Langdon about the Pistons’ approach to the offseason. On Detroit’s draft priorities and plan to improve with free agency around the corner: www.nytimes.com/athletic/737...
nytimes.com
Pistons' talks with Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson 'haven't been' progressing just yet
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
With the draft less than two weeks away, here are five prospects the Pistons could target at No. 21: www.nytimes.com/athletic/734...
nytimes.com
Five prospects to consider when the Pistons draft with the No. 21 pick (Gift Article)
There are several players in the draft who fit what Pistons GM Trajan Langdon is looking for at the NBA Draft.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
The Pistons hosted Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie for a pre-draft workout earlier today.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
How much could Jalen Duren earn in restricted free agency? Who are potential trade targets? Will Detroit operate over the cap? I break down those questions and others in my first Pistons mailbag of the offseason: www.nytimes.com/athletic/732...
nytimes.com
Jalen Duren’s restricted free-agency questions, trade targets and more (Gift Article)
Is it time for Detroit’s front office to make a big-swing trade after its 60-win season?
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
It’s offseason mailbag time. Tap in with Pistons questions here or at the link below: www.nytimes.com/athletic/730...
nytimes.com
Submit a question for Hunter Patterson’s offseason Pistons mailbag
<p>The Pistons are entering a pivotal offseason with major decisions to make. Jalen Duren will enter restricted free agency, Ausar Thompson is extension eligible and Detroit has the No. 21 pick in the...
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Ausar Thompson when I asked if he thought he was one of the best defenders in the league: “One thousand percent. I think I’m the best.” Now he’s the first Piston to make All-Defensive First Team since Ben Wallace in 2006. www.nytimes.com/athletic/707...
nytimes.com
Ausar Thompson is the Pistons’ floor-raising, defensive dynamo (Gift Article)
Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren are Detroit's two best players. But Thompson showed against the Thunder why he's the biggest X-factor.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
More from Trajan Langdon’s availability earlier. On the plan for Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren, the Pistons’ offseason outlook and other key points entering a pivotal summer: “We’re not going to rest on our laurels.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/729...
nytimes.com
GM Trajan Langdon lays out Pistons’ offseason vision: ‘We’re not going to rest’ (Gift Article)
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
The Pistons’ season of strides ends with quite the Game 7 stumble. More on how Detroit got here and what to expect in the offseason: www.nytimes.com/athletic/724...
nytimes.com
A season of strides and stumbles ends for the Detroit Pistons in humbling fashion (Gift Article)
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
Paul Reed and Jalen Duren have been close since last season. But this playoff run has strengthened the bond they share. On their connection and how it helped push the Pistons to another Game 7: “I don’t think anybody in here is as happy for JD as I am.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/728...
nytimes.com
Pistons’ Jalen Duren, Paul Reed flex their strength to force Game 7 against Cavs (Gift Article)
Duren, who has struggled throughout most of the postseason, had his best game of the Eastern semis when the Pistons needed it most.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
The Pistons’ lack of offensive firepower was obvious during their Game 5 collapse. Cade Cunningham leads the playoffs in total points, assists and minutes, but Detroit is once again on the brink of elimination. Someone else has to step up: www.nytimes.com/athletic/727...
nytimes.com
Pistons' season will end in frustration if Cade Cunningham doesn't get help ASAP
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Caught up with Gmac Cash about his Pistons anthem, why he feels it’s a responsibility to represent Detroit in a positive light and more: “I’ll never take it for granted, man.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/723...
nytimes.com
The story behind Gmac ‘Pistons Won Again,’ now an NBA playoff anthem (Gift Article)
"I'll never take it for granted," said Gerald Allen, better known as Gmac Cash. "It's a blessing, man."
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
On the Pistons unraveling in Game 4 and their need to be better in third quarters this series: “They came out and played with more force and tenacity than we did. … We just didn’t match it.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/727...
nytimes.com
Donovan Mitchell’s offensive explosion put the Pistons’ weaknesses on display (Gift Article)
Mitchell tied a record with 39 of his 43 points in the second half as Detroit succumbed to a series of turnovers and a stagnant offense.
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Reposted by Hunter Patterson
The Athletic @theathletic.com · 10/05/2026
Cade Cunningham is a bonafide superstar, but he’s had a glaring weakness in these playoffs: turnovers. He’s tied Latrell Sprewell’s record for the most TO through 10 playoff games in NBA history. www.nytimes.com/athletic/726...
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Tobias Harris wanted to compete for a championship when he returned to Detroit. His leadership on and off the court has molded the Pistons into a serious contender: “I know I have peace within with what I’m doing. … That allows me to just go have fun.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/726...
nytimes.com
Tobias Harris is more than just 'Unc' to these Pistons. He's balling too
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Jalen Duren is the X-factor the Pistons need to reach the ECF. He’s owning that responsibility: “I’m real with myself. I don’t like to be delusional. … In the first round, there were games where I was like, ‘Come on, bro. You’re better than this.’” www.nytimes.com/athletic/725...
nytimes.com
Jalen Duren gets back to doing what he does best for the Pistons in Game 1
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Initial takeaways on the Pistons’ Game 1 win over the Cavs. With @joevardon.bsky.social: www.nytimes.com/athletic/725...
nytimes.com
Pistons outmuscle Cavaliers, score 31 points off of turnovers in Game 1 win (Gift Article)
The Pistons beat the Cavs with fundamentals: they forced turnovers, grabbed offensive boards and made it to the free throw line.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
What makes J.B. Bickerstaff most effective as the Pistons’ leader is his understanding of people. “He’s super supportive of all of us outside of basketball. Everybody feels like they can call him.” An exclusive on his role in Detroit’s turnaround: www.nytimes.com/athletic/722...
nytimes.com
How Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff transformed the NBA’s worst team into winners (Gift Article)
Bickerstaff learned from his father, from years as an assistant and from failure. His goal? To make his players feel "invincible."
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Here’s more on J.B. Bickerstaff’s extension and how he won over the Pistons’ locker room. Tobias Harris to @theathletic.com on Bickerstaff: “(He’s been) able to feed off the guys and make everyone feel important in this environment.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/725...
nytimes.com
Detroit Pistons, coach J.B. Bickerstaff agree to contract extension (Gift Article)
The announcement came the day after Detroit won its first playoff series since 2008.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Peaking at the perfect time has been the Pistons’ goal since the start of the season. Detroit is right on schedule after its 3-1 comeback: “To do what we did this series only made us better for the next one. … It was great for our guys.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/725...
nytimes.com
Pistons showed grit in series comeback. Did they unlock a new level for the future? (Gift Article)
The Pistons dug themselves out of a 3-1 hole against the Orlando Magic and seem to be peaking at the right time.
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Hunter Patterson @hunterpatterson.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
The Pistons’ second-round matchup with the Cavaliers is set. I’m taking Detroit in 7. Here’s why: www.nytimes.com/athletic/724...
nytimes.com
Cavaliers-Pistons preview: Can Cleveland’s stars overcome Detroit’s momentum? (Gift Article)
It took both the Cavs and the Pistons seven games to get out of the first round. Our experts on what we learned and what's next.
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