60 wins! Matching Thunder and Spurs! Already nurturing the next Dwight Howard

23-24 season: 14 wins, 68 losses; 24-25 season: 44 wins, 38 losses; 25-26 season: 60 wins, 22 losses.

The rise of Motor City is astonishing, the biggest dark horse team in the NBA Eastern Conference in recent years, without a doubt.

Yes, this season the Pistons achieved 60 wins, becoming the third team in the league with 60 wins, alongside the Thunder (64-18) and the Spurs (62-20). This is also the third time in franchise history with a 60-win season, the previous two being the 05-06 season (64 wins) and the 88-89 season (63 wins).

Thanks to their outstanding regular-season record, the Pistons surpassed the Celtics to enter the playoffs as the Eastern Conference's top seed, though their opponent is yet to be determined, with possibilities including Philadelphia, Orlando, Charlotte, or Miami.

Unfortunately, Pistons star Cade Cunningham missed eligibility for major regular-season awards due to a collapsed lung (pneumothorax), playing only 64 games (one short of the requirement). He averaged 23.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 9.9 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, with shooting percentages of 46.1%, 34.2%, and 81.2%. At 24, he has become one of the league's best primary ball-handling stars.

It is reported that Cunningham's team is petitioning the NBA to grant an exception, allowing him to participate in MVP and All-NBA Team selections among other major awards.

The Pistons' current success is not only due to Cunningham; interior core Jalen Duren also played a crucial role. This season was his contract year, playing 70 regular-season games, averaging 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2 assists in just 28.2 minutes per game, with a 65% shooting percentage.

Recently, noted reporter Sidery revealed:The Pistons are expected to offer Duren a more lucrative contract than Alperen Şengün's, potentially exceeding $200 million total, with an average annual salary above $40 millionIn 2024, Şengün agreed to a five-year, $185 million extension with the Rockets.

Duren, only 22 years old, is a 6'10" center with a 7'5" wingspan, nicknamed "Little Beast," and considered the next Dwight Howard. Without doubt, the Pistons will show maximum sincerity to retain him this summer offseason.