DETROIT – The NBA draft is upon us, and the Detroit Pistons do not have a first-round pick this year.
As 29 teams prepare for the future of their respective franchises, Pistons President Trajan Langdon sat down with the media to discuss the current state of the team and its off-season strategies.
The tone of the presser was reflective as Langdon compared this year’s quieter approach to last year’s frantic pace of hiring and drafting.
The Pistons are coming off a historic season, having improved from 14-68 to 44-38 while securing the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference.
The 30-game flip set an NBA record for the biggest one-year turnaround in league history.
Detroit faced the No. 3 seed New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs, losing the series 4-2.
With an early-round exit, the Pistons were linked to a few big offseason moves surrounding Kevin Durant (Traded to the Houston Rockets), Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Zion Williamson.
However, Langdon somewhat addressed the team’s motives after the final buzzer of the 2024-25 season.
“Since we played some playoff basketball, we’ve been prepping for the draft and trying to understand what we want to do in free agency,” said Langdon. “There’s always something going on, including people from the previous regime, and the people from the new regime continue to set a cultural foundation.”
Langdon emphasized the importance of building a strong cultural foundation within the team, highlighting ongoing efforts to get players under contract before the season begins.
When asked about the impact of last season’s success on their plans, Langdon acknowledged that while it has provoked internal discussions about improvement, it hasn’t changed their long-term strategy.
“We still want to keep that optionality,” Langdon said, stressing the importance of player development over immediate roster changes.
As the organization prepares for the draft, Langdon said they are focused on identifying the best available talent.
“We have our qualities that we’re looking for: high character, hardworking, and competitive players,” Langdon said.
Langdon mentioned that the Pistons are considering various positions, including wings, bigs, and shooting guards, as they evaluate prospects for the 37th pick in the second round.
Reflecting on the challenges of the previous year in attracting talent, he noted a significant shift in the current climate.
“We’ve been able to get in the guys that we wanted,” Langdon said, crediting strong relationships with agents for facilitating workouts with desirable prospects.
The conversation also touched on the influence of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) landscape on player decisions.
“It can change the level of prospects that’ll be there at pick 37,” Langdon said, acknowledging that some players are opting to return to school rather than enter the draft.
In terms of player health, Langdon expressed optimism about the recovery of key players, such as Jaden Ivey and Isaiah Stewart.
“They’ll be ready for camp,” Langdon said, indicating that the Pistons are preparing for a more robust lineup next season.
As they look ahead, Langdon is focused on internal growth and maintaining flexibility in their roster.
“Improvement for us is more internal,” Langdon said, emphasizing the importance of retaining players like Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., Dennis Schröder, Paul Reed, and Lindy Waters III, who contributed to last season’s success while also preparing for potential departures.
Langdon said they are also mindful of their financial commitments as they navigate the free agency process.
“We’re not going to be super aggressive this summer,” Langdon said, indicating a preference for developing talent from within rather than making high-profile signings.
When asked about the potential impact of injuries on their playoff performance, Langdon acknowledged the missed opportunities but remained optimistic about the future.
“Just having the peace of mind to know those guys will be back is exciting,” Langdon said.
As the press conference drew to a close, Langdon reiterated their commitment to building a competitive team while fostering a positive culture.
“It’s been the most important thing we’ve focused on,” he said, highlighting the significance of character and competitiveness in their recruitment process.
Catch the NBA draft Wednesday (June 25) at 8 p.m.
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