The Detroit Pistons have been one of the biggest surprises of the 2024-25 season. After finishing last in the league with a 14-68 record last year, they have already surpassed that win total by nine games. The front office made a bold move, replacing Monty Williams with J.B. Bickerstaff. This coaching change has transformed the team, putting them in playoff contention. Currently sitting in eighth place, Detroit looks locked in for a playoff push. However, the Pistons chances of securing postseason basketball for the first time since 2018-19 would improve significantly with one key addition—Lonzo Ball .
Resurgent Lonzo Ball Could Ease Pistons’ Dependency on Cade Cunningham
Pistons’ Need for a Secondary Playmaker
The absence of Jaden Ivey has exposed Detroit’s lack of a secondary creator. With Ivey sidelined due to a broken fibula, the Pistons rely even more on Cade Cunningham for scoring and playmaking. This heavy dependency on Cunningham was evident in their recent 110-91 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where they posted a season-low in points.
“We miss (Ivey), there’s no doubt about it,” Bickerstaff said . “He’s extremely important to us, what we do, and how we got to where we are now.”
With the trade deadline approaching, Detroit’s front office must decide whether to address this issue. Acquiring Ball could be the perfect solution.
Lonzo Ball’s Road to Recovery
Ball’s injuries derailed what once looked like a promising career. He missed the entire 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons due to persistent knee problems. Many believed his NBA future was in jeopardy.
However, Ball made a surprising return during the 2024-25 preseason. After missing 1,006 days, he stepped onto the court and scored 10 points. The Bulls took a cautious approach, limiting his minutes to avoid overuse. Now, in January 2025, Ball has regained his rhythm. He recently started four consecutive games and dropped a season-high 18 points in a win over the Denver Nuggets.
His numbers—7.0 points, 3.5 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 20.8 minutes—may not be eye-popping, but they show his ability to contribute. More importantly, his defense, size, and high basketball IQ remain valuable assets.
Why Pistons Should Target Lonzo Ball
Detroit desperately needs another playmaker to support Cunningham. The stats highlight the imbalance:
- Cunningham averages 9.4 assists per game.
- Ivey was averaging 4.0 assists before his injury.
- The next highest contributors—Tobias Harris (2.4), Jalen Duren (2.2), and Marcus Sasser (2.1)—offer minimal playmaking.
Only Sasser is a true ball-handler among them, further exposing the need for another creator. Cunningham’s usage rate has soared to 35.3 % over the last 10 games, forcing him to carry an unsustainable load.
Ball’s ability to fit into any system makes him an ideal addition. His defensive versatility and high-IQ play would allow him to seamlessly pair with Cunningham in the backcourt. His presence would also ease Detroit’s heliocentric offense, preventing teams from loading up on Cunningham.
Low-Risk, High-Reward Move
Ball is playing on an expiring contract with a $21.39 million cap hit. The risk is minimal, especially if Chicago is willing to trade him for future assets or salary-matching deals. If he stays healthy, he provides a much-needed playmaking boost. If his injuries resurface, the Pistons can move on without long-term financial consequences.
Detroit has exceeded expectations this season. However, making the playoffs requires strategic moves. Trading for Ball would strengthen their rotation, lessen Cunningham’s workload, and give them a real shot at securing a postseason berth.
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