The Detroit Pistons are having a difficult season with a dismal 2-26 record – the worst in the NBA. Not only did they break the franchise's longest losing streak in a season, but they also suffered the longest losing streak overall. Another loss on Saturday would tie them with the NBA single-season losing streak record of 26 games.
If the Pistons don't win at least one of their next four games, they will have to go two full months in a row without a win.
From the players and coaching staff to the front office and owners, no one in the Pistons organization expected this kind of start to the 2023-24 season, especially team owner Tom Gores. With the franchise on a collision course with unfortunate NBA history, Gores spoke to select members of the media late Friday evening to address the state team's future developments and apologize to fans, among other things.
“I thought about it for a long time – about how to communicate with the fans. We owe them something,” Gores opened the conference call and said: “I think a conversation about the Pistons and where we are, and I also want to apologize to our fans for the disappointment.” And of course I'm just as disappointed as everyone others, but I think it's crucial during this time to talk to our fans, let them know what's happening and give them status. It’s a pivotal moment.”
“We had great expectations and we lost those games back to back and so on. It's hard, but at the same time I'm here. I want to take responsibility for this, but also let everyone know that we have a plan.”
Although Gores did not elaborate on the nature of these changes or the details of the plan, he emphasized the importance of holding everyone accountable. From his perspective, he believes the team is on its way to the playoffs or at least participating in the play-in tournament rather than finding itself in the NBA draft lottery again.
While he looks to head coach Monty Williams and general manager Troy Weaver to produce better results, he puts a greater burden on his and Weaver's shoulders. He believes the current problems are a byproduct of events, or lack thereof, that occurred before Williams' arrival.
“It can’t be Monty’s fault. Monty is here, 20 games. You could say, 'Hey, maybe he could have done this rotation, that rotation.' It gets you a few more wins. And Monty judges himself every day. It just wouldn't be right. And people love the idea of sending a message to blame someone. I've never done that in my management position and haven't applied for one. I'm nowhere. I'm not sending the message to the wrong person. You’re not getting anywhere.”
While Gores didn't announce any sweeping changes during the call, such as coaching and front office layoffs, he made it clear that “change is coming” and reinforced the notion that something is brewing. He stated that he is worried about the direction things are going, but he is not panicking as he communicates with Weaver daily and communicates often with Williams.
Gores even stated that he would be willing to talk to Williams about rotations, something he has never done before, just to make sure no stone is left unturned in repairing the team.
“We're pushing ourselves pretty hard and we're probably two weeks ahead of you (and) the fans,” Gores said. “Our disappointment is catching up with us too. We expected a lot more, but we have to be honest that there are some things that didn't work with the composition of the team.
“And even if it came down to it, we should have won a few more games, but how many of them? Maybe three, four? Who knows what that number is? But we are not positioned the way we need to be positioned. So no one is fooling us for being there in any way.”
Here are some other highlights from the conference call with Gores:
As he hears “Sell the Team,” he chants that there is a chance: “You can say whatever you want, but this is ridiculous. It is ridiculous. And aside from the win, we should win more games, but we are doing everything we can to bring the best to Detroit.”
“Sell the team? I mean, they don't understand what we do in the community. I know we need to achieve more success, but we care about the community and stay in tune with the community. If I sell the team, I would sell the community.”
“I’m not doing that to the community. Aside from basketball, we've made a huge difference in the community and that means a lot to me. I understand that this will only mean a lot to people if we win. But the background to what is happening and our connection to the community over the years is there. And on top of that, we make billions of dollars worth of things. I understand a fan being upset, but it’s a ridiculous thought.”
What he thinks will continue to be a success this season: “I think success broadly means that our young players, 22 and under, are growing and feeling encouraged at the core of the future. As for the fans, I would love them to support the players, if necessary they would blame me, but overall I would support them. I believe if we continue to grow this core, we will be successful.”
“We have the flexibility to surround them with what they need to be successful.”
On Troy Weaver making changes to improve team composition: “I expect Troy to suggest changes because if we stay exactly the way I am, I don't think anyone can be here and say that this change really isn't needed. That's why I expect Troy to find ways to improve the composition of our team and make us more successful. I expect him to find ways, and he knows that. If we don't do anything to improve, I will be disappointed. And that’s nothing new for Troy.”