Pistons Reunite Three Former Hawks Teammates

September 27, 2026 - 06:56

Three members of the Detroit Pistons already played together down in Atlanta during the 2018-19 campaign on the Hawks. That shared history now carries over to a new city and a new locker room, giving the roster a familiar core that predates their time in Michigan.

Kevin Huerter, John Collins and Taurean Prince were all part of that Atlanta squad, each at a different stage of his career. Huerter was a rookie learning the pace of the professional game. Collins was in his second season and beginning to show the athleticism and finishing ability that made him a fixture in the rotation. Prince was further along, a dependable wing asked to guard tough assignments and space the floor.

That season did not produce a playoff run, but it did build relationships. Players who grind through a long schedule together tend to understand each other's habits. They know where a teammate likes the ball, how he reacts after a missed shot and what kind of encouragement he needs during a rough stretch.

For Detroit, that familiarity can shorten the adjustment period. A roster with new faces often needs weeks to develop chemistry. Having three players who already trust one another speeds up that process, both in practice and in late-game situations.

The Pistons are rebuilding around young talent, and veterans who understand their roles matter. Huerter brings shooting, Collins offers interior scoring and rebounding, and Prince provides defensive versatility. Their reunion in Detroit is not just a nice story. It is a practical advantage for a team trying to establish an identity and climb back into contention.