‘We’ll miss him’: Trajan Langdon opens up on Stewart, Duren suspensions, Detroit Pistons’ next steps

DETROIT – Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon joined a conversation about the organization’s current status as the first-place team before the All-Star break and life after the trade deadline.

The Pistons defeated the Toronto Raptors 133-95 without their two big men to improve to 40-13 on the season, their second-best record at the All-Star break in franchise history.

Detroit was 42-9 during the 2005-06 season.

Langdon addressed concerns around Isaiah Stewart’s reputation in the league following his fight in the Charlotte Hornets game during his appearance on the Costa and Jansen show on 97.1 The Ticket on Wednesday (Feb. 11).

He said the team is more focused on the league’s disciplinary decisions, which could result in suspensions that would hurt the team.

“We’ll rally, and we’ll come together, but we’ll miss him,” Langdon said.

Stewart was suspended for seven games for his involvement in the scuffle, while NBA All-Star Jalen Duren received two games for escalating the hard foul put on him by former Michigan Wolverines forward Moussa Diabate.

Langdon emphasized Stewart’s loyalty to teammates, noting that Stewart acted to defend a teammate but acknowledged that such actions cannot happen again, as they could set the team back.

Regarding communication with the league office about the suspensions, Langdon said it was mostly a “sit and wait” situation as the league conducted due diligence on all players involved.

Kevin Huerter

Langdon then discussed the addition of Kevin Huerter at the trade deadline.

He praised Herder’s basketball IQ and versatility, noting that Herder doesn’t just run plays but creates spacing and scoring opportunities for himself and teammates.

While it’s still early with only a few games played, Langdon expects Huerter to be integrated soon after the All-Star break.

Jaden Ivey

Regarding Jaden Ivey’s struggles in Detroit, Langdon pointed to the timing of Ivey’s injury and subsequent surgeries that sidelined him for nearly a year.

He said transitioning back to NBA basketball midseason after such a long layoff is very difficult, but expressed hope that Ivey will figure it out with time.

When asked about the temptation to make a big move at the trade deadline, given injuries to other Eastern Conference stars, Langdon said the Pistons prioritized responsible moves that help now without hampering future years.

After exploring options, they found no moves that met that criteria.

→ Why Detroit traded Jaden Ivey; what Kevin Huerter, Dario Saric bring to Pistons ahead of playoff push

Title contender

Langdon acknowledged that the Eastern Conference is competitive despite injuries to key players such as Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum.

He stressed the team’s focus on reaching its potential rather than the broader picture, noting that the playoffs present a different challenge for the Pistons, who lack experience.

Asked if the current roster is good enough to win an NBA title, Langdon declined to speculate, citing the team’s lack of playoff success so far.

He said winning a championship is very difficult and requires sustained effort, but he believes the team is competitive and has a chance to make an impact.

Tobias Harris

Regarding Tobias Harris, Langdon highlighted his professionalism, leadership, and consistency.

Langdon said Harris is a key player who contributes in many ways on both ends of the floor and that keeping him was important for the team.

Malik Beasley

On Malik Beasley’s status, Langdon said Beasley is still under league investigation with no clarity on when it will conclude.

Daniss Jenkins

Finally, Langdon praised Daniss Jenkins unexpected rise, calling him a high competitor with good size and character who has taken advantage of opportunities and continues to improve.

Langdon described Jenkins as a great story for the team and the NBA.

→ ‘I knew I was an NBA player’: Detroit Pistons commit to Daniss Jenkins as guard earns 2-year deal

Langdon closed by reiterating his conversation with Stewart about balancing his protective instincts with the need to avoid suspensions that could harm the team.

“This has to be something we talk about, come up with solutions, and hold each other accountable to that,” Langdon said.