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In addition to Harris, Austin’s proposal was supported by NBA superstar Kevin Durant (who starred one year at the University of Texas), former Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry and PEAK6 founder Jenny Just. All big names, but none with active control of an NBA team.
The garbage, in his words, is the recycled spectacle of American electoral politics. Whether it’s Trump or Biden, Obama or Bush, Hodges believes the real decision-makers wear tailored suits on Wall Street — not the White House. “To me, Trump and Biden? It’s a uniparty. Two wings of the same bird,” Hodges said. “And the bird don’t fly for us.” That’s not a new theme in his rhetoric. He’s been speaking this truth since his NBA days — when he tried to organize players into a collective consciousness of activism and economic self-determination. Now, in 2025, with disinformation rampant and trust in institutions crumbling, Hodges feels vindicated. “We’ve been losing jobs since we’ve been in America, shit!” he says, voice rising. “When we were fully employed, y’all didn’t have a problem with us — because we were totally enslaved.”
His frustration extends to the Democratic establishment — especially President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. “They won’t step up to the plate and say that this dude is incompetent from Day 1,” Hodges said of Biden. “We can’t say that because it’s ‘politically incorrect.’ And then you wanna give me Kamala Harris? Nah, man.” He doesn’t blame the system for being what it is. He blames us — for still expecting it to save us. “We didn’t say Democrats and Republicans we want y’all to sit down and listen to what we need over here… but we ain’t unified like that.” Unity, for Hodges, is the missing piece. It’s not about waiting for another Barack or denouncing another Trump. It’s about organization, ownership, and truth-telling. Even when it’s uncomfortable. Especially when it is. “It’s a game, man,” Hodges said one more time, with a sigh. “And I hope we can see where we sit — because it’s getting ready to get REALLY hectic.”
For Hodges, the American economy has never been for Black folks. From slavery to sharecropping, from redlining to underfunded schools, he sees a nation addicted to Black labor — and allergic to Black power. So when Trump sat with billionaires and signed executive orders, Hodges didn’t flinch. He just asked, “Why didn’t Barack do the same for us?” “I ain’t saying I support Trump,” Hodges clarified. “I’m saying look at what he’s allowed to do — because of who he answers to. It’s billionaires sitting around the table with him, man!” That’s the deeper wound for Hodges. Not just that power is corrupt, but that even so-called “Black excellence” hasn’t figured out how to truly claim it. “You look at where the money lies and everyone knows. Everyone is afraid,” he said. “If we were to be organized, we would have a political faction, a financial establishment, a generation of young men and women who are capable of being politically powerful.”
He's not even the oldest Pistons player -- that belongs to Hardaway Jr (33 years old). But Harris knew what he was getting into when he signed a two-year, $52 million contract with the Pistons, a team that entered the season with an average age of 24.3 years old, the fourth-youngest team in the NBA. The young team was also coming off a 14-68 season, one of the worst the league has ever seen. "There's a lot of talent here, kind of just need a few adults in the room," Harris told ESPN. "Guide these guys a little bit, and really boost their confidence up, boost the professionalism, morale of the whole team, and see where they could take us. "I knew that coming in that this was going to be a breath of fresh air for me, but I've truly enjoyed it. It's the most fun I've had playing basketball my whole career with this group and this team."
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Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff, in his first season with the franchise, refers to Harris and the team's vets by a different nickname. "My safety blanket," Bickerstaff said earlier this month. "Every time things are going awry, I can put those two guys in the game and I know they're going to settle it down."
“We’re in the playoffs. We know what time it is,” Harris said. “This group is always about bouncing back and making sure we’re focusing, our energy level is where it needs to be. That’s why vets like myself are here to make sure this group’s spirit is up. … We’re excited and we’re embracing this challenge. Drop our first game, but we’ll be ready to go for Game 2.” The immediate aftermath of Saturday’s game left an unsavory taste for the Pistons, but coach J.B. Bickerstaff believes his team will ultimately be better having experienced that late-game blowup.
Harris, who scored 15 points and grabbed eight rebounds in the Pistons’ 122-96 blowout victory, is averaging 13.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 69 games. After quickly finding his footing in Detroit, he has emerged as a steady contributor in the team’s playoff push. “I would say it’s the dynamic of how we play as a team,” Harris told Sportskeeda. “We have complementary pieces around each other, and we play off Cade well. Being a veteran and versatile at the forward position, it’s a great fit for me. I love playing with these guys, love the energy from all of them, the vibe of the group, and the overall team chemistry is huge. I have a lot of fun with the team, both on and off the floor.”
Cunningham earned his first All-Star appearance this season and is averaging 25.7 points, 9.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in 66 games. “His demeanor as a player really stands out,” Harris told Sportskeeda. “His pace on the floor, stepping up in big games and big moments, and his leadership in getting guys going all contribute to his impact. His will to win is extremely impressive — he’s not only an amazing talent but an even better person.”
With nine games remaining, Detroit is looking to lock in its playoff position. Harris sees a hungry, motivated group that’s eager to prove itself when the games matter most. “I like that we’re young, hungry, and eager,” Harris told Sportskeeda. “All these guys are always asking questions about what it’s like and are extremely excited for the moment. Many haven’t had that winning experience, so there’s a downhill effect of wanting to get in that position but also really wanting to excel and win. We’re hungry, and we know as a group that our goal is to get to the playoffs and handle our business.”
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Harris recalled a conversation he had with a player earlier in the season, regarding body language and sending the right message to his teammates. “It’s understanding you have to have that ultra confidence in yourself, but also know that your demeanor, your body language is an important element of this team,” he said. “You can’t be the one guy upset when everyone is rolling. Understanding a large goal of what we’re trying to do as a team, but also understanding it’s a long season. You may have two, three games where you don’t play your best, but that frustration can’t linger on. That’s what I’ve learned in my career and am still continuing to learn and navigate.”
Cade Cunningham helps Pistons extend win streak to seven games
Omari Sankofa II: FINAL: Pistons 106, Clippers 97. Pistons (32-26) have won seven-straight for the first time since 2014-15 and are 21-9 overall since Dec. 21. Cunningham: 32 pts, 9 rebs, 7 assts Harris: 20 pts Duren: 12 pts, 18 rebs
Law Murray: The Pistons report that Simone Fontecchio is questionable due to a shooting hand finger dislocation. Sounds painful. Jaden Ivey remains out. Two-ways and rookie Bobi Klintman in the G. Clippers will see starting lineup of Cunningham, Hardaway Jr., Thompson, Harris, Duren.
Omari Sankofa II: FINAL: Pistons 127, Bulls 119. Pistons (25-24 overall) move back above .500 and have opened their six-game home swing 2-0. Cunningham: 22 points, 15 assists Duren: 21 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists Beasley: 19 pts, 5 assists Harris: 16 pts, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocks
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