The NBA's Biggest Surprise: How the Worst Team Became a Playoff Contender

The Pistons are on pace to improve by an astounding 25 wins this season. Could the right deadline trade turn their playoff hopes into a reality?

Cade Cunningham, a potential first-time All-Star, is the favorite to win the NBA Most Improved Player award. (Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

Last season, the Detroit Pistons lost 27 games in a row and finished with 14 wins. It was their fifth straight season of 23 wins or fewer.

This season, they are on track to go to the NBA play-in tournament — and beyond.

Let’s answer a few key questions about what’s happening in Motor City, whether the Pistons will be a playoff team, and what trade-deadline moves might boost their contender status: