Young Pistons need to keep growing in 2023-24

Why it matters: It's a make-or-break year not only for young players like James Wiseman and Killian Hayes, but also for Cade Cunningham. The franchise cornerstone needs to prove himself as an elite player after reminding the league why he was 2021's No. 1 overall pick during Team USA scrimmages this summer.

• Critics say Detroit is running back pretty much the same team that won just 17 games in 2022, but the Pistons have made some key improvements.

State of play: Rookie swingman Ausar Thompson will bring rebounding to a team that was sixth worst in the league in that category a season ago.

• Joe Harris adds bench scoring and a much-needed veteran presence on the wings with Bojan Bogdanovic's availability often in question — the team announced Tuesday he's out the first four weeks of the season with a strained calf.

Zoom in: The biggest addition may be new head coach Monty Williams, who altered the league's coaching market when owner Tom Gores made him the highest-paid coach in league history.

• The 51-year-old agreed to a six-year, $78.5 million contract with Detroit.

What we're watching: Will second-year players Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren take the next steps? Duren could average a double-double, while Ivey could provide a more consistent spark off the bench than what Hamidou Diallo has been able to do the last two seasons.

• Cunningham is a favorite for the Most Improved Player award.
• Injuries kept him sidelined last season — Cunningham played in just 12 games and will have to play in 65 to qualify (he played in 64 his rookie year).