ESPN’s Top 100 NBA Players list is out, and three Detroit Pistons have earned spots — a promising sign for a franchise aiming to leap forward this season. Cade Cunningham’s No. 12 ranking firmly establishes him as one of the NBA’s brightest rising stars. Veteran Tobias Harris ranks No. 84, and fourth-year guard Jaden Ivey is No. 85 despite missing most of last season with an injury.
For a team looking to rejoin the Eastern Conference playoff conversation, having three players on the list speaks volumes about the Pistons’ evolving core. Cunningham’s top-15 placement reflects growing league-wide respect for his all-around game and leadership potential. Harris adds proven stability, while Ivey’s inclusion underscores the impression he made before his setback.
Of course, every list sparks debate — and this one is no exception. While it’s encouraging to see the Pistons represented, it also raises the question: who didn’t make the cut?
Pistons Shine in ESPN Top 100, But Who’s Missing?
ESPN Top 100 Pistons Snub: Jalen Duren
The most notable omission for Pistons fans is undoubtedly Jalen Duren. Critics may point to statistical declines — a drop in points, rebounds, and free-throw percentage compared to his rookie year — as justification for his absence from the list. Others argue that despite averaging 1.1 blocks per game, Duren hasn’t yet emerged as a true rim protector. Add in his occasional struggles with foul trouble, and it’s clear there’s still room for growth.
That said, at just 21 years old, Duren still has enormous upside. He made noticeable strides as a playmaker in the Pistons’ offense last season. Under new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s guidance, Duren was encouraged to take on a larger facilitating role — and he delivered. His improved passing and decision-making not only highlighted his basketball IQ but also hinted at a more dynamic offensive ceiling.
With a focused offseason spent expanding his shooting range and developing a more aggressive scoring mentality, Duren is poised to prove the doubters wrong — and make a strong case for a spot on next year’s ESPN Top 100 list for the Pistons.
Ausar Thompson
There’s no overstating the impact Ausar Thompson made upon his return to the Pistons’ lineup. He immediately gave the team an elite perimeter defender — someone you couldn’t afford to get casual with the ball around. Since the New Year, Thompson recorded 87 steals, second only to Dyson Daniels across the league during that span.
While his offensive game is still developing, Thompson consistently puts himself in the right spots to make a contribution. He also developed into a point-forward role, providing Cunningham with opportunities to play off the ball and attack as a scorer. His versatility and instincts hint at his potential to become an actual Swiss Army knife — and this season, he’ll have every chance to prove he is exactly that.
Some may point to his postseason series against Jalen Brunson as a knock against his defensive reputation — and to a degree, that’s fair. Brunson still averaged 31.5 points. But Thompson made him work for it: the All-Star guard shot just 43.6% from the field and 33.3% from three. For a second-year player facing challenging assignments, it was a valuable learning experience showcasing Thompson’s tenacity and growth.
Isaiah Stewart
Speaking of defense and impact, few absences were felt more in the postseason than that of Isaiah Stewart. He missed five of the Pistons’ six playoff games, and his absence was glaring. Without Stewart in the lineup, both Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson dominated the glass — a key factor in the series. His injury has left many Pistons fans wondering just how different things might’ve looked had he been available.
When it comes to rim protection, Stewart quietly ranked among the best in the league. Despite averaging just 20 minutes per game, he led the team with 1.4 blocks per contest. On a per-36-minute basis, that number jumps to 2.5 — an elite mark for any big. It’s easy to focus on Stewart’s physical style and label him as overly aggressive or even borderline dirty, but that undersells what he brings to the floor. His toughness, defensive instincts, and no-nonsense mentality are traits every NBA team craves.
The Last Word
The ESPN Top 100 list is just a snapshot — a moment in time — but for the Detroit Pistons, it’s a launching pad. With Cade Cunningham leading the charge and a core of hungry, rising talents like Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, and Isaiah Stewart ready to break through, this team isn’t just building for the future — they’re gearing up to make a statement.
Growth isn’t always linear, and recognition doesn’t always come overnight. But with every challenge faced and every setback overcome, the Pistons are proving that hard work, resilience, and belief in their collective potential can turn promise into power. This season, expect Detroit not just to compete, but to surprise. Because when determination meets talent, the possibilities are limitless — and the best is yet to come.
© Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
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