Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores’ message in a tougher East: ‘Don’t worry about the noise and just go for it’

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Continuing tradition, Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores invited players, coaches and front office staff to his Malibu, Calif., home for the organization’s unofficial kickoff to the upcoming season. 

But the tenor was different this year. The tenor was one of defiance. 

Defiance over pundits who think the Pistons are going to take a step back this season despite returning a young core that won 60 games, earned the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed and was one game shy of facing the eventual world champion Knicks in the conference finals. 

“We were one game shy of going to play the Knicks,” Gores told the gathering. “We won 60 games last year. We kicked some (tail), we got two All-Stars. 

“Everybody, every year consistently discounts us. You’d think after 60 wins, that wouldn’t happen.” 

The challenge (which starts Tuesday afternoon against the Boston Celtics) now is to prove the naysayers wrong, and the Trajan Langdon-led front office believes the additions of Isaiah Joe, John Collins and Taurean Prince will complement the team’s young core while maintaining the successful culture. 

“The one thing we want to make sure we keep from last year is our culture,” Gores said. “Culture is not just a feeling but how you act as an organization, it’s essential and we have to transfer what we did last year to today.” 

He added: “This organization all made us very proud of the effort last year, and now we have something to go forward with.” 

Continuing to build 

The Pistons enter the season with high expectations but face stiffer competition after offseason changes in Philadelphia, Miami and Toronto. The New York Knicks return an intact lineup. 

 “I feel like the way the East has shaken up and moved around; we’ve been doubted, but it’s something we’re used to and something that we still got to wake people up on,” Pistons All-Star Cade Cunningham said. “A lot of what Tom has told us is not to worry about the noise and just go for it.

“We’ve got a lot of new guys this year and some who have been here a long time, so it’s about continuing to build on the system we’ve established over the last two years and shoot for the stars.” 

Pistons Coach J.B. Bickerstaff added: “We go out of our way to ignore all the stuff that’s on the outside and pay attention to the things that we can control. We control how we work when we show up, how we relate to one another and how we treat one another.” 

Fresh off of signing a five-year, $200 million extension, Pistons center Jalen Duren said: “We added some great shooters in Isaiah Joe, John Collins and Taurean Prince. Over the last few days, I’ve had a chance to spend time with those guys, talk with them and get to know them a little better. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.” 

Langdon noted Gores’ support in roster decisions. 

“We’re always having discussions on where we’re at as a team and what’s going to take us to the next level,” Langdon said. 

Collins shared his anticipation for joining the successful franchise and playing in front of Little Caesars Arena fans. 

“I’m excited to play in front of the Detroit fans because the way I play, with energy, grit and heart, hasn’t always been appreciated as much as I’d like,” Collins said. “But from everything I’ve heard, Detroit fans value that style of play and connect with it.” 

“I’m really looking forward to that.” 

Collins is counting on that connection with Detroit fans to help set the tone for a team that knows it has more to prove. Gores is clear it will take a collective effort. 

“Every single person in this organization needs to have all hands on deck because there is a transition with a newer team,” Gores said. “We’ve got to do it quick and fast, and that’s what these guys are getting ready to do.” 

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