The Detroit Pistons are a more talented team heading into next season

The Detroit Pistons have improved their roster despite last season's success (44-38 record, playoffs). Key offseason acquisitions and player returns make them a better team. They still have salary exceptions ($5.1M Bi-Annual, $14.3M Traded Player) for further moves, but the projected rotation is already upgraded.

Caris LeVert replaces Dennis Schroder, addressing last season's secondary playmaking struggles after Jaden Ivey's injury. LeVert (6'6") brings significantly more size and defensive versatility than Schroder. Though more of a combo guard, he fits well alongside Cade Cunningham or Ivey and can handle both on-ball and off-ball duties. Signed to a similar contract (one year shorter than Schroder's), LeVert's shooting (37% from three) is expected to improve with more open looks generated by Cunningham and Ivey.

Duncan Robinson replaces Tim Hardaway Jr. as the primary movement shooter, offering an upgrade. Robinson is bigger (2 inches taller, 10 pounds heavier) and can even fill minutes at backup power forward. He is a more prolific and efficient pure shooter: Robinson made 39% of 6.5 three-point attempts per game (73% of his FGs were threes) compared to Hardaway's 37% on 5.9 attempts (67% of FGs were threes). Robinson also converted "wide open" threes at a higher rate (44.3%) and should get even more open looks with Detroit's core.

Jaden Ivey's return from a broken leg is crucial. The Pistons were 15-18 before his injury but struggled significantly afterwards. Ivey was having a career year pre-injury (18 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists per game, career-high shooting percentages) and provides the essential secondary creator skillset next to Cunningham that Malik Beasley lacked. His healthy return significantly boosts the team.