One of the purest things about sports is the competitive banter it brings between friends and colleagues. You can hear sports talk at home or in public settings like barbershops, gyms, or restaurants. In the NBA, certain debates always seem to come up. Is LeBron James better than Michael Jordan? Wilt Chamberlain or Bill Russell? Who’s the best player in the NBA today?
According to HoopsHype’s latest top-100 list, Nikola Jokić takes the top spot, followed by Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Joel Embiid to round out the top five. For Pistons fans, these conversations often shift toward evaluating their young core and wondering how their stars stack up in the league’s hierarchy.
Two Detroit Pistons players are represented on this list. Who are they, and where do they rank? Let’s dive into it.
Detroit Pistons’ Top Players Ranked in Latest Top-100 NBA List
Detroit Pistons Top 100: Tobias Harris (90th)
Tobias Harris often draws criticism from NBA fans, whether for disappearing in crucial playoff moments or making over $300 million without a single All-Star appearance. Regardless of the reasons for disliking him, Harris remains the ultimate professional and steady contributor.
Over the past nine seasons, Harris has averaged more than 14 points per game, including five seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he posted 17.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists on 49/37/85% shooting. The Pistons signed Harris to a two-year, $52-million deal, counting on his steady hand and veteran leadership to anchor the power forward position. If you’re a Pistons fan, you can expect the same consistent production, hoping Harris can help shift the franchise’s fortunes.
The Next Five
– Naz Reid (91)
– LuGuentz Dort (92)
– Jalen Suggs (93)
– P.J. Washington (94)
– RJ Barrett (95)
Detroit Pistons Top 100: Cade Cunningham (37th)
Cade Cunningham returned with a vengeance after missing all but 12 games in his sophomore season. In 62 games last year, he averaged 22.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists on 44/35/86% shooting. These numbers reassured Pistons fans who may have questioned whether he was truly deserving of the number-one selection in 2020.
With more complementary pieces around him this season and a motivated young core, Cunningham is primed for a breakout year. The Pistons believe in him, as they recently secured him a five-year, $224-million extension. However, some skeptics point to his injury history and lack of winning as concerns. The jury is still out on his fit alongside Jaden Ivey, as both players have thrived more when the other is off the court. Still, if Cunningham continues the trajectory, he was on before last season’s injury—where he averaged 33.7 points, 5.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals on 47/47/90% shooting over his final three games—an All-Star appearance may be within reach.
The Next Five
– Julius Randle (38)
– Alperen Sengun (39)
– Chet Holmgren (40)
– LaMelo Ball (41)
– Jaren Jackson Jr. (42)
The Last Word
Tobias Harris and Cade Cunningham represent different stages of a franchise’s journey. Harris, a steady veteran, provides much-needed leadership and consistency for a team still finding its identity. On the other hand, Cunningham is the centerpiece of Detroit’s future—a young star with the potential to elevate the Pistons back to relevance. While Harris’ contributions might fly under the radar, and Cunningham still has to overcome questions about health and team fit, the Pistons have reason to believe they have the right mix of experience and youth to begin their climb.
As the 2024-25 season unfolds, the performances of these two players will be crucial in determining how quickly Detroit can emerge from its rebuild. Whether Harris can be the reliable veteran or Cunningham takes that next step toward stardom, Pistons fans will be watching closely.
