Detroit Pistons preseason review: Breaking down team identity and roster dynamics

Producer note: For Omari and Bryce, congratulations on episode 200! For our listeners, this episode was recorded the morning of 10-15-25. Bryce and Omari mark their 200th episode by getting straight to work and continuing their preseason Detroit Pistons coverage. After a quick update on the status of Jaden Ivey's health, the guys break down what they’ve seen this preseason from Cade Cunningham, Tobias Harris, Daniss Jenkins, Ron Holland,  Isaiah Stewart, Ausar Thompson and Caris LeVert. To close out the show, Bryce shares a Cade Cunningham hot take. Follow Omari on X/Twitter: @omarisankofa Read the latest from Omari on freep.com Follow Bryce on X/Twitter: @MotorCityHoops Read the latest from Bryce on substack Pick up  "The Pistons Pulse" merch here!

Omari and Bryce finally have real basketball to discuss as the Detroit Pistons bested the Memphis Grizzlies in preseason play 128-112. Has the team cemented their identity and play style? Later, the guys take a deep dive into roster lineups and analyze which combinations could be the most advantageous this year. Also in the pod, with the looming Detroit vs. Kansas City matchup in the NFL, the guys briefly have that conversation and Chiefs fan Bryce shares his not-so-optimistic take with the Lions coming to town.  Follow Omari on X/Twitter: @omarisankofa Read the latest from Omari on freep.com Follow Bryce on X/Twitter: @MotorCityHoops Read the latest from Bryce on substack Pick up  "The Pistons Pulse" merch here!

With the return of the NBA season on the horizon, Omari and Bryce break down the standout quotes and moments from the Detroit Pistons’ media day press conference. The guys dive into what insights were revealed, including the team’s offseason workouts, the status of Jaden Ivey’s health, what the young players learned from veteran leadership and more. Follow Omari on X/Twitter: @omarisankofa Read the latest from Omari on freep.com Follow Bryce on X/Twitter: @MotorCityHoops Read the latest from Bryce on substack Pick up  "The Pistons Pulse" merch here!

With training camp fast approaching and the season not far behind, Bryce and Omari welcome old friend Vincent Goodwill, now of ESPN, to preview the season. The guys discuss Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren's development tracks, what the next level might look like for Cade Cunningham and just how important Ausar Thompson is for this team now and in the future.  Follow Omari on X/Twitter: @omarisankofa Read the latest from Omari on freep.com Follow Bryce on X/Twitter: @MotorCityHoops Read the latest from Bryce on substack Pick up  "The Pistons Pulse" merch here!

With two weeks to go to until training camp, Omari offers an update on Malik Beasley’s situation and along with Bryce, the guys consider whether the Detroit Pistons should reunite with the fan-favorite player. Later in the pod, Bryce and Omari share Pistons roster and general NBA award predictions. Follow Omari on X/Twitter: @omarisankofa Read the latest from Omari on freep.com Follow Bryce on X/Twitter: @MotorCityHoops Read the latest from Bryce on substack Pick up  "The Pistons Pulse" merch here!

Bryce and Omari welcome Pistons Jack (@pistons_jack) to the pod this week. The trio open the show by detailing the dynamism of the Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey duo. Will the pair be able to take the next necessary step in their play this year and how does the duo rank compared to the rest of the NBA Easter Conference? Bryce, Omari and Jack shares their insights along with takeaway predictions for the end of the ’25 season. To close out the pod, Bryce aims for game host redemption by having Omari and Jack face off in a round of trivia. Follow Omari on X/Twitter: @omarisankofa Read the latest from Omari on freep.com Follow Bryce on X/Twitter: @MotorCityHoops Read the latest from Bryce on substack Pick up  "The Pistons Pulse" merch here!

The boys are back in town and the band is back together with Omari returning from his vacation! As “The Pistons Pulse” team await the arrival of the 2025 season, Bryce and Omari evaluate the Pistons roster and make their predictions for how the team will fare this year. Can Ausar cement his status as an elite defender? Will Cade prove himself as a perennial all-star? What impact will veterans make on the team? The guys lay out their individual player thoughts and more. Follow Omari on Twitter: @omarisankofa Read the latest from Omari on freep.com Follow Bryce on Twitter: @MotorCityHoops Read the latest from Bryce on substack Pick up  "The Pistons Pulse" merch here!

With Omari still away on vacation, Bryce brings in podcast hosts Andrew Schlecht and Alex Spears of The Athletic’s “Slam n’ Jam" podcast. The trio break down the NBA’s Western Conference and game out where the Detroit Pistons may stack up in the overall mix. Later, Bryce plays game show host and attempts to get revenge for his past “Slam n’ Jam” trivia performances by pitting Andrew and Alex against each other. Follow Omari on Twitter: @omarisankofa Read the latest from Omari on freep.com Follow Bryce on Twitter: @MotorCityHoops Read the latest from Bryce on substack Pick up  "The Pistons Pulse" merch here!

With Omari away on a much deserved vacation, Bryce brings on his former coach at American University, Jeff Jones. Coach Jones dives into how the collegiate basketball landscape has shifted since his playing years, team chemistry, and what it was like playing against a freshman Michael Jordan. Follow Omari on Twitter: @omarisankofa Read the latest from Omari on freep.com Follow Bryce on Twitter: @MotorCityHoops Read the latest from Bryce on substack Pick up  "The Pistons Pulse" merch here!

Bryce and Omari Sankofa II (O2) welcome on to the pod Omari’s dad, the original Omari Sankofa (O1).  The guys get the fan perspective from Mr. Sankofa on topics like why the team should run its roster back and Jaden Ivey's x-factor. The trio also field listener questions, including how O2 started his journalism career. Later in the show, producer Wes pits father against son and co-host against co-host in another round of “Sheed or Sham”. Follow Omari on Twitter: @omarisankofa Read the latest from Omari on freep.com Follow Bryce on Twitter: @MotorCityHoops Read the latest from Bryce on substack Pick up  "The Pistons Pulse" merch here!