Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores’ message at the All-Star break: ‘Let’s go get!’

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Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores delivered a strong message before Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren and J.B. Bickerstaff led the USA Stars team to the championship of the All-Star Game on Sunday.

Gores invited Cunningham, Duren, Bickerstaff, team president Trajan Langdon, the coaching staff and other Pistons representatives to Platinum Equity, the firm Gores founded in 1995, to celebrate All-Star participants.

It was also an opportunity for Gores to reflect on the franchise’s journey. Two years ago, the Pistons were fresh off a 28-game losing streak on the way to a 14-68 record that prompted Gores’ apology to fans.

But Gores’ hiring of Langdon and Bickerstaff the following offseason has jumpstarted a Pistons renaissance. The Pistons (40-13) lead the Eastern Conference by 5 ½ games going into tonight’s showdown against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Cunningham is an MVP candidate, Langdon and Bickerstaff will receive consideration for postseason honors, and the Pistons have a young, talented core that appears to be conducive to long-term success.

But naysayers point to the Pistons’ youth and lack of playoff experience. They wonder if the Pistons are built for postseason success.

Gores is not hearing the naysayers.

“It has been a long journey, but we still have a lot of work to do,” Gores said. “We are 40-13, best record in the league, but we still got a lot to do. But our success is real, and it’s actually happening. It’s happening now, and this is not a dream.

“Let’s go get it!”

Gores also thanked Langdon and Bickerstaff for their hard work. He acknowledged the tough times Cunningham and Duren endured during that tough season.

“We are in tremendous shape as an organization and I couldn’t be prouder,” Gores said.

Langdon and Bickerstaff both addressed the gathering afterward with Langdon expressing his appreciation for Gores’ support.

“TG, you’re up here thanking everybody and saying you’re appreciative of everybody, but none of this can happen without you,” Langdon said. “Your dedication to the organization is felt every day. We feel you at the (Pistons Performance Center). We feel you at LCA, we feel you when we go on the road and we know you’re there to support us.

“Just know that even though you’re not there, we know you’re there in spirit and you’re there rooting us on.”

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