Pistons owner apologizes to fans, promises change

Tom Gores found these songs “ ridiculous(s) “. During the game lost to the Jazz, Pistons fans called for the sale of the franchise. A way for them to express their anger while the Michigan team is getting dangerously close to an absolute negative record with 25 defeats in a row.

“ I understand the fans are angry, but this is ridiculous », sweeps away the owner of the franchise, in a long interview with The Athleticin which he highlights the activism of the Pistons among the local population, the famous “ community “. But the leader is well aware that what happens on the ground takes precedence over the rest.

Tom Gores was very optimistic » at the start of this regular season. And he had reason to be with the golden recruitment of Monty Williams and the expected maturity of Cade Cunningham and the other young people on the team. He had the play-in, even the playoffs, in mind. But the train quickly derailed.

Contractual flexibility

Therefore, changes are necessary. “ We need change “, formulates the manager, who is at least pleased to have the greatest flexibility he has ever known on a financial level, having done ” cleaning up player contracts over the last two years “. Which, according to him, remains a guarantee of “ very bright future » for the team.

The expected changes will take place at several levels. On the floor first, with the players in place. “ Monty (Williams) and I are talking about rotations. I'm not used to doing it. Monty is so good, and knows what he's doing, that he's willing to talk about it », Reports the owner, renewing his confidence in his coach, as well as in his GM, Troy Weaver. Additions to the Pistons staff could be made, but this duo will remain in place.

When it comes to responsibilities, he places his GM and himself at the forefront. “ We underestimated something. We have seven or eight players 22 or younger. This is the composition of our team. Maybe we need more veterans. It’s not Monty’s place to take that responsibility. Monty has been there for around twenty matches. You could say, 'Hey, maybe he could have rotated this or that,' and that would have resulted in a few more wins. », imagines the owner.

Righting the ship

He considers that these changes must take place “ in the near future. It's urgent. This is not going well. I apologize to the fans. It is up to us to create urgency. I don't think there is a timetable to follow, except that we must, as soon as possible, find a way to right the ship. The ship is not sinking, but we must right it. We must be honest enough with ourselves and not lock ourselves into a strategy. The worst leaders don't know how to adapt. »

The Pistons boss will not give any details on these planned developments. But we understand that transfers should take place in the coming weeks. Even if the idea is to continue to think about the development of the young people in place.

“ From a broader perspective, we must ensure that our young players, the core of the future, grow and feel encouraged. The fans… I would like the fans to support them. blame me (And) support them. If this core continues to develop, we will experience success. We have the flexibility to surround them with what they need to succeed. They have to let us do it. At this stage, a few victories will help them gain confidence », displays the manager.

So there’s no question of crossing everything out: “ We must ensure that we create urgency and change, because we are not where we should be. But we have to make sure we don't ruin the ship. »