The 2025 NBA Playoffs have been a revealing crucible for the Detroit Pistons . For the team’s young core, it offered lessons in intensity, resilience, and execution under pressure. For the front office, it provided a more precise blueprint for reshaping future roster-building and long-term success strategies.
On Wednesday night, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94, clinching the series 4-1 and securing their first trip to the NBA Finals since 2012. In studying how the Thunder build their roster, the Pistons may find a strategy worth emulating.
How the Pistons Can Follow Thunder’s Team-Building Blueprint
Pistons Must Build Around Cade Like Thunder Did With SGA
The paths to superstardom may differ, but the principle remains the same: build around your best player. When the Thunder acquired Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Los Angeles Clippers, they made a long-term commitment. Despite some losing seasons in his tenure, the Thunder stayed patient, developing talent and shaping a roster that maximized SGA’s unique skill set. That belief in their star now has them on the brink of a championship.
The Pistons need to adopt a similar mindset with Cade Cunningham . When the front office surrounded him with improved talent, his playmaking and star potential became clear . His continued growth is expected, but reaching his ceiling depends on the Pistons’ willingness to construct a team that complements him, prioritizing shooting, defensive versatility, and high-IQ players who enhance his game.
Pistons Must Keep Building With Their Young Core Like the Thunder
Beyond the rise of SGA into MVP territory, the Thunder’s success has hinged on their ability to draft well and develop talent. The emergence of players like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams —both selected in the 2022 draft—underscores the importance of patience and internal growth. Rather than rushing the process, the Thunder allowed its young players to find their roles and flourish.
The Pistons must take a similar approach, even amid uncertainty surrounding parts of their core. Jaden Ivey enters the offseason with questions about his long-term fit, but his pre-injury strides showed real promise. Jalen Duren continues to impress as a physical presence in the paint, though some still debate whether he’s a franchise cornerstone at center. Meanwhile, players like Ausar Thompson , Ron Holland , and Isaiah Stewart need time and opportunity to evolve within the Pistons’ identity.
Don’t Swing For The Fences
For years, the Thunder had the assets to chase a superstar, but they stayed patient. Rather than making a blockbuster move, they focused on acquiring players who complemented their identity and addressed specific needs. Last offseason, the Thunder acquired Alex Caruso —a tough, defensive-minded guard as well as Isaiah Hartenstein , a reliable big who brought rebounding and rim protection. Neither move made major headlines, but both improved the team.
The Pistons should take the same approach. Though linked to several superstar trade rumors this offseason, the Pistons’ priority shouldn’t be a home-run swing—it should be building a functional, balanced roster. Last summer, the front office added Malik Beasley , Tim Hardaway Jr. , and Tobias Harris to bring shooting and veteran presence. They also brought in Dennis Schröder to stabilize the backcourt and provide secondary playmaking. This offseason, the goal is to add smart role players who uplift the team and support development.
The Last Word
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s path to the NBA Finals didn’t hinge on shortcuts or splashy moves—it was built through patience, development, and intelligent decision-making. They built a sustainable, cohesive team by backing their star, developing young talent, and making smart roster moves.
The Detroit Pistons are in a position to do the same. With Cade Cunningham at the center, a promising group of young players, and a front office equipped with flexibility, the Pistons don’t need a dramatic overhaul—they need direction. Prioritize fit over flash. Develop from within. Stay the course. If the Pistons stay patient and focused, the blueprint exists, and success could come sooner than anyone expects.
Photo credit: © Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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