Detroit Pistons changes are in motion right now. Let’s face it. The team is in major need of a rebuild, and they have been for some time. They were ranked dead last in the NBA last season, and they’ve been there consistently. That’s not good. So, owner Tom Gores is making some major moves. He recently hired a president of basketball operations in former New Orleans Pelicans general manager Trajan Langdon. He also parted ways with Detroit Pistons general manager Troy Weaver on Friday (May 31).
Detroit Pistons Changes
One of the big Detroit Pistons changes involves the new president of basketball operations, Langdon. The other is hiring a new general manager for the team to replace Weaver.
In a press statement regarding Weaver leaving the Franchise, Gores sang his praises while, at the same time, indicating it was time to part ways.
“I very much appreciate all the dedication Troy displayed to our Pistons franchise,” Gores said. “As much as we have struggled lately, we will look back and see Troy as an important person in the remaking of the Pistons. He took the pain of rebuilding head on and he did the hard work to get us the flexibility we have today. He also assembled a great core of young men with tremendous skill and character to give us a path to the future. Make no mistake, I have real appreciation for who Troy is as a person and what he has meant to the organization. I wish him the very best as he pursues his ventures.”
In that same statement, Gores also talked about hiring Langdon for the new role of president of basketball operations.
“What was important to me was finding someone who was a hands-on leader and effective communicator that could connect with people, motivate our front office and deliver results,” Gores said. “I knew Trajan was universally praised and respected around the league, but as I spent time with him, he articulated a thoughtful, detailed plan to create a culture of winning and getting the best out of the talented people we have in our organization.”
Gores added, “I have committed to building a front office in Detroit that brings together the most advanced capabilities and creative basketball minds. Trajan is an accomplished front office executive with an impressive track record. He’s worked his way up and seen it all as a player, scout and executive. He’s been successful at every level. I’m confident he will very swiftly get us to the standard of excellence I expect from every business.”
If you’re wondering who will replace Weaver, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania and James Edwards III, Pelicans executive Michael Blackstone is in “serious talks” to join Detroit’s front office. He has ties to Langdon, coming from the Pelicans. Blackstone was also an assistant GM with the Atlanta Hawks from 2015-16 and executive director of basketball operations for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2010-13. The new general manager will be the No. 2 decision-maker reporting to Langdon.
Time will tell if the new general manager and president of basketball operations will make the big difference Detroit needs. There’s been lost of speculation, including from AlternativeFix.com. One thing is certain: These Detroit Pistons changes are happening rapidly, so buckle up.