CLEVELAND, OHIO – MAY 15: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons walks off the court after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-94 during the fourth quarter in Game Six of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Rocket Arena on May 15, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

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Anne Erickson

By Anne Erickson

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The Detroit Pistons had a brag-worthy regular season with head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, but their postseason ended early with a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs. It's an exaggeration to say that Bickerstaff is in the hot seat after the 2025 season, but getting close to the NBA Finals and not getting there gets old quick in this business. He'll need to get this team further along the way in 2026.

One issue the Pistons had all season was the Cade Cunningham factor. They have one of the most talented point guards in the league, but he needs help. Cunningham needs relief. That was apparent in the playoffs.

So, the NBA draft is on the way. That's where the Pistons could get some real Cunningham relief. The 2026 NBA draft is schedule for June 23 and 24, and it will air at 8 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN. The league's withdrawal deadline officially passed on Saturday, June 13, so the lineup is written in stone.

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CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 15: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons walks off the court after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-94 during the fourth quarter in Game Six of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Rocket Arena on May 15, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

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Jeremy Woo of ESPN thinks the Pistons will use their No. 21 pick to draft point guard Bennett Stirtz out of Iowa. What makes him a good fit for Detroit?

"Rival teams expect the Pistons to target an offense-minded player here, with Detroit's glaring need for shooting coming to bear in the postseason," Woo says in the piece. "Adding a ball handler who can take pressure off of Cade Cunningham might also be prudent."

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Pistons Would Be Wise to Draft Bennett Stirtz

So, what makes Stirtz a fit for the Pistons? It's the Cade factor. This team needs another dominant point guard on the roster. Cunningham needs it, too.

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At 22 years old, Stirtz is young but old enough to be ready to start in the NBA. He could be of immediate use to the Pistons, and his strong athletic ability would make him a smart addition to this team. Detroit could go with another position, but they really need another reliable point guard, and Stirtz will likely be the best one available at No. 21.

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