April 14, 2025 | Articles Chairman's Q&A Homepage News The Pistons
Pistons owner Tom Gores on team’s success: ‘It’s a little emotional’
Platinum Equity CEO and Detroit Pistons Governor Tom Gores addressed the media at halftime of the Pistons’ recent loss to the Milwaukee Bucks at Little Caesars Arena in the home finale.
Although the Pistons are headed to the playoffs with a 44-38 record, it was a time for him to reflect on the journey he started nearly a year ago when he decided the franchise needed a new direction after a woeful 14-68 mark.
The feeling is completely different a year later as the Pistons’ turnaround is one of the top stories of the NBA.
After moving on from Coach Monty Williams and GM Troy Weaver, Gores brought in Team President Trajan Langdon and Coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Cade Cunningham has ascended to being one of the top players in the league and the additions of key veterans like Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. have accentuated the Pistons’ collection of young talent.
Gores admitted to finding the quick turnaround a bit surreal.
“It’s a little emotional,” Gores said. “Understanding what it’s taken our team, our city to get here. And for our men, our players, who have done this. So I feel really lucky to have those young men. And it means a lot. But we’re not done. The story just started. We started with a no-limits attitude and urgency and that’s what these guys have done.”
Gores was quick to add he wasn’t surprised by the turnaround.
During the six-minute availability, Gores touched upon several topics.
(Questions and answers have been edited for clarity).
On Langdon: “He not only knew basketball, but he knew processes. He knew systems. I told him before we did the final hire, I asked him, ‘Do you have a stomach for pain?’ And then, two, I let him know, ‘Are you ready to be an executive?’ Not just a basketball person. And I really believed Trajan was a full executive and not just a basketball person. He knows both so well, so I was really confident through a lot of interviews. A lot of vetting. And there were a lot of big names to hire, but Trajan was the guy.”
On hiring Bickerstaff: “That was a big move. The thing J.B. did right away, he invested in the guys, getting to know them. He didn’t come in with a system he thought was right; he wanted to hear them out. He’s been tremendous. He’s a gift to us in Detroit. We got him last minute, as you know, but – man – we are blessed to have him.”
On comparisons to the Bad Boys era of Pistons basketball: “It’s gratifying to see this kind of basketball. It’s really good basketball going on and physicality, but that’s part of the game. Basketball is a contact sport, so it’s part of the game. That’s what I’m proud of. Actually, we talked to the guys – ‘You don’t have to mimic anybody other than yourself. Just be yourself.’ And they’re doing it.”
On connecting with Detroit: “It means a lot because of the way this city is reacting. It means a lot because all the stuff we do for the community is so much better when you win. It just really means a lot to see it all – kids, grown adults – getting excited. We represent a comeback.”