In 2023, the Detroit Pistons set the NBA record for losing streak at 28. Skip to 2025, Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren have led the way to a 13-game win streak to start the season.
In 2008, the Detroit Lions set the record for loses in a season going 0-16. Skip to 2023, Jared Goff and Dan Campbell have led the Lions to the NFC Championship.
In 2016, the Detroit Red Wings make the playoffs, but this would be the last time since the present. In 2025, Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond have led the Red Wings to a 12-8-1 start to the season, sitting in first place in the Atlantic.
In 2014, the Detroit Tigers made the playoffs for the last time since 2024. Now, Tarik Skubal and A.J. Hinch has made the Tigers a force in the American League.
Why have all these teams turned around all of a sudden? Are they cheating? No, that’s just the Wolverines. Are they trading for super teams? No. That hasn’t been their style. Their style is home-grown young talent that has devolved. They have waited for players like Lucas Raymond, Tarik Skubal, Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson, Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Penei Sewell to develop over time. Each one of these players have developed into All-Star caliber players.
Another reason for this comeback is a change in attitude. The grit and resilience of these teams have made a difference. A.J. Hinch and Dan Campbell have preached toughness throughout the whole season. J.B. Bickerstaff got extremely frustrated with the refs in a game in 2024 against the OKC Thunder. “I’m disgusted with the way the game was officiated.” Each of these coaches have shown that they will do anything for their players and hope for the same in return.
Despite the struggles of the Detroit teams in the last decade, they are on the rise due to home grown talent, grit, and determination.
