As the Pistons form a young core that could start making noise in the East, count JJ Redick among their believers.
The former sharpshooter turned media personality expects Detroit to be "one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference" in the next two to three years.
Asked on the latest episode of his podcast which team with a young core he's most excited to watch next season, Redick didn't hesitate to point to Cade Cunningham and the Pistons.
"Obviously Cade, but Saddiq Bey, Jaden Ivey looked great in Summer League, Isaiah Stewart I’m a big fan of, I think he’s a guy that stars in his role, and then the big fella from Memphis they drafted (Jalen Duren). Troy Weaver has done an outstanding job," said Redick. "I don’t know if it’s next year that they take an Oklahoma City Thunder leap where all of the sudden they’re a playoff team and then the following season a contender. But I’m excited to see them play over the next two or three years because I think in two or three years they will be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference."
Redick, a former guard who spent 15 seasons in the NBA, said his prediction is dependent on Cunningham becoming "a true, No. 1 franchise-level player." He certainly showed the potential to be one as a rookie.
"He’s already a star," veteran teammate Cory Joseph said at the end of last season. "He’s going to be a superstar in this league, sooner than later, for sure."
If true, the Pistons will indeed be a force to be reckoned with in the East.
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