The Detroit Pistons are set to play their last home game of 2024 against the Utah Jazz , a team that left a bitter taste for Pistons fans last season. In their December 21st matchup, the Jazz rested four of their top seven scorers and still managed a 119-111 victory. That loss marked Detroit’s 25th consecutive defeat, but the tension inside Little Caesars Arena went deeper.
With 43.7 seconds left in the game, Pistons fans erupted into chants of “Sell the team ,” voicing their frustrations with owner Tom Gores. Since purchasing the franchise in 2011, Gores has overseen eleven losing seasons, including a franchise-worst 14-68 record in 2023-24. The Pistons have reached the playoffs only twice under his ownership, getting swept both times. While Gores has emphasized his contributions to Detroit’s community, fans see his leadership as falling short where it matters most—on the court.
“They can say what they want, but that’s ridiculous, It’s ridiculous. Other than winning, and we should win more games, we do everything to bring the best to Detroit. Sell the team? They don’t understand what we’re doing in the community. I know we have to have more wins, but we’re taking care and are being in tune with the community. Me selling the team would be selling the community out. I’m not doing that to the community. When you put aside basketball, we’ve made a very big difference in the community, and that means a lot to me. I understand that’s only going to mean a lot to people if we win, but the underworking of what’s happening and our community over all these years is there. We’re doing multi-billion dollar things outside of it. I understand fans being upset, but it’s a ridiculous thought.”
In response to the backlash, Gores made swift personnel changes to shift the franchise’s direction. Now, as the Jazz return to Detroit, how far has the Pistons’ owner come in winning back the trust of the fanbase? Should fans still demand that Gores sell the team? Let’s dive in.
Tom Gores’ Efforts To Restore Pistons’ Legacy and Success
Tom Gores Rebuild The Pistons From The Top
Despite signing Monty Williams to a historic $72 million deal over six seasons, his tenure with the Pistons fell short of expectations. Questions about his fit with the organization and his commitment to the team’s long-term vision led Gores to part ways with the veteran coach. In his place, Gores turned to J.B. Bickerstaff, a coach fired by the Cleveland Cavaliers after consecutive playoff appearances. The hiring reflects the Pistons’ familiar strategy of betting on leaders with something to prove—mirroring the city’s blue-collar identity.
Troy Weaver’s tenure as general manager was a mix of promise and disappointment. He drafted key players like Cade Cunningham , Jaden Ivey , Isaiah Stewart , and Jalen Duren . Weaver also cleared over $60 million in cap space for future success. However, missteps, including the drafts of Killian Hayes , hurt his record. He finished with a 74-244 record , which overshadowed his successes. Ultimately, the organization decided to move on , signaling a fresh start at the top.
Playing Much Better Basketball
The hiring of Trajan Langdon marked a commitment to rebuilding the Pistons from the ground up. Langdon wasted no time, trading for Tim Hardaway Jr. , drafting defensive standout Ron Holland , and signing veterans Tobias Harris and Malik Beasley . These moves have not only reshaped the roster but also sparked a sense of optimism among Pistons fans—the first in years.
The results are starting to show on the court. With an 11-16 record, the Pistons are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference—an improvement from last season. They didn’t secure their 11th win until March 11th against the Charlotte Hornets . Harris and Beasley have provided steady scoring and leadership, while Holland’s energy and potential on both ends of the floor have electrified fans.
Whether you’re tuning in at home or attending a game at Little Caesars Arena, the excitement is palpable. From Cunningham’s poised playmaking to Duren’s dominance in the paint, the Pistons are proving that the future is bright. While there’s still room to grow, the foundation Langdon is building has already begun to resonate both on and off the court.
Should Pistons Fans Want Tom Gores to Sell the Team?
Sometimes, change begins when frustrations are voiced. To his credit, Gores has made efforts to rebuild the Pistons, though the results haven’t materialized. While his comments about community contributions initially alienated fans, Gores has since assembled a front office focused on aligning the team’s on-court success with its off-court impact.
For Gores to fully win over the fanbase, he needs to be more visible at games. While his numerous business ventures may limit his availability, his presence at Little Caesars Arena would signal a deeper commitment to the team and its supporters. Pistons fans, desperate for a return to the franchise’s glory days, would welcome this gesture as a sign of solidarity.
If Gores continues to make smart investments and empower the basketball minds he’s hired, he can transform his image. By building a competitive team, Gores can shift from a detached owner to a beloved figure in Detroit’s basketball revival.
The Last Word
Tom Gores has faced significant criticism during his ownership of the Detroit Pistons. However, recent moves show a genuine effort to turn the franchise around. He has assembled a front office of basketball minds who made strategic roster decisions. These moves lay the groundwork for future success. His presence at games and more engagement with fans could help rebuild trust. The true test, however, will be on the court. If Gores invests wisely and supports the team’s vision, he can go from a polarizing figure to a symbol of Detroit’s basketball revival.
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