The Pistons Pulse
The Pistons Pulse is your go-to Detroit Pistons podcast for all the best news, analysis, insights and opinions on the team. Hosted by Omari Sankofa of the Detroit Free Press and Bryce Simon of Motor City Hoops. Find it every Tuesday wherever you listen to podcasts. Tune in to listen to engaging conversations and unique perspectives on your Detroit Pistons and NBA. Omari brings insider insights and analysis as a Pistons beat writer and Detroit native combined with Bryce’s in-depth on-court analysis as a former D1 player and current high school coach of 12 years.
Detroit Pistons offseason special: Pistons Pulse trivia challenge
Bryce, Omari, and producer Wes Davenport interrupt your regularly scheduled Pistons Pulse episode with a trio of Detroit Pistons themed trivia rounds to break through the offseason blues. Wes leads off by hosting another true or false edition of “Sheed or Sham?” Later, Omari and Bryce take their own turns hosting trivia challenges.
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Discussing the offseason with The Athletic's NBA Daily
Omari and Bryce were joined by The Athletic NBA Daily hosts Esfandiar Baraheni and Dave DuFour to discuss the offseason as a whole.
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What does success look like for Detroit Pistons and is depth their biggest advantage?
It’s an offseason mailbag episode this week for Bryce and Omari. What does offensive growth look like for Ausar Thompson? What’s Ron Holland’s role on the roster? The guys answer these listener questions and more.
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Should new Detroit Piston Ebuka Okorie play next to Cade Cunningham?
Producer note: This podcast was recorded 7-21-26
Friend of the pod Laz Jackson joins Bryce and Omari this week to break down the rest of what they saw from the Detroit Pistons in NBA Summer League. The guys get Laz’s evaluation of Okrie, discuss Cade playing on-ball vs off-ball, and Laz grades the Pistons' offseason as a whole so far.
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...Continued analysis on 2026 NBA Summer League and where Detroit Pistons' roster stands
Producer note: This podcast was recorded 7-15-26
Bryce and Omari break down what stood out to them in games 2 and 3 of NBA Summer League. The guys focus in on Chaz Lanier and Ebuka Okorie. Later in the show, the guys cover the state of the Detroit Pistons roster.
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Live from 2026 NBA Summer League: Key takeaways from Ebuka Okorie’s debut
In their annual NBA Summer League show, Bryce and Omari recorded live from Las Vegas to break down what stood out from No. 17 overall pick Ebuka Okorie, Chaz Lanier, more.
Bryce and Omari break down the Pistons’ acquisitions of Isaiah Joe and John Collins. The guy also continue to analyze the situation surrounding Jalen Duren’s contract.
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What Isaiah Joe and John Collins bring to Detroit Pistons
Producer note: This podcast was recorded on 7-1-26
Bryce and Omari break down the Pistons’ acquisitions of Isaiah Joe and John Collins. The guy also continue to analyze the situation surrounding Jalen Duren’s contract.
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How does Ebuka Okorie fit with Detroit Pistons?
Bryce and Omari break down the Piston’s No. 21 overall pick Ebuka Okorie. Can Okorie play next to Cade Cunningham? The guys discuss where the 19 year-old Stanford guard needs to develop, analyze his jump shot and more.
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Is trading for Tyler Herro the right move for Detroit Pistons?
With rumors and speculation heating up right before the NBA Draft, Bryce and Omari explore what a potential move for Tyler Herro would look like for the Detroit Pistons. The guys also break down what it could mean for the team if they trade players like Ron Holland, Duncan Robinson and Isaiah Stewart.
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Detroit Pistons mock draft with No Ceilings NBA
Bryce and Omari welcome to the show Corey Tulaba and Maxwell Baumbach of No Ceilings NBA to explore how the 2026 NBA draft could play out. The guys continue the Yaxel Lendeborg conversation and what could be waiting for the Detroit Pistons at the end of the draft.
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Should Detroit Pistons trade up for Yaxel Lendeborg?
Detroit Free Press sports columnist Shawn Windsor joins Bryce and Omari this week to review listener ideas on what moves the Detroit Pistons could make this offseason. After a quick review of the NBA finals so far, the guys get right to listener suggestions including what it would take for the Pistons to go after Yaxel Lendeborg in this year’s NBA Draft.
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Keith Smith on what Detroit Pistons should do with Jalen Duren’s contract
With Omari away handling Freep business, Bryce brings back NBA cap expert and friend of the pod Keith Smith to break down the paths the Pistons may take this offseason. Bryce gets Keiths analysis on Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson’s possible contracts and how the team can continue to add the roster. Bryce and Keith also preview the NBA draft.
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Detroit Pistons Offseason Preview: Trajan Langdon’s press conference and what’s next for Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren
Bryce and Omari break down the key takeaways from Trajan Langdon’s end of season press conference and game out what’s next for the Pistons if they keep Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren.
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Detroit Pistons' surprising season comes to end in blowout Game 7 loss
Producer note: This podcast was recorded 5-18-26
Bryce and Omari look at what went wrong for the Detroit Pistons in their Game 7 matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers and look at the big picture by reviewing the team’s unexpected 2025-26 season.
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What to make of Detroit Pistons losing Games 3 and 4 against Cleveland Cavaliers
Bryce and Omari are joined by Free Press Sports columnist Shawn Windsor to break down what went wrong for the Pistons in their last two playoff matchups against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The trio discuss Jalen Duren’s slump and Ausar Thompson’s struggles in Game 4. They also preview what fans may see in Game 5.
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Detroit Pistons lead Cleveland Cavaliers 2-0 in 2nd round of NBA playoffs
Bryce and Omari shares their reactions and analysis on the 2-0 lead the Detroit Pistons have gained against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The guys discuss Cade’s star level of play and break down the significant impacts of Tobias Harris and Ausar Thompson. They also talk what lessons the team learned from their previous brink of elimination series and what fans may see in Game 3 and 4.
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Breaking down Detroit Pistons’ 3-1 comeback victory and previewing semifinal matchup against Cleveland Cavaliers
Bryce and Omari cover the Detroit Pistons’ historic 3-1 series comeback victory over the Orland Magic. Later, the guys take a look at what’s changed for the Cleveland Cavaliers and how the Pistons’ could contend against them in their Eastern Conference semifinals matchup.
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Reacting to Detroit Pistons' Game 6 win
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Lack of urgency and intensity has Detroit Pistons on verge of elimination
With the Orlando Magic now leading the Detroit Pistons 3-1 in their playoff series, Bryce and Omari share their insights on what’s been going wrong for the team.
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Jalen Duren's funk, roster questions and Game 4 outlook
Producer note: This podcast was recorded 4-26-26
Bryce and Omari discuss player underperformances and missed opportunities that led to the Pistons’ 113-105 Game 3 loss to the Orlando Magic, and look ahead to Game 4 on Monday, April 27.
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Shawn Windsor helps break down what went wrong for Detroit Pistons in Game 1 and what they need for Game 2
Producer note: This podcast was recorded 4-21-26
Bryce and Omari welcome back to the show Detroit Free Press sports columnist Shawn Windsor to analyze the Pistons’ postseason performance so far. The guys note Cade’s showing in Game 1 and what the teams needs from Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, and Isaiah Stewart moving forward.
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Quick reaction: How much trouble are Pistons in after stunning Game 1 playoff no-show vs. Magic?
From the Detroit Free Press, Omari Sankofa II, Bryce Simon and Shawn Windsor react live at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday night to the Detroit Pistons’ stunning Game 1 NBA playoff loss to the Orlando Magic, 112-101. Check back for a full-length podcast this week before Wednesday's Game 2 in this best-of-seven first-round series.
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Detroit Pistons playoff preview and revisiting regular season highlights
Bryce and Omari look forward to the Detroit Pistons' upcoming playoff series and break down the best moments from the regular season. They talk if Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson should expect awards, Trajan Langdon’s winning moves on the margins, Duren’s improvements this year and how confident the team should feel heading into the postseason.
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The Athletic’s Fred Katz shares national perspective on Detroit Pistons’ impressiveness
Bryce and Omari are joined this week by Fred Katz, senior NBA writer for The Athletic. The trio talk potential Pistons post-season awards, the 65-game rule, and post-season matchups.
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Who's in front of Cade Cunningham in MVP race, the 65-game rule and Jaden Ivey's release
Bryce and Omari are joined by Andrew Schlecht of The Athletic to discuss a newsy week in the NBA, starting with the release of former Piston Jaden Ivey after controversial comments he made online. Later, the guys discuss Cade Cunningham's NBA MVP case, the 65-game awards rule potentially snubbing his chances, the impact Daniss Jenkins has made and more.
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Will Detroit Pistons hold on to 1-seed in East without Cade Cunningham?
Bryce and Omari break down Cade Cunningham’s injury and how is absence is influencing the conversation around the 65-game rule for NBA awards. Later, the guys talk Daniss Jenkins’ career game against the Los Angeles Lakers and what his future role with the team could look like.
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Detroit Pistons’ defense is key to bouncing back
Producer note: This podcast was recorded the afternoon of 3-17-26.
Bryce and Omari welcome back Free Press Sports columnist and friend of the show Shawn Windsor to help deconstruct the defensive needs of the Detroit Pistons. The guys talk which players to watch in March Madness for the Pistons, react to the the Pistons’ disappointing March so far, what the team needs to get back on track, confidence levels heading into the playoffs and J.B. Bickerstaff's rotations.
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...Is Detroit Pistons' losing streak a rough patch or something more concerning?
In this week's episode, Omari Sankofa II and Bryce Simon break down the many issues affecting the Pistons during their four-game skid.
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Detroit Pistons’ Jalen Duren continues to impress
After a quick shout out to the latest addition to the Davenport family (Congrats Wes and Jill!), Bryce and Omari recap the Pistons' wins over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Orlando Magic. Later, the guys focus in on the growing offensive prowess of Jalen Duren, break down Cade’s ranking in the MVP conversation, and analyze the spark Ausar Thompson provides to the team. The guys also answer listener questions, including if the Pistons are being overlooked in the national NBA conversation.
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Do Detroit Pistons need to lean more into their defensive identity?
Bryce, Omari, and friend of the pod Laz Jackson break down the Pistons’ loss to the the San Antonio Spurs. Was this loss a wake-up call for the team or are the Victor Wembanyama led Spurs uniquely built to slow the Pistons down? The guys also debate Ausar Thompson’s usage in the game and where coach J.B. Bickerstaff may need to make changes. The guys also look ahead to the rest of the regular season and talk potential matchups in the NBA playoffs.
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Just how tough of a stretch is ahead for Detroit Pistons?
Producer note: Click here if you’d like to see a photo of Bryce’s new puppy
After welcoming the newest member to the Simon family, Bryce and Omari recap NBA All-Star Weekend and share thoughts on the new format. Later, the guys dive deep into the final run of games the Pistons will play and offer what we can learn about the team as they head towards the end of the regular season.
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Breaking down Deteoit Pistons’ dominant win over New York Knicks
Producer note: This podcast was recorded the morning of 2-8-26 before news broke of Daniss Jenkins signing a two-year standard contract with the Detroit Pistons.
After a brief conversation on Super Bowl LX, the guys recap the Detroit Pistons’ 118-80 win over the New York Knicks and highlight Ausar Thompson’s impressive developments guarding against Jalen Brunson. Later in the pod, Bryce and Omari discuss Daniss Jenkins' contract situation and share additional thoughts on the Jaden Ivey - Kevin Huerter trade.
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Reaction and analysis: Detroit Pistons trade Jaden Ivey
Bryce and Omari break down what to know about the Detroit Pistons trade that sends Jaden Ivey to the Chicago Bulls.
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Why did Detroit Pistons trade Jaden Ivey to Chicago Bulls?
Free Press Pistons writer Omari Sankofa II breaks down the Detroit Pistons' trade of Jaden Ivey to the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
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Detroit Pistons trade deadline preview
Producer note: This podcast was recorded 1-26-26
After reviewing the Pistons’ recent two matchups, Bryce and Omari explore a vast array of potential trade deals the team could pursue leading up to the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline. Could Jaden Ivey’s time in Detroit be coming to an end? The guys also discuss their thoughts on trading for Michael Porter Jr. and why Daniss Jenkins needs minutes in every game.
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Should Detroit Pistons’ Jalen Duren be an NBA All-Star?
Following the Pistons’ win over the Boston Celtics, Bryce and Omari recap the victory and dive into how the team has been exceeding expectations this year. Is J.B. Bickerstaff making his case for NBA Coach of the Year? The guys also break down Tobias Harris’ performance against the Celtics, why Duncan Robinson has been so effective, and if Jalen Duren has cemented himself as an NBA All-Star.
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NBA cap and free agency expert Keith Smith breaks down trade deadline for Detroit Pistons
Friend of the pod Keith Smith joins Bryce and Omari to help game out what paths the Detroit Pistons could pursue with the upcoming trade deadline. Keith walks the guys through a potential Daniss Jenkins contract, the intricacies of trade exceptions and more.
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James Edwards III joins to preview Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks and evaluate NBA Eastern Conference
Producer note: This podcast was recorded 1/4/26
Bryce and Omari welcome back senior writer for The Athletic and friend of the pod James Edwards III. The trio explore the potential rivalry between the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks. They also break down where the two franchises rank in the Eastern conference.
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What did we get right and wrong in our preseason predictions for Detroit Pistons?
With a looming holiday break approaching, Bryce and Omari revisit an assortment of projections they made before the Pistons kicked off the 2025-2026 season. Later in the pod, producer Wes joins to pit the guys against each other in another true or false edition of “Sheed or Sham”?
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How legit are 21-5 Detroit Pistons?
Omari and a diminished speaking-voice Bryce recap the Pistons’ big win against the Boston Celtics. The guys also hone in on Caris Lavert establishing his groove, Jaden Ivey’s performance since returning from injury, Cade’s MVP case, and Ausar Thompson’s recent struggles on offense.
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