The Detroit Pistons are on the right track with GM search

The Detroit Pistons are progressing on their search for the franchise’s next general manager, and they’ve narrowed the field to three likely candidates

The Detroit Pistons have decided it’s time for a change in the executive suite. After switching from the ill-advised head coach/president of basketball operations dual role that Stan Van Gundy tried and failed at to the bizarre senior adviser in lieu of general manager structure, it looks like the organization is going to get back on the tried and true path of having an actual general manager who is a general manager.

It’s a bold step for an organization that hasn’t had enough success to justify their winding journey off the beaten path.

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According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pistons have three serious candidates on their shortlist. Those candidates are LA Clippers assistant GM Mark Hughes, Brooklyn Nets assistant GM Jeff Peterson and Oklahoma City Thunder vice president of basketball operations Troy Weaver.

Each of these executives has been active participants in winning programs and the Pistons would do well to emulate the trajectories of any of them. In addition, while the players in the NBA are black in the majority, there are only six black general managers across the league. The Pistons would have the opportunity to further the cause of diversity in a role that desperately needs some in the league, and they would be able to do so with a highly-qualified individual no matter which one they choose.

Mark Hughes has local ties as he played his college ball at the University of Michigan, was a player/coach for the Grand Rapids Hoops of the CBA and signed a contract with the Pistons in 1991 although he never played in the NBA. He was also a finalist for the recently-filled Chicago Bulls’ job opening.

Jeff Peterson is one of the youngest executives in the NBA at the age of 31 and comes from the Mike Budenholzer tree in Atlanta before his time with the Nets. He has eight years of NBA front office experience.

As for Troy Weaver, he’s been at the side of Thunder general manager Sam Presti since 2008 and it’s not for a lack of league-wide interest in his services. Rather, he’s chosen to be selective with which opportunities he pursues because he’s recognized how desirable his situation in Oklahoma City has been for more than a decade.

In a 2017 interview with Brett Dawson of The Oklahoman, Weaver explained further:

"“More often than not, you’re going (to a new job) because they haven’t had success,” Weaver said. “You want to feel good that you’re going into a situation where your vision matches up with the ownership and the city’s vision for success.”"

Needless to say, the Detroit Pistons do fit the description of a franchise that hasn’t had success, so it’s fair to wonder what he thinks of owner Tom Gores and the city of Detroit’s own prospects.

According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, it appears that Weaver is the leading candidate among this trio.

Whether Weaver, Hughes or Peterson ends up getting the Pistons job, it’s safe to say they can’t go wrong no matter which direction they go as they open this new chapter in perhaps the most trying chapter in NBA history.