Tom Gores faces new challenge as Detroit Pistons struggle through first 20 games

Troy Weaver’s biggest moves as Detroit Pistons General Manager

Since his appointment in June 2020, Troy Weaver has earned a reputation as a proactive, enterprising manager of the Detroit Pistons. Here’s a closer look at 11 of his most impactful decisions.

Despite the Pistons’ considerable efforts over the last decade, including high-profile signings like Josh Smith and Blake Griffin, the franchise has struggled to achieve playoff success. Owner Tom Gores, acknowledging the pitfalls of taking shortcuts to rebuild, has since adopted a more methodical approach to allow Weaver to steer the team in a more sustainable direction. Under Weaver’s management, the Pistons have experienced disappointing seasons, culminating in win totals of 20, 23, and a mere 17 in 2022-23, marking the franchise’s lowest win total in the league.

The ongoing challenges have led Weaver to adopt a slow and steady strategy, aiming to lay a solid foundation capable of sustaining long-term success. “The support from the ownership group as we’ve gone through this has been tremendous,” says Weaver. “It’s not easy…but we’re building it the right way so we can have a sustained model. We don’t want to microwave this process. We want to put it in the oven and make sure all the ingredients in there get cooked the right way.”

However, this season has pushed the Pistons to new lows, with a dismal record of 2-18 that includes a franchise-worst 17-game losing streak. The team’s struggles raise questions about the effectiveness of the current approach and the potential necessity for a different strategy. With several factors contributing to their poor performance, including disappointing player development, injuries preventing key acquisitions from making an impact, and overall inconsistency, the Pistons face an arduous path to recovery.

Despite their struggles, the Pistons are seeking a way forward, with an eye to the future. While the pressure for a turnaround mounts, there’s still hope that the team can improve and become competitive. As the season progresses, trade opportunities are expected to emerge, offering potential solutions to boost the roster and turn the Pistons’ fortunes around. Despite the rough start, there’s still an opportunity to give the Pistons something to be excited about.

Contact Omari Sankofa II at [email protected]. Follow him @omarisankofa. Customize your Free Press experience: Download our app for the latest news, alerts, eNewspaper and more.

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Emily Turner

Emily Turner is your source for everything NBA. As a dedicated basketball enthusiast, she offers insights into NBA games, player highlights, trade rumors, and the league’s evolving dynamics. Emily’s love for the sport shines through in her comprehensive NBA coverage.