The Detroit Pistons became the 13th team in NBA history to go winless in a month when they lost to the New York Knicks 118-112 on Thursday.
The numbers tell the story:
- The Pistons rank 27th in points and 24th in points allowed.
- They rank 29th in turnovers and 29th in forcing turnovers.
- They rank 24th in defensive rating.
- They have lost 16 consecutive games, all in November.
Detroit Pistons signed coach Monty Williams to the highest contract in NBA history
When the front office brought in Monty Williams as coach this offseason, it was expected he would progress the team’s young talent, but this was not the start they had anticipated.
Williams and the Pistons agreed to a six-year, $78.5 million contract. It was the largest coaching deal in NBA history.
Williams helped lead the Phoenix Suns to an NBA Finals appearance in 2021. Ironically, last season, the Suns went undefeated during November with Williams at the helm.
Williams was named Coach of the Year in 2022 after the Suns won a franchise-record 64 games that season.
The Pistons haven’t had a winning season since 2015-16.
NBA teams that have lost every game in a month
The Detroit Pistons joined a dubious group when they lost every game in November.
Here are other NBA teams that have lost every game in a calendar month.
- Providence Steamrollers: March 1948
- San Diego Rockets: March 1968
- Philadelphia 76ers: March 1973
- Miami Heat: November 1988
- Dallas Mavericks: March 1994
- Vancouver Grizzlies: March 1996
- Los Angeles Clippers: February 1999
- New Jersey Nets: November 2010
- Charlotte Bobcats: April 2012
- Philadelphia 76ers: February 2014
- Philadelphia 76ers: November 2014
- Philadelphia 76ers: November 2015
Cade Cunningham solid, but Pistons not getting much else
With starting point guard, Cade Cunningham returning from injury, there was hope he could help lead this team to its first playoff appearance since 2019.
Cunningham has had a strong start to the year, averaging 22.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 7.1 assists, the eighth most in the league.
After an up-and-down rookie season, Jaden Ivey was projected to make a big jump in his sophomore season, but he is averaging 11.8 points, 4.5 points fewer than he put up last season.
First-round draft pick, Ausar Thompson has shown flashes He is a versatile wing player who can defend the perimeter and finish above the rim. He is scoring 11 points, pulldown down 9.2 rebounds, getting 2.8 assists, and shooting 46.5% from the field.
Injuries have played a part in the slow start. Bojan Bogdanovic, who averaged upwards of 20 points per game at forward last season has been sidelined with a calf strain. The good news is, he is expected to return from injury soon.