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- Pistons / Lions Lead

Jaxson Kaplan-Rudolph is a student at the University of Michigan studying public policy and creative writing. Aside from covering the Detroit Pistons and Lions for The Lead, he serves as an assistant sports editor for the Michigan Daily. He's worked as a student journalist since 2023, including as an apprentice for the Detroit Free Press and a guest columnist with the Detroit Jewish News.

7 Articles
May 17, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0), forward Tobias Harris (12), guard Ausar Thompson (9), guard Cade Cunningham (2) and guard Daniss Jenkins (24) huddle up in the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game seven of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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Detroit Pistons 2026 NBA Draft Preview

In 2026, the Detroit Pistons completed one of the greatest turnarounds in league history. They finished their journey from a 28-game losing streak...

June 9, 2026
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff claps during warmups ahead of the Cleveland Browns game at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025.
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The Lions’ Championship Window Is Still Open — for Now

Amid an era of theatrical schedule releases on social media, the Detroit Lions had just two words for fans when introducing their 2026...

May 29, 2026
Apr 25, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Former Minnesota Vikings tight end Stu Voigt announces the team’s selection with the 102nd overall pick during the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason/USA Today Network via Imagn Images
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Minnesota Vikings 2026 NFL Draft Preview

The Minnesota Vikings were one of the biggest ‘what-ifs’ of the 2025 NFL season. General Manager Kwasi Adofo-Mensah let the quarterback who led...

March 27, 2026
Detroit Lions fans cheer after the team selects Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa with the 70th overall pick during the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The draft runs through April 26. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
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Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft Preview

In 2023, the Detroit Lions’ journey to the NFC Championship game was powered by one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. ...

March 27, 2026
Chicago Bears fans hold up a sign before the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The draft runs through April 26. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
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Chicago Bears 2026 NFL Draft Preview

The Chicago Bears were something of a surprise for the league this season. First-year Head Coach Ben Johnson turned a 5-12 team that...

March 27, 2026
Mar 3, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder (8) lays up a shot beside Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) in the third quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
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Ausar Thompson Proves Statistics Don’t Tell the Full Story

Two points, three rebounds, and one assist across 24 minutes of playing time. It’s hard to picture a more underwhelming individual stat line. ...

March 9, 2026
Mar 19, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) celebrates with forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (8), forward Tobias Harris (12) and other teammates after scoring the game-winning basket against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Pistons Don’t Need a Big Trade, They’re Already a Title Contender

Six weeks ago, trade speculation flurried around the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons, including a blockbuster move for injured Mavericks center Anthony Davis. But Detroit...

February 3, 2026