Detroit Pistons mailbag: How long will they wait for Minnesota Timberwolves' Tim Connelly?
CHICAGO — The Detroit Pistons were one of the NBA's most unsettled teams during the NBA draft combine in Chicago. They have a top-five pick and are a month into their search for a head of basketball operations, who will take over basketball operations and right the ship on a rebuild that hasn't just stagnated, but collapsed altogether.
In this mailbag, we'll take a look at the franchise's interest in making a run at Minnesota Timberwolves president Tim Connelly and what their new head of basketball operations will need to tackle as they reshape the roster and front office personnel.
If Tim Connelly remains with the Timberwolves, how confident should fans be that Trajan Langdon and Dallas Mavericks advisor Dennis Lindsey will have full authority in personnel decisions? — @jamara23732
Whoever the Pistons hire should have full authority to reshape front office and coaching personnel as they see fit. That’s the plan, at least. It’s hard to see an incentive for ownership to deviate from it, given the most recent disastrous season. Change, clearly, is necessary.
Minnesota Timberwolves president Tim Connelly, as I reported Thursday, is coveted by Detroit but is more of a longshot hire. Reports indicate he’s expected to opt out of his contract this offseason, following the end of the Timberwolves' playoff run. The Pistons still would have to request permission to interview him, and he could turn their offer down.
The Pistons are now a month into the process and would prefer to resolve their search by the end of May, sources have indicated. They like Connelly, but they’re not going to delay things longer than necessary just to have a chance at prying him away. If the Wolves defeat the Denver Nuggets on Sunday and advance to the Western Conference finals, it would delay Detroit's process even further.
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Langdon, the former Duke star who's now GM in New Orleans, and Lindsey are both highly regarded, qualified names and fit what ownership is looking for in a top decision-maker.
Can you help me understand why Weaver is accepting a demotion in the hiring of a HOB? Can you provide any other examples of a failing GM sticking around when the franchise hires someone above them? — @MatthewCrowe313
First, it should be clarified that Troy Weaver hasn’t accepted anything yet. As of now, nothing has changed. He’s in the same general role he was hired into four years ago, and is still running daily operations until someone is hired. His demotion is pending, but there’s nothing for him to react to until that person is brought in.
It’s unclear if Weaver will stick around once the new head of basketball operations is hired. But there’s precedent for previous decision-makers staying put following their demotion.
Elton Brand has been the Philadelphia 76ers' general manager since 2018, but Daryl Morey replaced him as their top decision-maker in 2020. And reports indicated that Phoenix Suns owner (and Birmingham native/Michigan State alumnus) Mat Ishbia took over basketball operations from general manager James Jones after purchasing the team in 2023.
So, there’s still much to play out as far as who the Pistons hire and how that will impact Weaver. But the situation isn’t abnormal by NBA standards.
What moves do the Pistons have to make to be in the play-in next season? —@midrangeiso
This question is broad, but the Pistons failed in so many areas last season that it’s relatively simple to name the biggest areas the next head of basketball ops will need to address this summer — they need to do whatever’s necessary to improve in as many areas as possible.
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I’m not sure if there’s a realistic path for Detroit to make the 25-game improvement likely necessary to qualify for the play-in, but they can trend in the right direction.
Rim protection might top that list. Despite all of the resources they’ve invested into the center position in recent seasons, the Pistons lack a player that opponents fear under the rim. Jalen Duren has all of the physical tools but has a lot to learn as far as timing, recognition and possession-to-possession effort. Isaiah Stewart is capable, but not matchup-proof due to being undersized.
Ball control and shooting also need to be addressed. The Pistons were among the most turnover-prone teams, ranking 28th in both turnovers per game (15.2) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.67). They also shot poorly from 3 (34.8%, 26th), meaning they failed at virtually every aspect successful NBA teams typically thrive in.
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Whether it’s through the draft, free agency or trades, Detroit needs to fortify its big rotation with capable defenders, and its wing rotation with players who play both sides of the floor. They could also use a veteran point guard, as Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Marcus Sasser are all turnover-prone.
Why are people so against drafting Bronny? Having Lebron is the most viable way to have a somewhat meaningful season next year. I get it seems like a joke but this whole long term build through the draft thing doesn't seem to be working out. — @GSnypes
More: Detroit Pistons at NBA draft combine: Any of the top prospects would boost defense
LeBron Raymone James Jr. — better known as Bronny James — was the biggest name at the combine despite not even being a clear first-round talent. He graded well athletically, narrowly cleared the bar as far as his size (6 feet 1½ tall with a 6-7 wingspan) and turned heads during scrimmages.
Bronny’s father — who was in Chicago with his wife, Savannah, to watch their son — has been vocal about his desire to play with him, and has an opt-out of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers this summer. The Lakers, thus, are viewed as a team likely to draft Bronny in order to retain his father. Another team could beat them to the punch and call his bluff, however.
I don’t think the Pistons should be that team, and I don’t think they want to be. The primary reason is that I doubt James wishes to come to Detroit. And there are more prudent ways to utilize the fifth overall pick than luring a 39-year-old James from Los Angeles to a team that has deficiencies up and down the roster. If you can get him on a veteran minimum deal, cool. But the Pistons don’t appear to be a realistic destination.
Contact Omari Sankofa II at osankofa@freepress.com. Follow him @omarisankofa.
Feeling a draft?
What: 2024 NBA draft.
Fast facts: Round 1 — June 26; Barclays Center, New York; Round 2 — June 27; Seaport District Studios, Secaucus, New Jersey.
Pistons’ picks (overall pick in parentheses): Round 1 — 5 (5); Round 2 — 23 (53).
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Pistons mailbag: Would Troy Weaver be OK with a demotion?
