The Detroit Pistons are showing glimpses that their long years of struggle may finally be ending, and franchise legend Richard "Rip" Hamilton believes a new and promising chapter for Detroit basketball is beginning. Speaking to CNN Sports, the three-time NBA All-Star and 2004 champion said the current Pistons remind him of the gritty squads that powered through six consecutive conference finals in the 2000s. Hamilton emphasized that mental toughness was the heart of their success, something the city’s demanding fans always expect.

Hamilton pointed out that Detroit’s weather — where April can still bring snow — reflects the mental strength needed to thrive there, both for residents and athletes. As the Pistons prepare to host the New York Knicks for Game 3 of their first-round series, they do so with renewed momentum, having snapped a 17-year, 15-game playoff drought by stealing Game 2 in New York. The series is now tied, and the Motor City is buzzing once again with playoff energy.

Though Hamilton’s teams lacked a singular talent like Cade Cunningham — the Pistons' current breakout star — he noted that there are clear similarities in how both eras were built. Detroit's front office has again focused on drafting promising young players and adding veterans such as Tobias Harris, Dennis Schröder, and Tim Hardaway Jr., creating a balanced and tough-minded roster that mirrors the blueprint of Hamilton’s time.

Following years of playoff futility after their 2008 conference finals appearance, where Hamilton’s Pistons lost to the Boston Celtics, the team only reached the playoffs three times — each ending in first-round sweeps. After enduring the franchise’s worst season just a year ago with a 14-68 record and a 28-game losing streak, Detroit fans are now witnessing a genuine resurgence. Hamilton, who now works as a consultant for the team and focuses on family and business ventures, sees the city’s spirit deeply reflected in the new generation of Pistons.

Hamilton vividly recalled how he and teammates like Chauncey Billups, Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, and Tayshaun Prince embodied Detroit's blue-collar mentality, coming to work daily with a hard-hat attitude. He praised Detroit fans for their unwavering loyalty, supporting the team whether they were winning big or trailing badly, unlike other cities where boos are common. "If it ain’t rough, it ain’t right," he said, describing a mindset that continues to define the city’s sports culture.

Meanwhile, the Pistons face a Knicks squad burdened with heavy expectations after significant roster upgrades, including Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges alongside star Jalen Brunson. Although the Knicks were favored, the Pistons have often looked like the stronger team throughout the series. If not for a late collapse in Game 1, Detroit could easily be leading the series heading back to Little Caesars Arena, with their young roster — averaging just 25.8 years old — eager to feed off the passionate home crowd.

One change Hamilton particularly admires is the Pistons’ new downtown location. During his playing days, the team was based in suburban Auburn Hills, disconnected from Detroit’s core. Now, Hamilton enjoys riding electric scooters through the revitalized city, greeted warmly by fans and marveling at Detroit's transformation. The bond between the city and its athletes remains strong, with Hamilton describing it like walking into an episode of Cheers — a place where community embraces those who represent it.