Spotlight Article - DET

[blackice]

This is a series I am bringing back, from years ago. I have decided to interview each GM in the league to get their opinion on a number topics that are all related to basketball in some way or another. The questions will be standardized so that each GM has a chance to reflect on how they will approach the interview. Depending on how the feedback is from each GM, I could potentially bring this series back every few seasons to see how each GM has grown and if the answers vary from series to series I will make it a regular part of the league. So without further ado, let's give the league what they want!


1. What got you interested in basketball? This could pertain to your childhood, or if you picked up on it later in life.

Been hooping my whole life. My dad was a local basketball star in Michigan back in the 70s. Basketball's always been in the family, even though I was too short and too unathletic to do anything beyond HS hoops.

2. Are you an NBA fan? If so what's your favourite team?

Sort of. Grew up a big Pistons fan ('04 forever baby) but slowly loss interest. Even though I grew up in Boston, I was born in Brazil and my dad taught me to be a Pistons fan before I came to America. Guess I'm a loyal kid lol.

I like playing basketball more than watching. I was also a big Dynasty-mode kid in NBA Live games, so the CSL scratches that itch and I don't really need to follow the soap opera that is the NBA media cycle.

That being said, it is nice seeing the Pistons succeed again. I went to the Pistons-Celtics game the other night and felt a lot of nostalgia for my innocent childhood Pistons fun. I'll probably watch their playoff runs.

3. Who is your favourite player and why?

My all-time favorite player is Tayshaun Prince. I wore his jersey number and tried to emulate his game (stand in the corner and do nothing). In today's game, I like Isaiah Stewart's grit. Also it's hard not to be enamored by Jokic.

4. Tell us about your team, and where you are now with the roster?

This team feels like the culmination of 4 seasons of a complete roster overhaul. It took a while to turn Jon's Pistons into a completely new and competitive roster but I think we are finally there.

I've also grown quite fond of our core. I love having Vit Krejci as my wife is Czech (I'm writing this from Prague lol). Wiseman reminds me of vintage Ben Wallace. Sheppard-Thompson-Pippen were all from the draft that we staked our whole franchise on, so seeing them grow together is going to be a lot of fun.

5. Give a detailed answer on how you approach drafting, trading, and coaching.

I try to keep a core together in the way that GMs like Milwaukee do. I kept Semi Ojeleye the entire time I was a Pacers GM. Krejci+Wiseman has been that core for this Pistons team. A lot of other pieces move but I try to move them around a nucleus as best I can.

I've never had any playoff success so it's probably not the best approach. But I've had some memorable teams during my time as Pacers and Pistons GM and have enjoyed the ride (for the most part).

Much thanks to TheTwoWallaces, and we hope you appreciate this insight into the DET GM!

[bt]

Man I loved the 04 Pistons, especially Ben Wallace.

Team is absolutely on the path to do some damage after the triple boom last season. Pieces are in place, just a matter of one season (maybe next), it all comes together as they develop and boom, a very hard to stop Pistons team arrives.

[GreenBear]

That's funny that you've GM'd the Pacers and Pistons given that rivalry back in the 00s. I liked those games and I wasn't even a fan of either team.

I've enjoyed watching you build the Pistons and make them your own. You're not afraid to take risks, and you've really nailed your draft picks. I do not envy the Central GMs.

[Flaming Homer]

Playing bball over watching all the time!! Especially with ho boring the NBA is the past years.

I agree with Ryan and Doug, this Pistons team looks ready to roll. The talent is in place, more good picks coming in and some of the Eastern teams should loose a step or two over the next seasons.