The 2024 campaign was unforgettable for the Detroit Pistons. They finished with the worst record in the league and found themselves on the wrong side of a historically long losing streak. However, they managed to drastically change the trajectory of the franchise in the first quarter of this season.

In 26 games, the Pistons find themselves between a play-in spot and a 10-16 record. Several things can be attributed to their early success. Including changes at all levels of the organization. Trajan Langon brought in a new head coach that the team rallied behind, while also improving the supporting cast to better complement the team’s young core.

After practice on Saturday, Cade Cunningham was asked how things are different for the Pistons this year compared to last season. The Pistons star said there’s a very different energy within the group and that keeps him within touching distance of his goals.

“I feel very different,” Cunningham said. “There’s a lot of energy in the gym right now. We’re working on a lot of things, but we have all these goals within our reach. Day in and day out, we’re trying to work, trying to improve. We’ll see where It’s getting to us.”

Of all the catalysts for the Pistons’ success thus far, Cunningham’s play is at the top of the list. The former No. 1 pick is in the midst of an All-Star campaign, posting averages of 23.6 PPG, 7.3 RPG and 9.3 APG. Fresh off signing a five-year extension over the summer, Cunningham continues to emerge as a key franchise pillar for the long term.

Cunningham and the Pistons had an extended break to put their blowout loss to the Boston Celtics behind them. They will look to get things back on track Monday night when they take on the Miami Heat.