Detroit legend Ben Wallace says the Pistons are poised to take the next step in 2027, pointing to their Eastern Conference top seed and 60–22 regular season record—plus the lessons they took after a semifinal loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Ben Wallace didn’t hesitate when asked what the Pistons should do next.
Motor City’s own “Big Ben” framed 2027 as the moment Detroit can make “another run,” saying the team is ready because it’s now “seasoned vets.” His point was simple: the experience the Pistons gained after falling short in the postseason should sharpen their focus, not break their confidence.
Cade Cunningham and Co. earned the top seed in the Eastern Conference after posting a 60–22 regular season record. But the postseason ended sooner than everyone wanted—Detroit was eliminated in the semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Wallace sees that setback as a kind of correction rather than a crisis. He said the Pistons only need to refocus and remind themselves “that even the top dogs can lose in the playoffs.”
He also floated the idea that youth may have been a factor. In his view, that won’t carry the same weight next season now that the team has lived through what the playoffs feel like.
The challenge, though, won’t be internal. Wallace expects Eastern Conference rivals to retool to match what Detroit already has, and to adjust their game based on how the Pistons played during the regular season.
It won’t be easy, he acknowledged. Wallace pointed to the Knicks as the world champions. noted that the Miami Heat “just added Giannis Antetokounmpo. ” and reminded everyone that the Celtics are still there. Still. his confidence stayed put: the Pistons have to “stick to their game. ” and if they do. he believes it will work out.
Ben Wallace Detroit Pistons Cade Cunningham 2027 Eastern Conference Cleveland Cavaliers Knicks Miami Heat Giannis Antetokounmpo Boston Celtics NBA playoffs