Pistons owner Tom Gores met with reporters before the final game of the season Thursday and issued his most telling statement since becoming owner a year ago. Â I think he might’ve been drunk… Read more after the jump.
“We’d better make the playoffs,” he said. “We have great players, so I’m not sure it requires any moves.”
It didn’t come off like a threat to either Pistons president Joe Dumars or coach Lawrence Frank, though. Gores was asked what was a realistic expectation for next season, and wanting to reach the postseason was his reply.
The front office, having missed the playoffs for the third straight season after reaching the postseason the previous seven, feels that isn’t such an insurmountable task, considering the team’s rebound from a 4-20 start.
With Greg Monroe, Rodney Stuckey and Brandon Knight as young bookends, Gores feels things are going in the right direction.
Thursday’s win had the Pistons finishing the season 21-21 after their disastrous start, a start Gores feels was severely affected by a lockout that lasted until late November.
“The 4-20 start was very difficult, it was a new start and new system,” Gores said. “The culture was reset, and I’m very proud of them. I’ll be patient — with progress. We have toughness and competed every single night.”
With all the changes that have been made around Palace Sports and Entertainment since taking over, the front office has been untouched and Gores seems pleased with that decision.
“There is no barrier between coaches and the GM and the owner,” Gores said. “I can call them anytime, day or night. It’s not that much different than what we do in everyday business. We have to let the CEO, Joe, and Lawrence, do their jobs.
“We have to make some moves moving forward. I want players who want to be in Detroit. I think we established ourselves. I want to win a championship.”
Gores pointed out games where the Pistons competed with the top teams in the league, such as a win against the Lakers and taking Miami down to the wire before an early season loss.
“We went from one of the worst in defense to one of the best,” said Gores, referring to their monthly progress, not their defensive standing as a whole. “It takes time; it’s a physical, complex business.”
Gores reiterated his message of understanding the process of winning the fans back, as the Pistons’ attendance is last in the NBA, according to basketball-reference.com (14,383 average). Halftime featured musical acts, which had never been a staple at The Palace.
“We need to win, we do need to win, but we need to do it the right way,” Gores said. “We have to earn the trust of the fans back. Were we disappointed with the attendance this year? Of course. But we have to have a good product on the floor and we have to earn it.”
“We can’t guarantee wins, but when you’re having tough times you have to make things right for the fans. Hopefully we’ve done that.”
