Stefanski was the Grizzlies Exec VP before being hired by the Pistons this offseasonNBAE/GETTY IMAGES
The Pistons are "taking it slow in determining its front office structure" following the departure of President of Basketball Operations Stan Van Gundy last month "despite the hiring of new coach Dwane Casey early last week," according to Vince Ellis of the DETROIT FREE PRESS. Newly hired Senior Adviser Ed Stefanski is "overseeing team functions -- for now." There has been "significant input" from Palace Sports & Entertainment Vice Chair Arn Tellem, who "played a major role in hiring Stefanski." Platinum Equity Partners Bob Wentworth and Mark Barnhill are also "heavily involved." Pistons Owner Tom Gores has described team operations as a "collaborative" process until a "firm organizational structure is established." The team earlier this month parted ways with GM Jeff Bower. When Gores fired Van Gundy, the initial plan was to hire a GM or President of Basketball Ops "before hiring a head coach." As of now, the Pistons are "looking to hire three assistant general managers: one in charge of player development, one over scouting and the other over analytics." The Pistons "feel they can be patient because of their lack of roster flexibility." The team has "no first-round pick" in tomorrow's Draft and they "won’t be major players on the free agent market" this summer (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 6/20).
