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Detroit Pistons: Beginning of new regime finally starting to take shape

By Zac Snyder

AUBURN HILLS, MI - OCTOBER 28: Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores throws tee shits into the stands during the Detroit Pistons home opener against the Orlando Magic at the Palace of Auburn Hills on October 28, 2016 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Detroit won the game 108-82. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI - OCTOBER 28: Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores throws tee shits into the stands during the Detroit Pistons home opener against the Orlando Magic at the Palace of Auburn Hills on October 28, 2016 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Detroit won the game 108-82. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Pistons have been slow to bring about their regime change but things are starting to move with the hiring of Ed Stefanski.

Change has been slow to come for the Detroit Pistons. Despite not making the playoffs, a decision on Stan Van Gundy’s future was not immediately made following the season and the organization has not made quick work of finding his replacements since his firing.

Frustration regarding the slow pace of change is understandable, but there are finally signs that the process is accelerating.

The Pistons took a step into a new era today by hiring Ed Stefanski as a senior adviser. That kind of a job title leaves open for interpretation just what Stefanski’s role will be. The Pistons provided some clarity on that in their release announcing the hiring.

"In this new role, Mr. Stefanski will assist in the searches now underway for a new head coach and new head of basketball operations; conduct a broad review of the existing structure in which the two jobs were previously combined; recommend enhancements and improvements to that structure; and act as a long-term strategic adviser to Mr. Gores and the Pistons’ ownership team. His contract has a three-year term."

How a “senior advisor” fits into the team’s front office remains to be seen but isn’t a surprise considering one of Stefanski’s tasks will be to evaluate the existing structure of the organization and things will go from there.

The Pistons had a unified structure between the front office and coaching staff with Stan Van Gundy holding the dual titles of President of Basketball Operations and head coach. As such, the general manager reported directly to him, but it is unlikely the next era of Pistons basketball will be structured the same way. We get a big clue to that end with the word “searches” (plural) being mentioned for a new head coach and new head of basketball operations.

With Stefanski in place brings clues about where the Pistons could be looking to fill the head coaching and front office roles. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that former Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey will be the team’s top target. Stefanski was in the Raptors front office when Casey was hired in Toronto.

The three-year contract announced with the hiring of Stefanski says that this advisor role will not be the kind that has him put things in place and walk away. Woj adds that the new front office will

"The Pistons’ new front office, centered around Stefanski, will look closely at hiring a rising front-office executive in a general manager-type role, league sources said."

Woj names Trajan Langdon, currently the Brooklyn Nets’ assistant general manager, as a potential candidate. He also names Brent Barry and Tayshaun Price as possible names to watch for other front office roles.

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