The Detroit Pistons are significantly restructuring their front office, hiring Dennis Lindsey from the Dallas Mavericks as the Senior VP of Basketball Operations. Lindsey, key in constructing the Mavericks’ Finals team, now brings his winning strategies to the Pistons. Joining the Pistons’ front office alongside Trajan Langdon, Michael Blackstone, JR Holden, and George David, Lindsey brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record. His anticipated strategies promise to significantly impact the Pistons’ future, sparking optimism about the team’s direction. Who is Dennis Lindsey, and what can he bring to the Pistons? Let’s explore.
Detroit Pistons Hire Mavericks Advisor to Strengthen Front Office
Dennis Lindsey Moved Up The Ranks
Lindsey played three seasons at Baylor University, averaging 7.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists on 47/31/74% shooting. He graduated in 1992 and attended the U.S. Sports Academy, where he earned his graduate degree in Sports Management in 1994. Lindsey’s NBA career began in 1996 as a video coordinator and scout for the Houston Rockets. He was promoted to Director of Basketball Development in 1998 and then Director of Player Personnel from 1999 to 2002. Lindsey became the Rockets’ Assistant General Manager in 2002, serving in that position until 2007.
Dennis Lindsey Learned The Spurs Way
Lindsey left the Rockets to become the Spurs’ Vice President and Assistant General Manager in 2007. During his tenure with the organization, the Spurs compiled a record of 271-123, making the NBA playoffs in all five seasons Lindsey was with the team. The Spurs won three Southwest Division titles, twice finished with the best record in the Western Conference, and reached the Western Conference Finals in two seasons (2008 & 2012). Lindsey oversaw player personnel, drafts, and scouting across professional, college, and international levels for the Spurs. Additionally, he managed the team’s analytical department and salary cap management.
Laying Down The Foundation In Utah
In 2012, Kevin O’Connor stepped down as Jazz GM after 13 seasons following the resignations of Jerry Sloan and Phil Johnson. Lindsey was hired as General Manager and tasked with redefining the team’s identity. The Jazz went 43-39 in his first season but missed the playoffs. The following season, they regressed to 25-57, their worst record since 1979-80. Lindsey then hired Quin Snyder as head coach and traded for center Rudy Gobert. The Jazz improved to 38 wins the next season and won the Northwest Division with a 51-31 record in 2016-17.
Building A Contender/Resignation
Facing the departure of Gordon Hayward to the Boston Celtics, Dennis Lindsey traded for the 2017 13th overall pick, Donovan Mitchell, and acquired Ricky Rubio and Jae Crowder while signing Joe Ingles, Thabo Sefolosha, and Royce O’Neal. Despite low expectations, the Jazz finished the 2017-18 season with a 48-34 record and reached the second round of the playoffs. With Mitchell and Gobert making significant strides, Lindsey positioned the Jazz to build a championship contender.
In May 2019, Lindsey ascended to Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, guiding the Jazz to a 96-48 record, consecutive playoff appearances, and a division title in 2020-21. The Jazz fell short of championship expectations despite bolstering the roster with talents like Bojan Bogdanovic, Jordan Clarkson, and Mike Conley. Lindsey’s resignation in 2021 followed controversy over unverified comments about Elijah Millsap dating back to 2015.
The Final Word
Dennis Lindsey’s hiring as Pistons’ Senior VP of Basketball Operations sparks optimism among fans and analysts. His proven record in building playoff teams and smart decisions bodes well for the Pistons. Lindsey’s work with Blackstone, Holden, and David signals a promising new era for the franchise. His expertise is expected to revitalize the Pistons and make them a strong NBA contender.
