The Pistons will open the 2024-25 season at Little Caesars Arena against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.

Here is a look at five of the Pistons’ most intriguing story lines ahead of their 78th season as a franchise.

All-Star year for Cunningham

The Pistons have gone five consecutive seasons without a representative in the All-Star game. Their last All-Star came in 2019, when Blake Griffin averaged a career-high 24.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. That was also the last time Detroit finished a season at least .500.

If the Pistons show any signs of progress this season, Cade Cunningham should earn his first All-Star nod. He had an exceptional season last year, averaging 22.7 points, 7.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds across 62 games. However, it would have been irrational for the league to award Cunningham an All-Star honor while playing for a 14-win team.

Cunningham has established himself as one of the top young players in the league. Still, a higher win total for the Pistons would result in the former No. 1 pick finally receiving his long overdue respect as one of the league’s premier talents.

Breakout season from Ivey

Jaden Ivey is on the cusp of a breakout year, and one that could lead to Most Improved Player of the Year consideration. During the Pistons’ five-game preseason, he averaged a team-high 15 points and was arguably Detroit’s best player on both ends.

In addition to his improved defense, the most significant growth in Ivey’s game was his 3-point shooting. Ivey shot 52.9% on 3-pointers in the preseason, benefiting greatly from working alongside assistant coach Fred Vinson, who president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon hired following his arrival in May.

Sasser’s role in Year 2

The Pistons are entering the season in need of a backup point guard. Marcus Sasser spent the offseason working on his facilitating and decision-making as a ball-handler, and he appears to be a quality option to take on that responsibility. When the Pistons opened their preseason with a blowout win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Oct. 6, Sasser had an impressive performance with 12 points, nine assists and no turnovers.

However, the end of Sasser’s preseason might have led to a missed opportunity to secure the job. During Detroit’s preseason finale against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he had an abysmal outing, with two points on 1-for-5 shooting, five assists and a team-high four turnovers. If Sasser can show signs of becoming a reliable point guard, a stable role will be beneficial for his sophomore development and will help the Pistons fill a critical vacancy.

The return of Thompson

Ausar Thompson will begin the season on the Pistons’ inactive list due to his ongoing recovery from a blood clot. The Pistons do not have an update on Thompson’s projected return, given the team is still waiting on a ruling from the league and players association.

Thompson revealed on media day last month that he feels great and he spent the summer developing his shooting, ball-handling and playmaking. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is keen on adding Thompson’s talents to his rotation. He believes Thompson is an elite defender who can take individual challenges and eliminate opposing players from games.

The beginning of a revival

Since his hiring in July, Bickerstaff has proclaimed the revival of Detroit Basketball. Although it’s difficult to be optimistic about the Pistons after five consecutive losing seasons, Bickerstaff spent training camp and the preseason laying the groundwork for Detroit’s new culture.

In his first year as coach of the Pistons, Bickerstaff has been adamant about having a team that plays with high intensity and effort on both ends while instilling an unselfish identity.

Bickerstaff has not placed a projected win total for Detroit this season. However, the Pistons are hoping to undergo a revival that will restore the franchise’s relevancy and respect. Last season, under former coach Monty Williams, the Pistons finished with a franchise-worst 14-68 record.