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Ausar Thompson And Jalen Duren Have Cemented Themselves As Fixtures For The Detroit Pistons

Cade Cunningham is going to the All-Star game. That is not shocking, even given that Cunningham was the No. 1 overall draft pick. But one player does not make a team, which is why the development of both Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren has been so encouraging for the Detroit Pistons.

 

DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 7: Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 7, 2025 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)

Ausar Thompson, who has fit seamlessly on the wing for the Pistons this season is starting to flex some of the athleticism he was projected to have. Thompson has yet to play 30 minutes in a game yet his scoring is up, and his defense has improved as has what was considered to be a pre-draft weakness, improvising. 

Thompson is responsible for pacing the Pistons offensive attack and his scoring has added a dimension the offense had been missing. Thompson appears ready for more minutes which is a good thing.

DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 3: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons boxes out during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on February 3, 2025 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jalen Duren has seen his game develop as well. Better positioning has paved the way to more rebounds. To this point, Duren has over 14 double-doubles on the season. The reason this is critical to the success of the Detroit Pistons is because one knock on Duren coming out of Memphis was he was not always heavily involved in the offensive end.

The Detroit Pistons are developing into a team that is clearly on the rise in the Eastern Conference. They currently hold the sixth playoff spot. The team did not go all in or crazy at the trade deadline and that was a wise thought process.

Fans wanted the organization to make a splash, The President of Basketball Ops, Trajan Langdon needs to see what the young core can do. Be it getting to the playoffs, just missing the postseason, or collapsing altogether. Langdon will probably make a move or two this summer after he evaluates his young core’s performance for the remainder of the season.

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Cade Cunningham Is Not Only The Face Of The Detroit Pistons, But Detroit Sports

No matter the city or sports there is always a “face of.” Some markets have more than one professional team in those cities, so it is a bit more difficult to pick one player who represents the entire city. Such as the case in Detroit where there are four teams to choose from. The Detroit Red Wings have Dylan Larkin, the Tigers, have Tarik Skubal the Lions have Jared Goff and the Pistons have Cade Cunningham. So who is the face of Detroit sports? For me it is Cunningham.
DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 18: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons looks on before the game against the Phoenix Suns on January 18, 2025 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Nothing against the other athletes but Cade Cunningham wanted Detroit and Detroit wanted him. Cunningham wanted Detroit so that he could carve out his legacy which he is embracing. He is young and his numbers have gone up each season except the 2022-’23 season as he played in just 12 games before an injury and surgery knocked him out of commission.

Numbers aside, Cade Cunningham gets my nod as the face of Detroit sports because he has grown into the unquestioned leader of the Pistons. Yes, Cunningham has that dog in him but he is also drawing that out of his teammates.

This is the first season the Pistons organization has been around .500, and it is due in large part to Cade’s growth. What makes him a favorite around Detroit can be summed up by his own words: “The way the city carries itself, the grit, all that stuff, it hits home for me. It’s been a lot of tough times, and a lot of bad basketball. I want to be part of changing that.”

NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 13: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball during the game against the New York Knicks on January 13, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

A leader on and off the court at just 23 years old, Cade Cunningham, and a lot of that had to do with a challenge from Trajan Langdon, the Piston’s new president of basketball operations who signed the young player to a max deal. Langdon also asked Cunningham to grab onto the responsibility of leadership and be better on the defensive end, which Cade has embraced.

People in Detroit know the fire Cunningham has in his belly to improve and get the Pistons to be more consistent which has endeared to the fans. Cunningham’s growth has Pistons fans thinking the future is going to be special.

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How Quickly Can Michigan Football Return To The NCAA Playoffs

This was always going to be a rough season in Ann Arbor. Gone was head coach Jim Harbaugh, as were 12 starters from last season’s National Championship team. Sharrone Moore did a solid job at times and took some lumps in his first full season on the Wolverines’ sidelines. So when will Michigan find its way back to the playoffs?

Michigan jumped into the NIL with the rest of the college football world. No.1 overall-rated QB Bryce Underwood was just the beginning for the Wolverines who have brought in a few high-end talents.

COLUMBUS, OHIO – NOVEMBER 30: Head Coach Sherrone Moore of the Michigan Wolverines speaks to media during the post game press conference after a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 30, 2024 in Columbus, OH. The Michigan Wolverines won the game 13-10. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

Michigan desperately needed another receiver and got one. In fact, the Wolverines not only filled needs but attacked them. Sharrone Moore also landed a top-five recruiting class and is 2-0 against Ohio State. This is big, but more on that in a moment.

With a bit of an easier schedule, Michigan could be in the mix for a playoff birth next season. That said, the Wolverines will be young in a lot of key areas. The offense needs to return from a down season and catch up to the defense, which will be better next season as well.

HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 08: Drake Nugent #60 of the Michigan Wolverines poses with teammates after defeating the Washington Huskies during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 08, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Michigan defeated Washington 34-13. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

A better guess as to a post-season return is two years. This will give Underwood and co. a chance to learn the system and to catch up to the defense. Certainly, stranger things have happened and as was mentioned Michigan could show significant improvement offensively to earn a playoff spot.

Spring football practice will be one to keep an eye on as Michigan has reloaded and looks to become a consistent playoff program.

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Star Wars fans please remember

As a Star Wars fan who stood in long lines in 1977 to see the then-titled “Star Wars,” a lifelong fan I would like to take a few minutes and say that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and beliefs. There is no need to belittle an individual nor is there any reason to try to sway a person. Here is why.

Perhaps you have heard me say over the years that Star Wars (all of it) is for everyone. That does not mean that some things are good it also does not mean things are bad.

I have talked with fans who liked ‘The Book Of Boba Fett,” I have also spoken with fans who did not like the show. Every show is not meant for everyone. It is there to offer fans a more in-depth look at perhaps a character they want but others prefer a different character.

Some of the social media venom that is spewed at fans because they like something is too much. Star Wars creator George Lucas never wanted fans to be at odds with each other, I do not for one moment believe he would condone such hostilities.

I do not like every show or movie released. But I do watch and I can see where fans like or dislike the content. I do not engage any fans on social media simply because I am a firm believer everyone is entitled to their opinion and mine is not superior to anyone’s.

If Star Wars fans can unite under the umbrella that whatever they think about the content released does not mean everyone should feel that way, then unity and order in the fan base can be restored.

 

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Why Monty Williams Return As Detroit Pistons Coach Is Intriguing

Monty Williams has been the bane of Detroit Pistons fans after all, Williams led the Pistons to the worst season in franchise history at 14-68 putting Detroit 50 games back in the standings. New president of basketball operations, Trajan Langdon has indicated Monty Williams will return as head coach.
UNIONDALE, NY – FEBRUARY 27: New Orleans Pelicans General Manager Trajan Langdon in attendance for the Erie Bayhawks v Long Island Nets NBA G-League game on February 27, 2020 at NYCB Live! Home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images)

First of all the sky is not falling and Langdon might be right in bringing Williams back, no really. The Pistons roster last season was not good and performed as such. The team hired shooting guru Fred Vinson who has worked with a who’s who of NBA players helping shooting.

So what seems to be the thought process, improve the roster, improve shooting, and start making a move in the standings. With the No. 5 pick in the draft and $65M in cap space, Langdon can improve the roster.

The reason Williams should have another chance is simply because a better roster and a highly regarded assistant coach could very well make a big difference for a Pistons team desperate to gain traction on a rebuild.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – APRIL 01: A Wilson brand NBA official game ball is pictured before the game between the Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies at Little Caesars Arena on April 01, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Detroit has not made the playoffs since 2018-19 and this was not going to be a quick fix given the mess Troy Weaver left. Owner Tom Gores said that he would eat the rest of Williams’s $80M contract if that is what Langdon wanted but Williams who enjoyed some success with the Phoenix Suns appears to have been given a longer leash.

Trajan Langdon does not like talking to the media so it is difficult to fully grasp what his thought process is by retaining Williams. But there does seem to be a plan in place.

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The Detroit Pistons News And Notes

The Detroit Pistons are starting over, again. The Pistons hired former New Orleans Pelicans GM, Trajan Langdon as President of Basketball Ops, , Langdon was viewed by many to be a very good hire. In what became very clear, very quickly Langdon and the Pistons announced they were cutting ties with GM, Troy Weaver. Now the Pistons have a clear direction.

 

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 11: General manager Trajan Langdon of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during a preseason game against the Utah Jazz at the Smoothie King Center on October 11, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Trajan Langdon did a good job of building the Pelicans roster into a playoff-contending team. Unlike Detroit, the Pelicans boast perhaps the NBA’s best foursome of wings (SG/SF.) The Pistons also lack a defensive center and a strong bench. Needless to say, Langdon has a lot of work to do.

It is being reported Detroit is prepared to offer star Cade Cunningham a max contract. Langdon did say that he plans to build around Cunningham. The team in four years under Troy Weaver never put a player on the court who complimented Cunningham.

Monty Williams had a disastrous first season as Pistons head coach. So much so that owner Tom Gores said he would be willing to eat the $80M left on Williams’s contract if Langdon chooses to move on and bring in his coach. I was announced the team is now evaluating Monty Williams’s status.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – MARCH 19: The NBA brand logo is pictured before the game between the Detroit Pistons and Miami Heat at Little Caesars Arena on March 19, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Again for a Pistons basketball team that has lacked a clear-cut direction that is what Trajan Langdon brings to the organization. Detroit is in good shape with around $60M in cap space. They will need it as the roster needs a nearly full overhaul.

Langdon said he wants to get the Pistons back in the playoffs soon. Now is when the real work will start.

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The Detroit Tigers need seasoning

While it appears the Detroit Tigers rebuild is nearing the end, one thing remains, the team needs seasoning. This season the Tigers must show more in the win column than the loss. That means a season of young pitchers grasping the strike zone and hitters grasping the strike zone. Which means good days and bad days.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 4: Kerry Carpenter #30 of the Detroit Tigers in action against the New York Mets during game two of a double header at Citi Field on April 4, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

For the young Tiger hitters like Spencer Torkelson, Kerry Carpenter, and Riley Greene, they can look good on a bat and lost the next. Pitchers adapt, shoot baseball is a game of adaption. For Torkelson who hit 31 home runs and drove in94 RBIs last season, he should expect pitchers will approach him differently this season The same for Carpenter and Greene.

This is part of the next steps in becoming a competitive team. Situational hitting and understanding belt-high fastballs are not coming your way as often this season. Once the young hitters adjust the offense will become more balanced.

DETROIT, MI – APRIL 05: Spencer Torkelson #20 of the Detroit Tigers looks on while batting during the Opening Day game against the Oakland Athletics at Comerica Park on April 5, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the A’s 5-4. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The Tigers young trio has struggled in the early part of this season. But they have shown better at-bats in the past few games. The good news is it is early and there is time to improve.

Detroit Tiger pitchers have been pretty consistent led by Cy Young Award hopeful Tarik Skubal. The Tigers bullpen has shown up in most games and is a dependable group.

This is the next step for the young Tigers. Start winning games. It is not the expectation but the natural progression in the rebuilding process. The Tigers currently own the #5 ranked farm system in MLB so there is more talent coming. But the parent team has enough talent to be competitive in the division.

This season is worth tuning into even when the team hits a losing streak. To see if they can figure it out.

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Star Wars The High Republic

Brace yourselves, Star Wars The High Republic content is coming to show format. So what exactly is The High Republic?

The High Republic
Artist-
YihyoungLi

With the live-action miniseries The Acolyte set to come out this summer, it fits into the High Republic. So let’s dive into what Obi-Wan Kenobi described “For over a thousand generations, the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic.”

During The High Republic, the Jedi were at the peak of their power. It is around the end of the High Republic when things begin to shift and Darth Bane enters as well as The Acolyte to disrupt the peace in the galaxy.

Worth noting, that it is also around this time when Darth Plagueis is introduced and could be killed by Darth Sidious. But it would be Plagueis who would be mostly in charge during this timeframe.

DENVER, CO -NOVEMBER 10: The costume of 900-year-old Jedi Master, Yoda, is on display at the Star Wars and The Power of Costume exhibit at The Denver Art Museum, November 10, 2016. The upcoming exhibit will open November 13 and run through April 2nd. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

There are some great opportunities for Disney+/ Lucasfilm to crack wide open and dive into a pretty cool area of Star Wars. It is a time to win fans back and The Acolyte could be the springboard to do just that.

Early reviews suggest the show is solid. Releasing June 5, 2024, will be the test. If done right as The Mandalorian and Bad Batch (for the most part) have been then fans will not only be happy, but interested. 

The show holds a lot of promise and hopefully delivers. With Lucas Games redoing The Knights Of The Old Republic, a popular video games the tie-ins could be very good and could lead into some good Star Wars content.

That is the hope Star Wars fans have. 

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The Acolyte Is Reportedly Releasing This Summer

A new report has surfaced and it seems Disney/ Lucasfilm is set to resume new Star Wars content as The Acolyte will reportedly release this summer. Not only does it end the Star Wars slowdown but The Acolyte gives fans the first look at The High Republic era content.

The Acolyte is said to be a mystery-thriller that will take fans to emerging powers of the dark side. Star Wars fans have long wanted to see Darth Bane in live-action and that could very well be the case as the Sith is around during The High Republic timeframe.

The show’s focus will be on a Jedi Master and Padawan investigating the coming of the dark side of the Force. The High Republic takes place 100 years before the events of Star Wars Episode I, The Phantom Menace.

While fans are clamoring for Darth Bane it should be noted that the main villain could be another fan favorite Darth Plagueis was about 115 when he was killed by Darth Sidious.

Another fan favorite is alive during this era of Star Wars, Jedi Master Yoda. Will he make an appearance? The great Jedi very well could and it should be to the surprise of no one if he does.

Early reports from insiders (not affiliated) with Disney/ Lucasfilm suggest that The Acolyte is very solid and promising. They say it is as good as Andor which is the best Disney/Lucasfilm streaming show to date. So for insiders to say The Acolyte is as solid as Andor should not be ignored.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 30: Diego Luna attends the Emmy FYC screening for Andor at the DGA Theater in Los Angeles, California on April 30, 2023. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

It was somewhat surprising when news broke The Acolyte would release this summer as many thought it would be in later 2024. Will it live up to early hype the way Andor lived up to its early hype? That remains to be seen.

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Just Pursue It

This is NOT to toot my own horn, this is to encourage you to try something.

 

I have been writing for some years now. When I started it was to get thoughts swirling in my head out. Then came offers, SideLion Report, The Octopus Thrower, and GBM Wolverines from FanSided. I took positions and did so on a short-term basis. To learn how others ran their sites and to learn from great editors. Then I moved to Inside The Rink which was the next step and very helpful.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 05: The Columbus Blue Jackets logo is shown before a game against the Philadelphia Flyers on November 5, 2011 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)

Being asked by The Undrafted News to cover the Columbus Blue Jackets with media credentials from the press box has been incredible and helpful also it has been a blessing to be able to talk with other sports journalists and learn from them.

Now I will be covering both the Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings for The Undrafted News. So why am I telling you this? Why should you believe I am not tooting my own horn?

I am telling you this because I believe everyone has special gifts and talents that not everyone has. I also strongly believe that many do not work and put effort into growing and refining the talents they have.

MONTREAL, CANADA – DECEMBER 02: A closeup view of the Detroit Red Wings logo during the third period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on December 2, 2023 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

I can tell you that the more effort you put in, the more doors will open for you. If you are miserable in your job and/or life, perhaps it is because you were designed to do something different.

Even when you do not feel like practicing, do it anyway. Over and over and keep chipping away at it. Once you feel somewhat confident look for areas you want to try. Then take the step, do not listen to anyone else including yourself. Let go and do it.

There is profound freedom in going down another path. I am trying to get out of “Corporate America,” I have taken steps and am currently on a trajectory to do that. When? Whenever God opens that door, which could be very soon.

Get out of your head and comfort zone start the work and trust the process.