After five weeks, the Detroit Pistons appointed Trajan Langdon, ex-New Orleans Pelicans GM, as their new president of basketball operations. Langdon arrives in Detroit with a formidable challenge ahead. Over the past two seasons, the Pistons have struggled with a combined record of 31-133, making a turnaround imperative. Langdon, who uplifted the Pelicans from 30 to 49 wins, carries a record of reviving struggling teams.
With Langdon now leading the way in Detroit, he will make crucial personnel decisions shaping the franchise’s future. This includes determining the roles of head coach Monty Williams and general manager Troy Weaver. The challenges and opportunities for Langdon in his new role are intriguing. Let’s delve into the task that awaits him and the potential impact on the team.
Trajan Langdon Tackles Detroit Pistons’ Challenges
Should Trajan Langdon Clean House?
When people are being hired into positions of power, they first want to bring in the guys who share their philosophies. Based on this saying alone, Pistons GM Troy Weaver and coach Monty Williams may be relieved of duties. Hired in 2020, Weaver aimed to steer the Pistons between competitiveness and high draft picks with clear direction. Williams, appointed in 2023, aimed to mold Pistons into contenders, embodying the qualities of an elite head coach.
Despite their efforts, the performances of Weaver and Williams have been a mixed bag. Weaver has done a commendable job bringing in young talents to build around, such as Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Marcus Sasser, Isaiah Stewart, and Ausar Thompson. However, he has faced challenges rounding out the roster with pieces like Marvin Bagley III, Joe Harris, and Monte Morris. On the other hand, Williams has faced significant challenges since his arrival, including criticism for underutilizing talents and negatively impacting player confidence. It’s worth noting, however, that Williams had a track record of success before joining the Pistons, including leading the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals in 2021.
Final Verdict: Weaver and Williams should get a one-year “prove it” season in 2024-25. This will allow Langdon to assess their performance more thoroughly and make informed decisions about the future.
Should Trajan Langdon Be Making Calls To Trade The 5th Overall Pick?
Depending on who you ask in Detroit, the past two seasons of securing the fifth overall pick have been a hit or miss. Ivey has shown flashes but is still trying to find his niche as Cunningham’s backcourt mate. Thompson has proven to be a solid perimeter defender but is still working on becoming a consistent jump-shooter (18% from three and 59% from the line). This year’s draft is described as lackluster regarding “home-run” talent. Consider trading the pick for future draft assets or experienced players to bolster immediate success.
Having all the young talent is crucial for the future, but you need some veterans to help balance things out. Some may argue that the Pistons tried to mix their young players in with some veterans, and the result was winning 31 games over the past two seasons. Guys such as Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks are guys you bring in when you are a couple of pieces away. Building young talent boosts confidence in key players, which is crucial for development on the court.
Final Verdict: Langdon’s challenge will be identifying the right mix of experienced players who can support the development of the Pistons’ young core without overshadowing it. Trading the fifth overall pick for such veterans or future draft assets could be a strategic move, provided it aligns with Langdon’s long-term vision for the team.
Are They Close, Or Do They Need To Rebuild Again?
Bringing in your guys isn’t limited to the front office and coaching staff. Players under contract with the Pistons should be nervous about their future in Detroit. Their solid core set NBA and franchise records: 28 losses straight and 68 losses overall.
The first question that Trajan Langdon has to ask himself once the ink dries on his contract is whether this team is close to being a contender in the East. If the answer is no, I see guys like Ivey and Stewart being traded. If the answer is yes, Langdon will bring in the proper people to help guide the Pistons to respectability and contention.
Final Verdict: In my eyes, the Pistons are close. I wouldn’t do away with this young core now. Go out and sign some veterans to help mentor these guys, and you will be good to go!
The Last Word
In conclusion, Langdon’s first major decisions will be pivotal in defining his tenure with the Pistons. Langdon can balance continuity with accountability by offering both Weaver and Williams a ‘prove it’ season. Exploring trade options for the fifth overall pick might expedite the rebuilding process. Fans and analysts will watch closely how Langdon navigates these early challenges. What do you think? Should the Pistons give Weaver and Williams another chance, or is it time for a complete overhaul? And should they hold onto their draft pick or trade it for more immediate help?
