Hunter Patterson

Jaden Ivey, Mike Conley traded to Bulls in 3-team deal with Pistons, Wolves: Sources The Pistons receive Kevin Huerter in the deal, while Minnesota sends a 2026 first-round pick swap to Detroit to create more flexibility.

Here’s more on the Pistons’ three-team deal that will send Jaden Ivey to the Bulls in return for Kevin Huerter, Dario Šarić and a 2026 first-round pick swap from the Wolves:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...

What I’m hearing about the Detroit Pistons at the NBA trade deadline Will Detroit make a big move to go for a shot at the title this year or see what this young group can do in the playoffs?

Here’s the latest on what I’m hearing about the Pistons’ trade deadline approach:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...

Jalen Duren film study: Pistons center breaks down plays in his own words Pistons center Jalen Duren sits down with Hunter Patterson to analyze film and explain his thought process.

Jalen Duren will join Cade Cunningham in LA as he makes his first All-Star appearance.

Here’s my film study with JD that breaks down his fourth-year leap with the Pistons:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...

Cade Cunningham’s growth has earned him respect from some of the NBA’s best defenders “He’s awesome,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said of Cunningham ahead of Friday's Pistons win. “He reminds me of Luka (Dončić), James Harden."

The game plan to stop Cade Cunningham continues to evolve as he ascends.

I spoke with Dillon Brooks and Draymond Green about how teams try slowing him down.

“To watch someone take that next step and continue to build and grow, I respect that a lot.”

www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...

Pistons’ center Jalen Duren breaks down plays in his own words: Film study Pistons center Jalen Duren sits down with Hunter Patterson to analyze film and explain his thought process.

Caught up with Jalen Duren for an exclusive film study on his fourth-year leap with the Pistons.

We broke down his thought process on a handful of actions that highlight his growth:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...

Pistons overwhelm Nuggets with defensive depth: ‘We’re a nightmare for teams’ Detroit's assembly line of defenders allows it to overcome a bad shooting night like Tuesday's 6 of 31 performance behind the arc.

The Pistons’ defensive depth and versatility were on full display in last night’s win.

“We’re a nightmare for teams.”

Here’s more on their scheme against Jamal Murray and Peyton Watson, and how it made up for another rough outing from distance:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...

Secret to Isaiah Stewart’s shot-blocking prowess? ‘You can’t be scared to get punched’ "I truly believe I am the best defender in the league," says the Pistons' Stewart.

What makes Isaiah Stewart such an elite rim protector for the Pistons? Timing, film study and not being “scared to get punched.”

An exclusive on the art of shot blocking, his desire to win Defensive Player of the Year and more:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...

Pistons’ J.B. Bickerstaff named a coach for 2026 NBA All-Star Game Bickerstaff becomes the first Detroit All-Star head coach since the late Flip Saunders, who coached during the 2006 All-Star game.

J.B. Bickerstaff has returned the Pistons to relevance since taking over last season. Now he’s being rewarded as an All-Star coach:

"He's a dawg, too. ... Having him, with his system, it fits Detroit basketball perfectly."

www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...

Pistons’ need for a second scorer alongside Cade Cunningham is evident in loss to Rockets The loss to the Rockets illustrated just how much the Pistons need a player other than Cunningham who can produce a steady 20 points.

Last night’s Pistons loss exemplified their need for additional support offensively.

Here’s more on the Rockets’ coverages on Cade Cunningham, how Detroit plans to alleviate the pressure teams are applying and why another scorer may be necessary:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...

How Cade Cunningham, Isaiah Stewart found motivation in a field trip to Boston "We learned a lot from it," Cade Cunningham says of his 2022 trip to the Eastern Conference finals to watch the Celtics beat the Heat.

Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart sat on TD Garden’s baseline for Game 4 of the 2022 ECF.

I caught up with Cade and Stew for an exclusive on how that night contributed to the Pistons’ current success, as they now sit atop the East.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...

Cade Cunningham’s high school experiences forged him into Pistons’ leader "Just trying to connect with people, I think I've always had that in me, but it started in high school," says Cade Cunningham.

Last month I went to Bowie High School to better understand what makes Cade Cunningham the leader he is for the Pistons today.

I spoke exclusively with Cade & those who watched him grow from a freshman into Detroit’s first All-Star starter since 2009:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...

Pistons’ fourth-quarter defense comes through again in Detroit: ‘That’s who we are’ "I thought in that second half, and in the fourth quarter in particular, we got stingy," says Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.

The Pistons have the NBA’s best fourth-quarter defense over their last six games.

It once again allowed them to overcome challenges offensively. Here’s how Detroit got ‘stingy’ down the stretch Thursday:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...

Pistons at NBA trade deadline: Evaluating potential moves and future projections Former NBA exec John Hollinger talks to Hunter Patterson about what the Pistons should do at the trade deadline.

Teamed up with @johnhollinger.bsky.social to discuss the Pistons’ trade deadline approach and how it could affect their offseason plans.

We got into Jaden Ivey’s future, Tobias Harris’ value, Daniss Jenkins’ contract and more:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...

Who can the Pistons target with their trade exception? The Pistons have roughly $14.2 million to spend in TPE. Which players might fit the bill?

The trade deadline is just a few weeks away.

Here’s more on the Pistons’ TPE, plus a handful of players they could look to target with it:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...

Pistons send message to Knicks and the NBA: They’re the team to beat in the East Despite missing two starters, Detroit blew out New York on Monday on the second night of a back-to-back.

The Pistons made a proclamation with last night’s dominant win over the Knicks:

The East officially runs through Detroit.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...

Jalen Duren, Tobias Harris out vs. Cavaliers amid Pistons’ injury woes Their absences will temporarily thin the Pistons' frontcourt depth, which means more minutes for players like Isaiah Stewart and Paul Reed.

Here’s more on Duren, Harris and LeVert’s injuries and what they mean for the Pistons:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...

Pistons beat Lakers thanks to soccer, selflessness and Marcus Sasser Detroit took some time to decompress and then got an unexpected boost from a previously little-used role player, showing off its depth.

Marcus Sasser personifies the Pistons’ depth. Here’s more on his readiness, and how a game of soccer at UCLA contributed to it:

“That’s a hard job. To miss time, to not know when your name is going to be called.

“He’s weathered the storm.”

www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...

The Pistons still have a 3-point shooting problem, with no easy solutions While Detroit has been able to ride its defense to the top of the East, Sunday's loss showed the need to improve from long distance.

While Kawhi Leonard had his way with Detroit’s defense, last night’s loss highlighted another problem for the Pistons.

Here’s more on their lack of consistency from 3 and what it could mean moving forward:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...

Pistons keep taking care of business out West but are far from satisfied Detroit's turnaround began on last year's West Coast road trip. A win in Sacramento on Tuesday night kept the good times rolling.

This time last year, the Pistons’ West Coast trip laid the foundation for where they are today.

But being the No. 1 seed in the East isn’t enough.

“It was bound for us to be successful, but it’s still early. … I’m excited for what’s to come.”

www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...

Submit a question for our Detroit Pistons mailbag What's on your mind as the trade deadline looms and the Pistons work to sustain their start?

Holiday season means it’s mailbag season.

Tap in with Pistons questions in this thread or at the link below and I’ll get them answered.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...

Cade Cunningham’s high school experiences forged him into Pistons’ leader "Just trying to connect with people, I think I've always had that in me, but it started in high school," says Cade Cunningham.

Cade Cunningham’s time at Bowie High School forged him into the leader he is for the Pistons.

I caught up with Cade and a group of people closest to him from Bowie for an exclusive to better understand how Arlington shaped him:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...

Pistons’ focus is development, not big moves, at NBA trade deadline Of course things can change, but don't expect Detroit to be a big player at the trade deadline this season.

As the NBA’s trade season begins today, here’s what I’m hearing about the Pistons’ approach:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...

Pistons are cruising with a stellar offense, defense: ‘We’re here to win championships’ "I think we're the best team in the league, and we're going to continue to show it," Jalen Duren said after Friday's victory over the Hawks.

Last night’s win offered a glimpse of how dangerous Detroit can be with good health.

Even at 20-5 and first in the East, the Pistons have yet to reach their peak.

“I think we’re the best team in the league, and we’re going to continue to show it.”

www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...

Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren and the Roman holiday that’s fueling the Pistons The pair spent time together in Colorado and Dallas, too, but their Rome excursion was on another level.

The synergy between Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren is obvious this season. But their chemistry was developed off the court.

An exclusive on how two offseason trips strengthened their bond and pushed the Pistons to the top of the Eastern Conference:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...

Pistons, after tying franchise record with 13th straight win, want to be ‘greedier’ The Pistons have won 13 in a row twice before in franchise history. In both seasons, they won the NBA championship.

After tying the longest win streak in franchise history, the Pistons are far from content.

J.B. Bickerstaff wants Detroit “to be greedier” and never “feel full or satisfied.”

www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...

'Leastern' no more: What the first month has taught us about NBA's other conference

The East is ... Good? Roundtable with @hunterpatterson.bsky.social and @jxlorenzi.bsky.social

Jalen Duren is making an All-Star case as he powers Pistons to 10th straight win

Another night, another dominant outing from Jalen Duren and the Pistons. Detroit’s depth, defense, and Duren’s expanded offensive role extend the winning streak to 10 games.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...

Cade Cunningham becomes sixth active NBA player to get a Nike signature shoe Cunningham will join LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Devin Booker and Ja Morant as signature Nike athletes.

A dap between Cade Cunningham and Kevin Durant confirmed it: Cade’s signature Nikes are expected to drop in the spring of 2027.

“It’s a dream come true, bro.”

www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...

Pistons' 'nasty dogs' mentality extends win streak to 9 after beating 76ers

Six players sidelined? No problem for the Pistons’ “nasty dogs.” Detroit’s ninth consecutive win highlights its identity.

“They’ve just got a nastiness to them, and that’s the fun part. … We like to push people’s buttons and see how they respond.”

www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...

Pistons' 8 straight wins show 'what's brewing in that locker room is special'

The Pistons believe “what’s brewing in (their) locker room is special.” Here’s more on the brotherhood driving Detroit’s win streak.

“(Tonight) was a testament to how hard we play and how much we care for each other.”

www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...