Detroit Pistons Officially Hire Jeff Bower as General Manager

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Pistons confirmed today that Jeff Bower has been hired as the team’s next general manager. Pistons head coach and president of operations, Stan Van Gundy made the official announcement on Tuesday.

Bower, 53, is well-respected amongst his NBA peers. Most recently he was the head coach at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. and prior to that he was the general manager and head coach of the New Orleans Hornets.

In Detroit he becomes the No. 2 personnel man of the Pistons behind Van Gundy.

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Terms were not disclosed.

"“I’m pleased to welcome Jeff Bower to the Detroit Pistons organization,” Van Gundy said in a statement. “Jeff brings great basketball knowledge and NBA experience to our organization and he’s enjoyed success in building teams. He’s a great evaluator of talent and Jeff will bring solid leadership to our front office.”"

Bower had a variety of roles during his 15 seasons with the Hornets organization in both Charlotte and New Orleans.

“I’m excited to join the Pistons organization and play a role in helping this franchise build on its great basketball tradition. I look forward to working with Stan, his staff and everyone in the Pistons organization to put together a team that the community can support and be proud of. I’m also excited about ownership’s commitment to winning and their demonstrated commitment to the community.”-New Pistons GM, Jeff Bower

Bower joined the organization in 1995 as an advance scout, earning a promotion two years later to director of scouting/assistant coach. Prior to the 2000-01 season he was promoted to assistant general manager. He then had two stints as general manager. His first being from 2001-03. After the 2003 season he became assistant coach, until after the 2003-04 season. From 2004-05 he served as director of player personal. He than began his second stint as GM in 2005 lasting until 2010.

Bower, a native of Hollidaysburg, Pa., has a degree in history/education from St. Francis College (Pa.), and began his career as an assistant coach at Penn State University from 1983-86.

He went to Marist as an assistant coach from 1986-90 and associate head coach from 1990-95 before moving to the NBA.

This is a good hire for the Pistons. Bower will serve as Van Gundy’s right-hand-man and has great contacts around the league. He is trust-worthy and has an eye for talent.