The blockbuster trade that sent Blake Griffin to the Detroit Pistons sent waves not only among L.A. Clippers faithful, who lost their cornerstone player, but also into the Motor City front office, who has clearly shifted focus to a win-now mindset.
Having come short of the postseason in 2017-18, head coach and president of basketball operations Stan Van Gundy rolled the dice on this trade, hoping to shake off a rut stemming from eight straight losses, including 12 of the last 15. This shot called from his office could likely make or break his future as a dual-title holder, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times.
“The deal comes with Van Gundy running out of time to deliver some certifiable progress in the fourth season of a lucrative five-year deal to serve as Detroit’s coach and team president,” wrote Stein. “It also comes at a time when rival team executives have been buzzing about the prospect of longtime player agent Arn Tellem, who has been heading up the Pistons’ business side as vice chairman of Palace Sports & Entertainment since June 2015, succeeding Van Gundy as the head of Detroit’s basketball operations.”
While this could potentially be the passing of the torch, owner Tom Gores could quickly suggest a change within the organization, either stripping Van Gundy of his front office duties, or letting them ride out after his five years are up.
Van Gundy has been continually changing his lineups in order to find success, but a trade might just be the thing the Pistons need to find a new gear and push for a playoff spot after a precipitous fall from Eastern Conference contention.
Follow Us
Subscribe