DETROIT – Despite a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals, Detroit Pistons President Trajan Langdon made one thing clear: the franchise believes its rapid rise is only the beginning.
Langdon praised the Pistons’ growth from a rebuilding team into the top seed in the Eastern Conference, calling the season a major success despite the disappointing finish.
“Fourteen to 44 to 60 is an incredible accomplishment in two seasons,” Langdon said, referencing Detroit’s dramatic turnaround from 14 wins two years ago to 60 victories and first place in the East this season.
Growing pains of a contender
The Pistons pushed Cleveland to seven games before being eliminated, capping off the franchise’s deepest playoff run in years.
Langdon said the experience exposed the young roster to the pressures of being a contender.
“We went from hunting teams to being the hunted in one season,” Langdon said. “You don’t learn that until you go through it.”
Langdon credited coach J.B. Bickerstaff and his staff for building a culture that helped the team develop throughout the season.
He also highlighted the performances of Detroit’s young core, including All-Star center Jalen Duren and defensive standout Ausar Thompson.
“Ausar had the defensive year that he had, being on that first team,” Langdon said. “J.B., having the year he had and the coach of the year votes he got, was tremendous.”
The Pistons entered the postseason as one of the NBA’s youngest No. 1 seeds ever, according to Langdon, and he emphasized that playoff growing pains were expected.
“There’s very rarely growth without pain,” Langdon said. “That last game will sting for some time, but I think our guys are going to use it.”
Offseason priorities: Duren extension, roster depth
Detroit won seven playoff games after winning just 14 regular-season games two seasons earlier.
Langdon said the organization plans to carefully evaluate the roster this offseason, but stressed the front office will not overreact to one playoff series.
“We’ll take a holistic view of the roster,” Landgon said. “We’re still super young. All of our guys are going to get better.”
One major offseason priority will be a contract extension for Duren, who emerged as one of the team’s key contributors during the regular season.
“JD had a fantastic season,” Langdon said. “We look forward to coming together with his representation, getting a deal done, and for him to continue to be a Piston.”
Langdon acknowledged that Duren struggled offensively at times during the playoffs as opposing defenses focused on limiting his opportunities near the basket.
“Sometimes that happens with young players in the league,” Langdon said. “But he battled.”
The Pistons are also expected to explore ways to improve their perimeter creation and outside shooting.
“The more ball handling you can have on the floor, the better,” Langdon said. “And spreading the floor and shooting helps.”
Harris, Cunningham praised amid uncertain offseason
Langdon praised veteran forward Tobias Harris for his leadership and professionalism, saying the organization hopes to keep him in Detroit.
“He’s been huge for establishing the environment that we have,” Langdon said. “He’s somebody that we want to keep in a Pistons uniform.”
Langdon also defended star guard Cade Cunningham, who battled through serious injuries during the postseason after suffering a collapsed lung and fractured ribs late in the regular season.
“I thought Cade was an absolute warrior,” Langdon said. “For him to get back and play at the level he did, it’s not easy.”
Eyes on the future
While Langdon acknowledged the Eastern Conference could become more competitive next season as injured stars across the league return, he said Detroit remains focused on sustainable growth rather than making reckless moves.
“We didn’t think these questions about being a championship contender would come this fast,” Langdon said. “But here we are.”
The Pistons now enter a critical offseason with salary flexibility, draft assets, and a rapidly improving young core, a position Langdon said should excite the organization moving forward.
“We’re not going to rest on our laurels,” Langdon said. “We’re going to continue to work and figure out how we can get better.”