Detroit Pistons Shine as Three Players Named Finalists for NBA Regular-Season Awards

The NBA announced its top three finalists for each regular-season award on Sunday, and the Detroit Pistons made a notable impression with three of their players earning recognition across key categories. This marks a significant milestone for the franchise, highlighting the impact of its young core and renewed competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.

According to the NBA’s official announcement, the Pistons’ finalists include:

• Cade Cunningham – Finalist for Most Improved Player (MIP)
• Jalen Duren – Finalist for Most Improved Player (MIP)
• Ausar Thompson – Finalist for Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY)

This recognition underscores the Pistons’ rapid development under head coach Monty Williams and signals a promising trajectory for a team in the midst of a rebuild.

Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren: Most Improved Player Contenders

Both Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren are in the running for the Most Improved Player award, a testament to their individual growth during the 2023-24 NBA season.

Cunningham, the Pistons’ All-Star point guard, averaged 22.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game while shooting 46.1% from the field and 36.8% from three-point range, according to NBA.com/stats. His improved decision-making, leadership, and efficiency helped Detroit remain competitive despite injuries to key teammates.

Meanwhile, second-year center Jalen Duren emerged as a force in the paint, posting 13.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game — numbers that placed him among the league’s top rebounders and interior defenders. His Basketball-Reference profile shows a significant leap in defensive rating and offensive efficiency compared to his rookie season.

The MIP award often goes to players who make substantial statistical and impact jumps, and both Cunningham and Duren fit that criterion — making the Pistons the only team with two finalists in this category.

Ausar Thompson: Defensive Player of the Year Nominee

Ausar Thompson’s inclusion as a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year is perhaps the most surprising — and impressive — of the three honors.

The 2023 fifth-overall pick evolved into one of the NBA’s most versatile perimeter defenders, averaging 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks per game while guarding multiple positions. His ability to disrupt passing lanes, rotate effectively, and contest shots without fouling earned him praise from coaches and analysts alike.

According to NBA defensive rankings, the Pistons allowed just 112.4 points per 100 possessions when Thompson was on the floor — a top-10 mark in the league — highlighting his defensive value.

Thompson’s combination of length, athleticism, and defensive IQ has drawn comparisons to elite wing stoppers, and his DPOY finalist status confirms he’s already among the league’s best on that end of the floor.

What This Means for the Detroit Pistons

Having three award finalists is a rare achievement for any NBA team, especially one in the early stages of a rebuild. For the Pistons, it validates the progress made since the front office began prioritizing player development, culture, and defensive identity under Monty Williams.

While the Pistons finished the 2023-24 season with a 28-54 record, per Basketball-Reference, the individual growth of Cunningham, Duren, and Thompson suggests the foundation is being laid for future success.

Their recognition likewise increases the franchise’s visibility, potentially aiding in future free-agent recruitment and reinforcing confidence in the organization’s direction.

Looking Ahead

As the NBA prepares to announce the winners of its regular-season awards later this month, the Pistons’ trio of finalists stands as a symbol of promise. Whether or not they take home the hardware, their nominations reflect real, measurable improvement — and a brightening outlook for Detroit basketball.

For fans and analysts alike, the message is clear: the Pistons are no longer just rebuilding. They’re becoming.