Heading into the 2025-2026 NBA Playoffs, the Detroit Pistons are going to be the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Despite dealing with a major loss, as Cade Cunningham suffered a collapsed lung a few weeks back, the Pistons did more than just survive. Detroit thrived and continued winning at a high rate as they locked up the top seed.
Now, Cade Cunningham is back and ramping up for the playoffs.
While they are getting healthy at the right time, while holding the top seed, former NBA veteran Kendrick Perkins was asked about the Pistons’ true status as contenders in the East.
He believes they are a threat–but another team should be considered the top contender to compete for an NBA Championship.
Kendrick Perkins Favors The Celtics Over The Pistons
“I’ll say this: the Detroit Pistons are knocking at the door. They are a legit threat to come out of the Eastern Conference,” Perkins recently said on ESPN.
“It’s because of their young superstar, Cade Cunningham. To me, it’s a blessing in disguise that he was sidelined at this point of the season because it gave a chance for others to gain confidence. We saw them feature Jalen Duren more in the offense. … We’re never going to question the identity of the Detroit Pistons, because they are going to be a nasty defensive team always, even throughout the course of this postseason. But it’s going to come down to can they score enough points, and can the others make enough buckets to score outside of Cade to be able to create for themselves. Right now, they are trending in the right direction.”
The Pistons are entering their final two games, holding a record of 58-22. They are 7-3 over their last 10 games.
They know they are a major threat whenever Cunningham is on the court. The two-time All-Star is making a solid All-NBA case this year, and even teased a potential MVP run at a point during the season.
But Perkins saw a Cade-less Pistons team prove they could be just as dangerous. With confidence rising, the Pistons are hoping to put together a deep run.