The Detroit Pistons are currently in the process of searching for a new president of basketball operations and may reach a decision within the next few weeks, as indicated by sources from The Athletic. Despite acquiring the No. 5 pick in the NBA Lottery for the third consecutive year, discussions have been ongoing with potential candidates to fill the longstanding vacancy, which has been open since 2018.
It has been suggested that Detroit is eyeing Tim Connelly, the chief executive of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and is contemplating an attractive offer to persuade him to join their organization. Although Connelly’s return to the Timberwolves appears likely, sources indicate that Pistons’ owner, Tom Gores, may be willing to offer a substantial annual salary to influence his decision.
The Pistons’ request to interview Jon Horst from the Milwaukee Bucks was recently rejected, prompting them to explore other options. Trajan Langdon of the New Orleans Pelicans, Dennis Lindsey of the Dallas Mavericks, and Marc Eversley of the Chicago Bulls are all being considered as potential candidates for the role, according to sources from The Athletic.
Despite the setback in the lottery, there is speculation that the No. 5 pick may hold more value than initially anticipated in this year’s draft. The lack of clear tiers among prospects could result in teams expressing interest in moving up to acquire the fifth pick.
In terms of rookie contracts, the disparity in pay between the top picks and the No. 5 selection is significant, potentially making it an appealing option for teams seeking to secure a promising player while saving money in the process.
Overall, the Pistons’ pursuit of a new president of basketball operations and the potential value of the No. 5 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft presents an intriguing narrative for basketball enthusiasts to consider.
(Photograph courtesy of David Sherman / NBAE via Getty Images)