Embed from Getty Images Tom Gores has been consistent in his expectations, when Gores bought the Detroit Pistons in 2011 he expected his teams would compete for playoff spots every year. With the 2019-20 Detroit Pistons the season having been nothing short or utter disappointment, changes are coming.
Pistons owner Tom Gores was asked Thursday night if he was OK with the team taking a step back if it meant getting more than just a playoff spot and actually competing for NBA championships.
“We probably have to take some chances with some of the younger guys, but absolutely, That’s what we’re aspiring to- something bigger than what we’ve been doing, but I have not lost faith in what Dwane Casey (Pistons head coach) is doing and how we’re developing the players and our future,” Gores said.
Just like that. It was not an out and out “We are going to rebuild,” but that is exactly what Gores is saying. Then came the proof, last night two NBA insiders reported the Detroit Pistons are looking to (or shopping if you like that verbiage better,) trade veteran center and Pistons mainstay Andre Drummond.
Drummond is the right player to start with. The market for centers in bare, making Drummond very attractive to playoff bound teams looking to add rebounding, defense and scoring. The Pistons know full well Drummond would bring in a tremendous haul. Players, prospects and first round draft picks. The Pistons are said to be engaged with the Atlanta Hawks with the Boston Celtics also keeping an eye on Drummond.
The Pistons also have other nice players to sell off, none short of Blake Griffin will bring in talent and coveted draft picks like Andre Drummond. I believe (if my memory serves me correct) last season both Tom Gores and Dwane Casey said they want to build around Griffin, so at this time I do not think they will move him. If they get an offer to good to pass up, then all bets are off.
In Detroit, the city already has two rebuilding sports franchises the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings and despite what general manager Bob Quinn said the Detroit Lions are also rebuilding at least on the defensive side of the ball.
For the Pistons with and older roster, this is the right path to take. By trading a star and getting current players already on NBA rosters, prospects and draft picks the Pistons position themselves to get better sooner. What will speed that up more is after the season when the team has expiring contracts off the books and can go after big name free agents, like Gores has always wanted to.
