In addition to the Grizzlies, Stefanski has worked with the 76ers, Raptors and Netsgetty images
The Pistons hired Grizzlies VP/Player Personnel Ed Stefanski to help "lead the search" for a new president of basketball operations and coach, the first move toward "reshaping the front office following the firing of Stan Van Gundy," according to Vince Ellis of the DETROIT FREE PRESS. Stefanski will "report directly to Pistons Owner Tom Gores and have the responsibility for helping reshape the team's basketball operations infrastructure and strategy." Hopes for Stefanski "are high," as he could "be an anchor for the front office while a young, promising executive could learn the ropes." Stefanski previously "served in lead management roles" with the Grizzlies ('14-18), Raptors ('11-13), 76ers ('07-11) and Nets ('98-07) (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 5/25). In Detroit, Rod Beard notes Stefanski "agreed to a three-year deal," and though his current title is Senior Advisor, the role "could evolve over time." The Pistons are "moving from a different structure" with a president, GM and coach, but it is unclear whether they will have the same three-tier system or "move to a different model under Stefanski" (DETROIT NEWS, 5/25).
BALL DON'T LIE: THE ATHLETIC's Brendan Quinn wrote everyone who knows Stefanski describes him as a "basketball guy." It is a product of "easy rapport." Stefanski does not "talk past, through or at people." That, in part, is "how he kept a hand in the game after leaving high school coaching" in the '80s to "focus on his mortgage business." Because everyone "knew him, and liked him, he was a natural" as color commentator for Philadelphia's Big 5 and Atlantic 10 basketball broadcasts (THEATHLETIC.com, 5/24).
