The Detroit Pistons finished the 2023-24 season with a dismal 14-68 record, dead last in the Eastern Conference. Fast forward to today, and they're sitting atop the East, a stunning 18-4 through the first quarter of the season. Everyone's talking about Cade Cunningham's MVP-level play and the emergence of Jalen Duren as a dominant big man. But behind the scenes, a quiet force from Senegal, G League assistant coach Assane Sène, has been instrumental in this seismic shift.
Sène joined the Pistons' G League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise, in 2022, bringing a wealth of international experience. He played professionally in France and coached in various capacities across Europe before landing in Detroit. His influence isn't always seen in box scores, but it's felt in the team's newfound defensive tenacity and improved player development. Last season, the Pistons ranked 29th in defensive rating at 119.2. This year? They're second in the league, allowing just 105.5 points per 100 possessions. That's not a coincidence.
Sène's philosophy, rooted in fundamentals and relentless effort, has clearly permeated the organization. He's been heavily involved in individual player development, particularly with the younger prospects who spend time with the Cruise. Guys like Ausar Thompson, who's already one of the league's premier perimeter defenders, spent significant time with Sène. Thompson's defensive instincts are off the charts, and his ability to guard multiple positions has been a huge factor in Detroit's defensive resurgence. He's averaging 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, a rare feat for a rookie wing.
Here's the thing: You don't jump from 14 wins to an 18-4 start simply by adding a few pieces. The core group has improved dramatically. Cunningham's assist-to-turnover ratio has climbed from 1.9 last year to 2.8 this season, and his efficiency has soared. Duren, who averaged 9.1 points and 8.9 rebounds last season, is now putting up 15.2 points and 11.3 boards, anchoring the paint. Sène's work, often behind closed doors, focuses on technique, footwork, and defensive schemes that emphasize communication and collective effort. It’s the kind of foundational work that often goes unnoticed by the casual fan, but it’s critical for sustained success.
Sène's impact extends beyond X's and O's. He's known for his calm demeanor and his ability to connect with players from diverse backgrounds. In a league where locker room chemistry is paramount, having a coach who can foster a positive, disciplined environment is invaluable. He understands the nuances of developing young talent, having navigated his own professional career. This isn't just about making players better on the court; it's about instilling a professional mindset. Look, the Pistons were a laughingstock for years. To turn that around, you need more than just talent; you need a cultural reset. Sène has been a quiet architect of that new culture, one built on accountability and hard work.
My hot take? Sène is the most underrated contributor to Detroit's turnaround, and it's not even close. While head coach Monty Williams deserves credit for guiding the ship, the groundwork laid by Sène and his focus on the G League pipeline has provided the Pistons with a level of depth and defensive identity they haven't had in years. The 2023-24 Pistons gave up 130+ points ten times. This season, they've done it only once, in a hard-fought overtime loss to the Celtics. That's a stark difference.
The Pistons will finish as a top-three seed in the Eastern Conference this season, making a deep playoff run.