Pistons owner Tom Gores defined new general manager Troy Weaver’s role, saying that the former Oklahoma City executive “will run the basketball side of things” for the rebuilding franchise, Keith Langlois of the team’s website reports.
Senior adviser Ed Stefanski had been running the front office but will take a step back with Weaver in place. Gores also encouraged Weaver to receive input from vice chairman Arn Tellem, and coach Dwane Casey. The club is expected to hire at least one assistant GM.
“We want Troy to lead. He’s going to run the basketball side of things,” Gores said. “We have over 100 years of experience between Arn and Ed and Dwane to leverage. The smartest people in the world leverage whatever resources they have. I wanted to make sure he would leverage it.”
Weaver said he was “blown away” by Gores’ energy and enthusiasm in a video conference and was sold on taking the job “in two minutes.”
Weaver, who had been with the Thunder for more than a decade following a stint with the Jazz, most recently held the title of vice president of basketball operations after previously serving as the team’s VP/assistant GM. He was Sam Presti‘s top lieutenant in Oklahoma City and had been a candidate for other top basketball operations jobs around the NBA in recent years.
The Pistons pursued him for a front office role two years ago after Stefanski was hired. He wasn’t ready to leave OKC at that point. When the Pistons came calling this time, Weaver was more willing to make a career move.
“It’s all about timing. When this opportunity presented itself, I thought the timing was right,” he said. “I thought the fit was right and the loyalty that Mr. Gores and Arn and coach Casey and Ed have building made it attractive. My talents fit with those guys there to be collaborative.”
Though the team is focused on a youth movement, Weaver sees Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose as a big part of Detroit’s plans for next season, according to ESPN’s Eric Woodyard.
“We’re excited to get them healthy and help them move forward,” Weaver said. “We feel like we have a good mixture of young guys with those two staples to be able to start there, but obviously we’ve got a lot of work to do with the draft and free agency.”
Weaver first big move should be getting on the phone with former boss Presti and offering.
Blake Griffin for
Dennis Schroeder
Darius Bazley
And a first rounder ir 2 if they can squeeze.
Consultants gotta consult!
Don’t know if they get a 1st for Blake after this most recent injury. If they land Dennis and Darius, I would take it and run.
If OKC is going to lose/let Gallo walk, a deal for Blake May make sense.
He’s the leader of the pack!
Keep Griffin, he can help tanking
Trade Wood and Luke Kennard for 2 future Firsts
Make sure get good draft picks next 3 years
Beat Cavs Hawks Bulls Knicks on loss column
Wood is a Free Agent, how many are you going to suggest trading him before you understand that? And don’t suggest S&T, no one is giving up a 1st for him in deal.
And have you heard of the draft lottery? Yes, more losses gives you a better chance of a high pick, but even last year the Lakers moved from 13 to 1.
Bet the Celtics would give up the #26 or #30 in a weak draft for Wood as a S&T.
Plus a 1st for Kennard is very possible.
Pistons will be back in the playoffs in 2 years.
Wonder who Weaver will Target for the Asst. GM ?
Griffin not a winner. Not a good shooter….his contract is a killer. Long time before they are in playoffs
Because 23 teams have no nice cap space so they have to use Sign and Trade