Weaver is regarded around the league for his keen decisions in identifying talent and in player personnelNBAE/GETTY IMAGES
The Pistons hired Thunder VP/Basketball Operations Troy Weaver as their next GM, and the team now "will have a more traditional structure to their front office" with Weaver "running the day-to-day operations," according to Rod Beard of the DETROIT NEWS. Weaver had worked under Thunder Exec VP & GM Sam Presti, but in this opportunity, Weaver "will get his first chance to run his own team." A source said that the Pistons will introduce Weaver at a "virtual press conference next week." In recent years, several teams had "targeted Weaver to interview for positions in their front offices." A source said that the Pistons "inquired about Weaver two years ago, but the Thunder didn’t grant permission." Weaver is "regarded around the league for his keen decisions in identifying talent and in player personnel." The Pistons are "looking to bring that same eye for talent, as they are in position to have a top-five pick in this year's draft and are projected to have" about $30M in salary-cap space to "try to restructure the roster" (DETROIT NEWS, 6/19).
CHANCE TO MAKE HIS MARK: In Michigan, Ansar Khan noted Weaver "will work closely" with Pistons Senior Advisor Ed Stefanski, who "essentially performed GM duties the past two years." Pistons Owner Tom Gores called Weaver an "outstanding executive with an exceptional track record for identifying and developing talent" (MLIVE.com, 6/18). In Detroit, Omari Sankofa II writes the Pistons hired Weaver because the organization is "in position to make substantive roster changes." This is the "first time the Pistons have entered an offseason with meaningful cap flexibility and draft capital" since the new, Stefanski-led regime took over in '18. Weaver has an "opportunity to impact and shape the team to a greater extent than they've been able to recently." There are "numerous decisions ahead, but Weaver appears to be embracing the responsibility." Weaver: "We'll get to work right away, evaluating opportunities and installing systems that will make us all successful" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 6/19).
GETTING GOOD MARKS: ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted Weaver is "one of the most respected guys in the league." The Pistons "tried to hire him two years ago, but the Thunder denied permission." ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins said Weaver has “one of the best eye’s for talent in the NBA.” Perkins: “This time is way overdue for him and Detroit has struck gold with this” ("The Jump," ESPN, 6/18). Pistons coach Dwane Casey said, “One thing that we need right now is just the development of our roster. We're rebuilding our roster right now, and Troy brings a tremendous amount of experience. He's one of those guys that has a knack for talent, eye for talent” (“NBA Gametime,” NBA TV, 6/18).
