Detroit Pistons Shakeup and the Game-Changing New GM
A major Detroit Pistons shakeup is happening. Nobody should be surprised, as the franchise is in serious need of some TLC. The Pistons were ranked at the bottom of the NBA this year. It’s a familiar place for them, too, and it’s not a good place. So, this season, owner Tom Gores is taking action. He’s hiring a president of basketball operations in former New Orleans Pelicans general manager Trajan Langdon. He also let go of Pistons general manager Troy Weaver last Friday (May 31).
Detroit Pistons Shakeup
There are two big parts to this Detroit Pistons shakeup. One is the new president of basketball operations, Langdon, and the other is finding a new general manager for the team. In a message to media regarding hiring Langdon, Gores said, “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. 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.”
So, who will replace Weaver? That’s a big part of this Pistons shakeup. Apparently, one candidate already stands out. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania and James Edwards III, Pelicans executive Michael Blackstone is in “serious talks” to be part of Detroit’s front office team. He obviously has ties to Langdon, coming from the Pelicans, which makes this chance even stronger. 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. Whoever is hired for the new general manager will be the No. 2 decision-maker reporting to Langdon, The Athletic says.
I have mixed feelings about this move. As I wrote in my op-ed about hiring Langdon, there are some pluses and minuses to bringing on the former Pelicans general manager. I like having someone onboard with that GM experience. The Pelicans also had a decent season last season. But, the Pelicans are no Timberwolves or Mavericks. I think it’s chancy to bring on someone else from the Pelicans. It’s not like we’re looking to become the next Pelicans. We have to shoot higher than that if we really want to turn this franchise around. Either way, I hope whatever executives are in place can build the right team around Cade Cunningham and, for goodness sake, keep him healthy. Contact me with your thoughts.
