Detroit — In what was one of the Pistons’ most spirited wins of the season, three of their core pieces were right at the forefront, in Wednesday’s surprising win over the Boston Celtics.
Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart are building blocks for the Pistons’ retooling, and they’ll be the three representatives at All-Star Weekend in Cleveland.
The three were named Rising Stars and will play in Friday’s mini-tournament for first- and second-year players. Cunningham also will be in the Skills Challenge on Saturday night.
Though the Pistons won’t have any players in the main event, Sunday’s All-Star Game, their young trio is trending in that direction with their improved play. There’s a sense of pride in the organization about the steps forward that the young players are making, and though the record doesn’t show it this season, there is some optimism.
“They should (be proud) because we’re a young team. That’s what we’re basing (our rebuild) on,” coach Dwane Casey said. “We’d be in trouble if we had nobody in the (Rising Stars) but we’ve got three. We’re one of the youngest teams in the league and it’s just a sign of we’re headed in the right direction.”
In Wednesday’s impressive win, Stewart got the Pistons off to a good start with his strong play in the paint, with six quick points. Cunningham had a big fourth quarter and Bey was solid throughout, with five 3-pointers.
More: Cunningham, Pistons continue to learn in trial-by-fire approach
Cunningham was in early foul trouble, but he steadied the ship and was competitive against the Celtics’ Jayson Tatum. Cunningham has battled through injuries and he’s had a good rookie season, but he seems to reach a different level when the stakes are highest, as the Pistons were on the precipice of losing their lead and losing by double digits.
Stewart and Bey built on their strong rookie seasons and have created some excitement about the Pistons’ future with their play as second-year foundations.
“I thought they played well. Cade, Saddiq and Isaiah, all three really competed at a high level. Cade, down the stretch, really did some good things to get us in there,” Casey said. “That’s a sign for our organization to have three young men in the Rising Stars Game. I’d rather them be in the All-Star Game, but the Rising Stars Game is good for our organization
“It’s a step for them in their careers, as well as our organization and our team going forward, to have that many young guys being recognized by the rest of the league. They deserve it; they put in the work, but we have a lot of work to do and there’s a lot of growth to be had. They’ll represent the organization and the city of Detroit well.”
Rising Stars Challenge
► Tipoff: 9 p.m. Friday, Rocket Mortgage Center, Cleveland
► TV: TNT
► Outlook: The Pistons will have three representatives: Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart in the showcase for standout first- and second-year players. Cunningham is on Team Barry and Bey and Stewart will be on Team Isaiah, with Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas as honorary coach.
Rod.Beard@detroitnews.com
Twitter.com/detnewsRodBeard