How far can the Pistons go?

Summary

The Athletic NBA Daily – "How far can the Pistons go?"

Date: January 28, 2026
Host: Dave DuFour (with co-hosts and guest Hunter Patterson)

---

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on the Detroit Pistons’ potential in the 2025-26 NBA season, following their impressive win against the shorthanded Denver Nuggets. The crew discusses the Pistons’ strengths, weaknesses, playoff ceiling, and potential trade deadline targets to fix their glaring lack of three-point shooting. The show also touches briefly on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ struggles due to Evan Mobley’s injury and the Clippers’ surprisingly hot run.

---

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Cavs’ Setback: Evan Mobley’s Calf Injury

[01:28–06:52]

• Mobley’s Impact: The Cavs will miss Evan Mobley until after the All-Star break due to a recurring calf strain. His absence is a major blow as the team was just finding its rhythm.
  • “It’s too bad there’s not a vaccine for calf strains because we certainly could use it.” – Dave Dufour (02:15)
• NBA Injury Trends: The hosts note a rising trend in calf and Achilles injuries, linking them to increased pace, ground coverage, and defensive demands on big men.
  • “The calf injury is up for sure…The sport is totally different.” – Dave Dufour (04:03–04:20)
• Cavs’ Playoff Prospects: The need to find scoring in Mobley’s absence, particularly while Darius Garland is also out, is highlighted.
  • “I just got to figure out, where are they going to get that 20 points a game?” – Dave Dufour (06:52)

---

2. Clippers on the Rise

[06:52–12:15]

• Recent Form: The Clippers are 16-4 in their last 20 games, finally clicking after a slow start.
  • “Are they a 70-win team?...Obviously not, but I thought they were at least a 47, 48-win team.” – Dave Dufour (07:26)
• Playoff Hopes: Discussion around whether the Clippers can reach the top six in the West, considering injuries to teams above them.
  • “There’s an outside shot that this team…ends up cracking the top six.” – NBA Analyst/Co-host (08:01)
• Kawhi and Harden: Kawhi’s All-NBA-caliber play and Harden unlocking his pick-and-roll chemistry with Zubac are highlighted.
  • “Kawhi is playing at an all NBA level…he’s the fourth best scorer in the league over the last 20 games.” – NBA Analyst/Co-host (09:45)
• Trade Deadline Options: The Clippers are identified as an active team at the deadline due to their expiring contracts and young contributors.
  • “This is also a very interesting team because usually Lawrence Frank, Steve Ballmer, they do not sit idle…” – NBA Analyst/Co-host (09:59)
• First Round Outlook: Potential playoff matchups are broken down, considering strengths and weaknesses against teams like the Spurs and Rockets.

---

3. Pistons vs. Nuggets: Game Breakdown

[14:36–17:36]

• Wild Finish in Denver: The crew reviews the controversial ending – Jamal Murray misses two clutch free throws after questionable foul calls.
  • “Jamal Murray could not come up clutch, which is not characteristic for him. So, interesting, dramatic game, and it ended up going in the Pistons’ favor.” – Hunter Patterson (15:29)
• Pistons’ Clutch Growth: Unlike last season, Detroit is now winning close games, showing improved chemistry, confidence, and communication.
  • “They are, I think, just banded together much more than they were previously... those losses that they took last year and then the trust that they are a better team.” – Hunter Patterson (17:36)

---

4. Pistons’ Three-Point Shooting Concerns

[18:29–20:59]

• Analytics Disadvantage: The Pistons were 6-for-31 from deep against the Nuggets (20%), reflective of their season-long struggle (26th in attempts).
  • “If there’s one area that I could poke at with this Pistons team it’s the three point shooting.” – NBA Analyst/Co-host (18:29)
• Natural Strength in the Paint: Despite poor shooting, the Pistons compensate by dominating inside (e.g., 64 paint points vs. Denver).
  • “If it’s not broken, why, why don’t you keep going to it? …they kind of went away from what was working and it let the Nuggets back in.” – Dave Dufour (19:56)
• Tactics vs. Future Opponents: The panel worries about being outgunned in playoff math against teams like the Knicks and Celtics, who fire away from deep.
  • “There is a math problem there in a playoff series against some of these talented Eastern Conference teams.” – NBA Analyst/Co-host (20:59)

---

5. Trade Deadline: How Can Detroit Improve?

[21:45–26:16]

• Possible Targets: With a $14.3M traded player exception, the Pistons could look for shooters and rotation upgrades.

  • “They also do have the 14.3 million in TPE…so I think the front office is very strategic.” – Hunter Patterson (21:45)

• Names Mentioned:

  • Sam Hauser: “He has no conscience from three…” – Hunter Patterson (23:10)
  • Max Christie: Young shooter fitting the core’s age.
  • Bobby Portis: Could add toughness and experience, but situation depends on Milwaukee.
  • Michael Porter Jr.: High-level shooter and scorer, but may cost too much in assets.
  • Trey Murphy: Hosts’ favorite for Detroit – young, athletic, multi-level scorer and defender. Would require a large trade package.
    • “In a perfect world, I would prefer Trey on this team over Michael Porter Jr.” – Hunter Patterson (26:21)
  • “Feels like it would be a Desmond Bain type of package.” –NBA Analyst/Co-host (26:55)

• Risk of Over-committing: The panel cautions against sacrificing flexibility for a single move.

  • “Once you do that, all of a sudden your options…dry up.” – Dave Dufour (26:59)

---

6. Pistons’ Power Ranking and Playoff Outlook

[26:59–29:24]

• Hunter’s Rank: Pistons are his #2 team in the NBA, just behind a healthy OKC and on par with a healthy Denver.

  • “At full strength, OKC I still think is up there. And then the Nuggets as well…But outside of those two, I don’t really think there’s any team that I would confidently say is better than the Pistons.” – Hunter Patterson (27:25)

• Spurs and Other Threats: Hosts note the Spurs' rising talent, but Hunter stands by his ranking for Detroit.

  • “Spurs fans are going to get on you for that...” – Dave Dufour (28:28)

• Stability of Pistons’ Core: With Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren as foundational pieces, the Pistons expect to compete for years.

  • “As long as they have Cade and Jalen Duren…they are going to be top three in the east.” – Dave Dufour (25:37)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It’s too bad there’s not a vaccine for calf strains because we certainly could use it.”
  — Dave Dufour (02:15)
• “Kawhi is playing at an all NBA level. Like, that’s the other aspect to this.”
  — NBA Analyst/Co-host (08:58)
• “Part of that comes with those losses that they took last year and then the trust that they are a better team, more connected now.”
  — Hunter Patterson (17:36)
• “If there’s one area that I could poke at with this Pistons team it’s the three point shooting.”
  — NBA Analyst/Co-host (18:29)
• “I really like Sam Hauser…He has no conscience from three.”
  — Hunter Patterson (23:10)
• “In a perfect world, I would prefer Trey on this team over Michael Porter Jr.”
  — Hunter Patterson (26:21)
• “Outside of [OKC and Denver], I don’t really think there’s any team that I would confidently say is better than the Pistons.”
  — Hunter Patterson (27:25)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Evan Mobley injury and Cavs outlook: 01:28–06:52
• Clippers’ surge and potential playoff run: 06:52–12:15
• Pistons-Nuggets game recap; clutch improvement: 14:36–17:36
• Pistons’ three-point shooting debate: 18:29–20:59
• Trade deadline targets for Detroit: 21:45–26:16
• Pistons’ place in NBA hierarchy: 26:59–29:24

---

Tone and Style

The episode features The Athletic’s signature in-depth but conversational analysis. The hosts banter easily, share both statistical and anecdotal observations, and provide a good mix of humor and insight—especially when poking fun at each other over rankings or recapping dramatic NBA endings.

---

Useful for listeners interested in the state of the Eastern Conference race, Detroit’s meteoric rise, realistic trade targets, and wider NBA trends in injuries and team building. This episode provides clear, thoughtful perspectives on what it will take for the Pistons to vault from surprise contender to true finals threat.

Transcript

[Amazon Prime Advertiser]

Prime. One day delivery is fast. How fast are we talking? We're talking game night delivered by tomorrow night fast so we can win fast. Cards fast.

[Hunter Patterson]

Puzzles fast.

[Amazon Prime Advertiser]

Team games at your door in a day fast. Doesn't matter what the game is. We will dominate fast. We're talking game over. You win fast fast. One day delivery for the win. It's on Prime.

[T-Mobile Advertiser]

Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com switch and now T mo is in US cellular stores.

[T-Mobile Legal Disclaimer]

Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits. Plan features and taxes and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits. Credit stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit required.

[Tommy John Advertiser]

Guys, it's no use putting it off. The best time for an underwear refresh is now. Tommy John underwear is designed for a perfect fit that stays put all day. There's zero chafe thanks to four times more stretch than competing brands and their innovative horizontal quick draw fly is a game changer. With over 30 pairs sold. There are thousands of men out there more comfortable than you. Don't settle for less. Go to tommyjohn.com today for 25% off your first order with code comfort. That's tommyjohn.comfort Tommy John comfort Perfected.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Good morning and welcome to the NBA Daily presented by Amazon prime for January 28, 2026. I'm Dave Dufour Esperaheni. Coming up, Evan Mobley is going to miss some time. We're going to talk about the Cavs options without him. And the Pistons picked up a big win over the Nuggets. So we got Hunter Patterson on to talk about. Good morning everybody. What's up, S? How's it going, buddy?

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Morning, sir. How's it going?

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

You know, not too bad. I was listening to the Pablo Tori finds out podcast right before the show. Very interesting topic. Did you happen to catch it?

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

I. I've definitely listened in and yeah, very interesting talk.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Yeah, we're not going to talk about it here because we don't have the legal budget of that show. But go and check out Pablo Torre finds out it is, yes, a fascinating NBA owner related episode and no, it's not Steve Ballmer. And no, we have not forgotten about the aspiration scandal either. We're just waiting on All Star guys. That is true. Yeah. Release those files. S Evan Mobley gonna miss some time. Another calf strain. Just an epidemic going around the NBA. It's too bad there's not a vaccine for calf strains because we certainly could use it. He's going to be out until after the All Star break. The, the Cavs finally getting their legs underneath them just as Evan Mobley, you know, strains his calf. And, and you know, they won six of their last seven. We talked about Jaylon Tyson coming on. I mean, Donovan Mitchell is having probably the best season of his career. And if they can get their way up into the top three, I think he could sneak himself into that, maybe that top five MVP vote by the time we get down to it, you know, he's top five in scoring and, I mean, just having an incredible year. But, you know, this is a big blow for them when, when they're really trying. In my opinion, it seemed like they were really making a push to get to the All Star break and, and figure out who. Who they are going to be. You know, the DeAndre Hunter thing hasn't really worked out for him. I don't know. This is just another setback for a team that I felt like was figuring things out.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Can we just have a moment here and talk about the calf? I mean, like the calf muscle, right. It's a tricky muscle. It bothers me because I've had a couple ankle injuries, and so that kind of shoots up to two calf related injuries. And it's crazy to me, the amount of calf related injuries we've had this year. We have both watched the NBA for a very long time. You longer than me.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Wow.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

I didn't mean to say that, but.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

You know, just ridiculous. I mean, it is. Yes, it is true. I know more than you. And, and yeah, the cat. The calf injury is up for sure. Well, look, LeBron talked about this the other day. He was talking to Tyrese Halliburton on the Was it the Mind the Game podcast?

[Hunter Patterson]

Is that.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Yeah, yeah.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Is that the one?

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

We're just promoting all kinds of podcasts.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

I mean, listen, I give him a shout out. I found it to be an interesting discussion. Yeah. LeBron talked about how different the game is now than when he came in. And I don't think that, you know, for the audience here listening, this is not news to anybody. I think anyone with eyes sees that the sport is totally different. Yeah. The injuries going up. It shouldn't surprise anybody that, I mean, it's such a run and jump sport, you know, like just every single possession now in a way that it wasn't, you know, 40 years ago. So yeah, I'm not shocked that we're seeing more and more of these, these types of injuries, you know, and leading to, you know, this. The Achilles issues, which we know the calf and the Achilles connected. So I mean, being cautious about it is good, right? Like, I don't want to complain that teams aren't playing guys, but yeah, it is. It's getting frustrating, you know.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Well, like, to, to the Mobley point, this is the second time a calf injury has happened for him this season. Right. And so the level of caution goes up.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Right.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

And you're looking at a guy who obviously is massive to what this team provides defensively, and I know he's had a pretty inconsistent season offensively, but to your point, they were starting to figure things out. And if, if this lingers, you're looking at bigger issues, more kind of concerning issues for the Cavaliers, both on offense and defense, because again, you're heading into a postseason with injuries, which is something that has plagued the Cavs for three seasons now. I just, I think that's the main thing everybody in Cleveland is probably asking is, is this going to be another year that's marred in injuries? Right. And like, ultimately that's, that's something you have to deal with when being an NBA fan. But to your point about pace, I think it's. I think it's also ground coverage. We've talked about this before, but ball pressure, they're playing 94 zone is also up. So you're seeing teams, you know, kind of COVID a little bit more of an area.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Guys Evan Mobley's size were not sprinting out and defending three, the three point line, that just wasn't a thing.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

He's actually near the top of the league in defending closeouts, so that's part of it. He is jumping out to these opportunities consistently and he's protecting the paint. So, yeah, it's a tough blow for Cleveland. I will say they've. They've done well with just Jared Allen on the floor this year. They've actually done better than when it's just Evan Mobley on the floor. I think that there's a little bit of noise in those numbers, but regardless, they have another center that they can rely on. The question is, like, how are you going to filter through those bench lineups?

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

I mean, they need some points. Also, like, this is the other thing for them is that, you know, Evan Mobley is their second best scorer while Darius Garland's out. And I mean, I just got to figure out, where are they going to get that 20 points a game, you know, is it going to be Jalen Tyson? Maybe it's Jared Allen stepping up and you just get more offense out of him. I'm not sure, but you know, likely out until after the All Star break. Evan Mobley. So they're, they'll have to figure that out. The Clippers, they, they pick up another win over Utah. I mean look, not a great win, but a win nonetheless. 16 and 4 in their last 20. Okay. They've got some big wins in there too. They've beaten the Pistons, they beat the Rockets. Are they, are they a 70 win team? Is that, is that what this is? I mean listen, 16 and 4 in their last 20. That's since December 17th. So a little over a month and they've been the best team in the NBA record wise. Obviously they got off to an awful start. They've had some poor injury luck, but this feels more like what we expected. I don't, they're obviously not a 70 win team, but I, I thought they were at least a 47, 48 win team.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Yeah, I wonder if they have an outside shot of cracking the top six because if you look who's ahead of them, you know, there's obviously, obviously Portland, Golden State. Golden State's obviously dealing with injuries now too. They have Phoenix who is over exceeding expectations. Maybe they cool off a little bit. So there's, there's an outside shot that this team that is, to your point, the number one record over the last 20 games ends up cracking the top six.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

They'd have to make up five and a half games to, to tie, you know, be where Phoenix and, and Minnesota.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Well, the way they're playing, it's possible, man, look, they have the third best offense in that stretch. Like they are finding solutions offensively. They have the six best defense in that stretch. Kawhi Leonard, to your point, in that time and he's missed a few games in that stretch regardless. He's averaging 30 points on 50, 40, 90 shooting and he's also, you know, obviously rebounding the ball, stealing deflections. Very good defender overall when he's healthy. Kawhi is playing at an all NBA level. Like that's the other aspect to this.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

James Harden and Avita Zubac, the, the two man game there. The, the pick and roll is back. Yeah, I think it wasn't there early on for some reason. I actually thought Zoo came out of the gate slow on both ends and then after he came back from, from that little time that he missed with injury, I thought he looked much Better. And James Harden has been insane.

[Hunter Patterson]

Yeah.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

I mean, is he in the husband?

[Hunter Patterson]

Yeah.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

I, he, he might crack that. Like, it's tough because the west is really, really.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

There's so many guys. Yeah.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

And I just, I don't see a world in which he can do it. I, I think maybe it's one of Kawhi or James that will make it, but I don't know. I, I will say, what would you take?

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Who would you pick between the two?

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

I'd go Kawhi.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

You would?

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

I'd go Kawhi. Just because what he's doing scoring wise is absurd. Like he's the fourth best scorer in the league over the last 20 games. That's.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Yeah.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

You know, that's why he's Kawhi Leonard.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Right.

[Hunter Patterson]

Yeah.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

I will say this is also a team that, you know, we're in trade deadline time.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Right.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

This is also a very interesting team because usually Lawrence Frank, Steve Ballmer, they do not sit idle. They will attack a moment when they see it. And they do have expiring salaries.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

They have Bojan Bogdanovich.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Yeah.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Bogdan Bugdanovich. Both of those guys actually could be useful players too.

[Hunter Patterson]

Sure.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

So for teams that are not looking to take on long term money that might need a guy, I mean, I could see they've got options and they.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Can make those trades because they have some found money with Jordan Miller, you know, Kobe Sanders, like guys who can contribute off the, off the wings. So I don't know that that's just another team that's kind of interesting for.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Me, the Clippers, if they make it to the six seed, let's say. Okay, what kind of chance you give them of winning the first round series? I guess, I mean, like if they got Spurs. Right. Like if they get the spurs, you think about the, just the advantage of experience that the Clippers would have.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Yeah. But it's a terrible matchup for the Clippers.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Awful. Yeah.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Because the pace and I mean like imagine transition offense, the guard play. I think that would be a Spurs. But I'll throw another team at you. The Rockets. How do you feel about Rock?

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Well, I feel the Rockets are beatable.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

I know you're, you're a little bit of a Rockets hater as everybody.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Rockets hater. I want, I mean, I want him to be amazing. I, I like, I want to see Kevin Durant play real high leverage minutes in the playoffs, but I just don't, you know, I, I still, I don't buy them without a point guard. I think Amen Thompson on The on the offensive end is a. Really handcuffs what they can do right now. I just. I think that that's not a. Something that's solved. And what's Stephen Adams going to look like if he's back in time?

[Hunter Patterson]

Right.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

I think that that's a huge question mark because they're another team. Kind of like the Pistons, which we'll talk about after the break. That doesn't generate enough threes.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Yeah.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

And so they've got to get those second chance points. So I don't know. I just got a lot of questions about the Rockets. So in a series, I would maybe lean Clippers, I think depends on, you know, are the Clippers fully healthy? You know, is there a junior back?

[Hunter Patterson]

Right.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Yeah.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Yeah. I don't know. The Western Conference is going to be when we get to the playoffs. It's going to be fantastic.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

To your point, though, it does feel like the Clippers can sneak into that conversation.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Right.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

And that's. That's something that we did not consider for a team that started 6 and 21 to start the year.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Pretty bad. Yeah. Is. I mean, is Tyler going to be in coach of the year conversations? If they somehow.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Why not?

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

No way. You got to do a bell to bell.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

We already have 40 most improved players. I know people.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

So we can have 10 coach of the year candidates. All right, guys, stick around. After the break. Hunter Patterson's here to talk about the Pistons and whether or not they're going to trade for Michael Porter Jr.

[Amazon Prime Health Advertiser]

Prime one day deliveries fast. How fast we talking? We're talking tissues and hot tea fast. Feel better meds fast. Relief at your door fast. So you can actually breathe out of both nostrils fast. Like I just ordered and it's already here. Fast. Fast. One day delivery to feel better sooner. It's on Prime.

[T-Mobile Advertiser]

Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com switch and now T mobile is in US cellular stores.

[T-Mobile Legal Disclaimer]

Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits. Plan features and taxes and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits. Credits stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit required.

[MeUndies Advertiser]

Flowers die in three days. Matching underwear from Meundies. That's a gift that lasts. Meundies creates matching prints for couples and friends. Same adorable designs in different cuts for each of you. All made from their signature ultra modal fabric that feels impossibly soft. With 30 million pairs sold and 90,000 five star reviews, MeUndies matching prints are the perfect gift. Valentine's Day is February 14th, so don't wait. Get exclusive deals up to 50% off at MeUndies.com acast code acast. Acast. That's MeUndies.com acast Code acast.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

The Pistons held on in spite of kind of a weird finish s to beat the Nuggets, who were down four starters. The Nuggets are super tough. Pistons a little bit tougher. Hunter Patterson hanging tough because it's cold in Denver. Hunter, what happened at the end of the game? It felt like. I'm not. Look, I don't want to cast aspersions here, but the refs were certainly giving the Nuggets an opportunity to tie the game and go into overtime. And Jamal Murray just miss, uncharacteristically, misses two clutch free throws, and somehow the Pistons hang on. How did you see it while you were sitting there?

[Hunter Patterson]

From my vantage point on the first one, Javante contested the shot. Jamal kicked his leg out, and that is something that I thought kind of got officiated out of the game and potentially could have been an offensive foul, but he ended up going to the line, missed one of them, and a couple possessions went by. They played the foul game. And the second one, it did not look like Javante fouled him to me from where I was sitting. But again, Jamal Murray could not come up clutch, which is not characteristic for him. So interesting, dramatic game, and it ended up going in the Pistons favor.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

You know what we say, though? You know, we say crazy because, like, that second one was definitely not. I did not think it was a foul. You know what?

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

I think that's one of the best explanations for it because Jamal Murray is a 90% free throw shooter. Like, there couldn't have been a better player on the Nuggets to go out and knock down free throws. And he bricked both times. And like a lot of Canadians will know, Jamal Murray's dad used to shovel in the backyard so he could take free throws in the snow. Like, this is how serious he used to be about free throws when he was a kid.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

And.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

And he bricks them in the biggest moment of the game. I can't believe it.

[Hunter Patterson]

And I believe he was 10 for 15 from. From the line tonight, which is, yeah.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Even more the last one, you know, intentional. I'm sure that the league will try to find a way to take that intentional free throw miss away. Like the heave at the end of the day. You know, it's a, you know, that's, that's a hero shot that he did there to tank his free throw percentage a little bit. Hey, look, man, look, the Pistons, they look good in the game. You gotta tip the cap to the Nuggets. I mean, whatever kind of magic they're working with. Yeah, the way they're playing right now, down four starters, every time the Pistons started breaking away, the Nuggets would just chip away, chip away and, and then you wind up with this close finish. But look, this is the kind of game that you like to see the Pistons hold on right on the road. First game of a big road trip where they're going to go to Phoenix, they're going to go to Golden State. You know, they got a chance. They can go 30 on this little road trip all of a sudden and they're already sitting pretty in, in the East. We got to start comparing them, you know, some of these Western Conference teams. So what did you how they looked? I mean, again, Nuggets are shorthanded. You maybe expect a bigger win. But what'd you think about how they looked against the Nuggets?

[Hunter Patterson]

This was part of the topic of discussion in post game and in the locker room. The fact that these were games that they would usually cough up down the stretch last year and they're one of the better teams in clutch games this season. They are, I think just banded together much more than they were previously. And part of that comes with those losses that they took last year and then the trust that they are a better team, more connected now and then they have the type of communication style where they can really get on each other. And it's almost an extension of jb, whether it be K getting on Ron Asar getting on JD or vice versa. And I think they just have more belief in themselves because of how those games will go last season and how games have gone early on this season that they know that. Okay, when, when the game seemed to inevitably, inevitably get close down the stretch. We're going to win these games.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Hunter, I have to ask you about the three point shooting because if there's one area that I could poke at with this Pistons team is the three point shooting. They were 6 of 31 tonight, shot 20% from 3. They don't take that many threes in general across the season. They're 26 in attempts.

[Hunter Patterson]

Right.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Is it a matter of they have to find ways to generate more threes or that's just not something this team do consistently?

[Hunter Patterson]

I think It's a combination of needing to generate better looks, which can be difficult when defenses are collapsing on Cade. And Duncan is the most reliable three point shooter on the team. He went, he, I mean, he didn't make any of his eight attempts tonight. Isn't usually O of 8. Is not pretty at all obviously. And Tobias 0 for 2. He's. He's more of a mid range aficionado. But I think it's a combination of needing to get better looks and also honestly not straying from the fact that they can score 64 points in the paint. So it's like that's not your game. I'm not sure if you need to be even 31 attempts to only make 6. If you know that that's not what you do. Well. Even Jonas Valen, Jonas Valanchunas couldn't guard Jalen Duran. It's like continue to feed him in the paint, continue to do what makes you, you and score 64 paint points. This, that needs to kind of be the formula instead of even 31 threes.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

I mean, the, the reason they jumped out to a big lead, it was a 24 to six points in the paint advantage for the Pistons. I mean they really were just ramming the ball down the nugget's throat. And this is one of these things where it's. If it's not broken, why, why don't you keep going to it? You know, I, I feel like they, they kind of went away from what was working early on and it let the Nuggets back in. Obviously it's hard to sustain that. Like a guy can't just, you know, you're not going to get 40 shots out of Jalen Duran. Right. Like for instance. But you know, you, you would like to see more commitment to getting into the paint.

[Hunter Patterson]

Yeah. And even when teams do zone up, which at this point it's, it's a nightly thing teams are going to.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

It's a foregone conclusion that the Pistons will see zone. Yeah, exactly.

[Hunter Patterson]

Absolutely. But I mean they have explored with Cade at the high post and that seems to be really effective because it's collapsing the defense. They can kind of put either a SAR or Dern in the dunker spot and try to make some magic happen there. But I mean, they're going to need to make threes, but they also don't need to stray too far from the fact that they're dominant in the paint.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

I do wonder though, because if you look at some of the other teams in the Eastern Conference and the teams that they might end up facing in the playoffs, obviously in the Knicks high volume. Three point shooting team. Very, very good three point shooting team. The Celtics also very good three point shooting team. The Sixers, good three point shooting team. The only other team is the Raptors. Are not a very good three point shooting team. Very curious to see how you guys match up against them. But overall they're not like there is a math problem there in a playoff series against some of these talented Eastern Conference teams. Do you think that's something they end up addressing at the trade deadline? Whether that be making a big move to go out and get Michael Porter Jr. Or Trey Murphy or finding someone else who can supplement the three point shooting for them?

[Hunter Patterson]

I do, I don't. I don't know if it will be any blockbuster trades. I think they ultimately like the fact that they are 34 and 11 at 45 games. And they also do have the 14.3 million in TPE from the Schroeder deal over the summer. So I think the front office is very strategic and I think they'll find a way to kind of improve along the margins, especially from. From three. That. That is like the most glaring issue that they have outside of maybe a secondary creator. But I think they will probably make some smaller adjustments to address that three point issue.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

All right, you got to give me some names. You're throwing out a $14.3 million traded player exception that they can take a contract into, right? Give me some names. Like, I mean, what is the sort of fit, whether available or not? I'm not asking you to predict.

[Hunter Patterson]

Okay. Because I was like, that's like the.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Yeah, okay. Yes, the Detroit.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

This is a Wish Hunters.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Okay. No, we're not doing that. But just give me, you know, an idea like what is the type of player that you could see them going after? Not a specific name. You know, is it like, you know, is it Kevin Herder, maybe from the Bulls? Is that the type of player that you could see this team looking for?

[Hunter Patterson]

I really like Sam Houser.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

He's.

[Hunter Patterson]

He has no conscience. From three, he's gonna. I mean, the other night I think he shot 20 without any two point attempts. So he's someone. Max Christie also, if you want someone who's. Who's more in line with the age group of the team and someone who's not even reach the top of his potential yet. Bobby Portis would also be amazing. But I don't. I mean, depends on what's going on in Milwaukee. We don't really know yet. I think he would address waiting.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Can you break that news? Where. Where's Giannis gonna go, man, like, I got. I got my ears to the street holding up everything.

[Hunter Patterson]

Yeah, I got my ear to the streets. I'm gonna try to. Try to be the first one out on that one, but I think this would be another.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

So Bobby Portis, I mean, I love that. What about Michael Porter Jr. Like, is that a guy that. I mean, he's not old, but he's not exactly. Well, I mean, he's not young, but he's not old yet. Obviously he's a high level shooter in scorer.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

An old soul.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Yeah. Yes. Yeah, that's what we'll say.

[Hunter Patterson]

I think he may cost a bit too much. Just based on the Pistons desire to kind of keep the core together of Cade Duran. Asar. I. I don't know if they would want to spend whatever the Nuggets might. I mean. Excuse me, Nuggets. The Nets might be asking. Yeah. So he might be a lofty expectation. And, and especially since he's on pace for a career year this season, it would be nice. But I don't know if they'll end up wanting to push the chips in to get him.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Well, I'll tell you this. I think they should trade for Trey Murphy. I'll just go out on a limb. Right.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

I just don't know if they get.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

I don't know if they get.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Pull it off earlier.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Here's my best team.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

All right. My concern, guys, but my concern is that Trey Murphy winds up being like their Mikhail Bridges. And I, I think Trey Murphy is a very good player and I think he has a higher ceiling right now than maybe Mikhail Bridges ever had at any point. But I don't know because we've only ever seen him, you know, in New Orleans. Yeah. Yeah. And I just think it's. It's tricky for this team in particular. I think if they're patient, it's okay. Like they're going to be competing in the east, at the top of the east, as long as they have Cade and Jalen Duran. Period.

[Hunter Patterson]

Right.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Whatever you put around those two guys, it feels like they are going to be top three in the east while they're there and you get to kind of play around a little bit. Doesn't mean they shouldn't push in a little bit because you can go to the finals this year.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

But I think that I'd be very nervous. That's the pitch there is like, look, we've all talked so much this year about how the Eastern Conference is Wide open. And you have a team at the top of the Eastern Conference, which is. Which has been sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference all season, saying we have the. Not only we have the assets, but we have the prospects. They have a great defense too.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Right. Like.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

And they have an elite defense. Right, Right.

[Hunter Patterson]

Yeah.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Yeah.

[Hunter Patterson]

I don't know.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

I'm just. That's my, that's my pitch. That's my idea. Hunter. That's all I'll say about Trey Murray.

[Hunter Patterson]

In a perfect world, I would. I would prefer Trey on this team over Michael Porter Jr. And that I don't know how much of an I'll take that would be, but I think.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

I don't think that's controversial at all.

[Hunter Patterson]

Yeah, Trey is a three level scorer. He's uber athletic. He can defend to a certain degree. And I think he would fit in again, like age wise with this group, I think mentality. He would, he would be a good locker room person. I think it's just a matter of whether the front office does want to include as many picks as he might require and then young talent as well. So. Right.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Yeah. Feels like it would be a Desmond Bain type of package.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Right.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Right.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Once you do that, then all of a sudden your options to, to improve on the margins dry up. I. I just. I don't know. We've just seen that mistake made a few times. All right, before we get out of here, Hunter, I. I want to ask you. We've been talking so much about the Pistons, where they rank in the East. I mean, they're. They're the best team in the East. Where do you rank them in the league? You know, where are they on your own personal power rankings, You've seen this team more than any of us, so give me your opinion.

[Hunter Patterson]

I would say second, I think okc, that, I mean, they're going through some health issues right now. So it depends on how long J Dub is going to be out. It depends on. Even A.J. mitchell is out right now. Kayson, Wallace, they have a handful of guys down and I'm not sure how long they'll be down. But at full strength, OKC I still think is up there. And then the Nuggets as well. I mean, you mentioned the fact that they're down four starters. They have plenty of rotation players who stepped up. Peyton Wallace, or, excuse me, Peyton Wallace, Peyton Watson, he's grown exponentially since Jokic has been sidelined. And even before then, Jamal Murray's on pace. There potentially could be an all star reserve this year. I think when they're at full strength ag there's. The list goes on like I think they have a ton of talent and at full strength, they potentially probably are better than the Pistons as well. But outside of those two, I don't really think there's any team that I would confidently say is better than the Pistons.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Who we got s. Spurs fans are gonna.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Spurs fans are gonna get on you for that. I agree.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

They're gonna not like it. Murray might get upset because he's overrating the Rockets right now for some reason on his power rankings. I still. I'm not gonna figure this out. What. What am I missing with the Rockets guys?

[Hunter Patterson]

I'm not sure, but the spurs are extremely talented. Stefan Castle is going to be a star, if not already. De' Aaron. He. I saw what he did for a few years in sack and. And helping revive them there with the Kings.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

But yeah.

[Hunter Patterson]

And obviously Wimy don't even. That goes without saying. They. Vassell has been out for a little bit. Julian Champagne's been great. So I think they have again, a ton of talent and I just have to see it. I want to. I want to see those two teams match up.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

I mean, listen, the west is going to be attrition when we get to the playoffs and the Pistons have this chance and this is where.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

This is why Trey Murphy is probably up.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Exactly.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Yeah.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

You guys got me there.

[Hunter Patterson]

I can't remember. I might have shortchanged. Is it Justin or Julian? It's in San Antonio. Of the Twins.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

It's Julian. Julian.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Julian.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Okay.

[Hunter Patterson]

Okay. I didn't want to. I didn't want to mix that up.

[NBA Analyst/Co-host]

Justin is in Washington, I believe.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Hunter Patterson]

All right.

[Dave Dufour Esperaheni]

Now that we got that straight, thank you, Hunter for hanging out. Guys, go and read Hunter over at the Athletic. Thanks to Hunter Patterson for hanging out with us. Thanks to Esperant Henny. As always, I'm James. This has been the NBA daily. Thanks for hanging out with us.

[T-Mobile Advertiser]

Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com switch and now T Mobile is in US cellular stores.

[T-Mobile Legal Disclaimer]

Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits. Plan features and taxes and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits. Credit stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit required.

[LinkedIn Advertiser]

As a small business owner, you don't really get to clock out early. Your business is on your mind 24 7. So when it's time to hire, you need a partner that works just as hard as you do. That partner is LinkedIn. Jobs when you clock out, LinkedIn clocks in. It's super easy to post your job for free, share it with your network, and manage qualified candidates all in one place. LinkedIn can even help you write your job description and get it in front of the right people. And promoted jobs get three times more qualified applicants. 72% of small businesses say LinkedIn helps them find higher quality candidates, and you can double your reach just by adding the hashtag hiringframe to your profile photo. Find out why more than 2.5 million small businesses use LinkedIn for hiring. Post your job for [e-mail] jobsearch that's LinkedIn.com J O B S E A R C H Terms and conditions apply.

[MeUndies Advertiser]

Flowers die in three days. Matching underwear from MeUndies that's a gift that lasts. Meundies creates matching prints for couples and friends. Same adorable designs in different cuts for each of you, all made from their signature ultra modal fabric that feels impossibly soft. With 30 million pairs sold and 90,000 five star reviews, Meundie's matching prints are the perfect gift. Valentine's Day is February 14th, so don't wait. Get exclusive deals up to 50% off at Meundies. Com acast Code acast that's Meundies. Com acast code acast.