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Brian Wright: ‘ I’m coming up there looking to put my head down and get to work’

By Joe Dexter

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It’s safe to say that newly hired Pistons Assistant General Manager Brian Wright is an ambitious to get started in the Detroit front office.

The former Orlando Magic director of college scouting and player development takes over for 17 year vet George David, and will work under General Manager Jeff Bower.

Wright recently talked with Matt Dery on Detroit Sports 105.1 and said that he did not interview for the position. He did keep in communication with Stan Van Gundy over the last three weeks about the vision of the Pistons organization. Wright said that it was working with Stan Van Gundy that attracted him to the opening in the organization.

“He’s one of the best and brightest basketball minds there is,” said Wright to Dery on his afternoon show. “The big impression he left on me in our time together was his commitment to the organization, to the team, his approach, his work ethic and his attention to detail.

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    • “All of us around him adopted that as part of our process. The way he had the team prepared on our end in the front office, we couldn’t be not prepared heading into decisions or whatever it may be.”

    Wright says the details of his everyday duties are still being discussed, but he’s ready for the challenge.

    “We’re still working through some things in terms of my exact role and how I’ll operate and what I’ll be in charge of responsibility wise. I’m coming up there looking to put my head down and get to work and help these guys the best I can.”

    Wright will bring an extensive scouting background to the table. The former director of college scouting played a major role in Orlando’s decision to draft Aaron Gordon fourth overall and trade for Elfrid Payton later in the first round.

    Like Orlando, Wright sees a ton of young talent on the Pistons roster. From Andre Drummond, to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and second round draft choice Spencer Dinwiddie, who Wright says is a first round talent.

    “We actually interviewed Spencer when I was with the Magic and he was a great interview — great kid. He has a lot of talent and a bright future in front of him. We thought spencer was a first round talent. To get him where the Pistons did is great. I’m excited about having Spencer on board with us.”

    One of the top talents Wright brings to the front office outside of scouting is his ability to relate to players. As the overseer of Orlando’s player development department last season, Wright gained the respect of a talented young roster.

    And even veterans of the league have respect for him.

    One of the biggest issues for the Joe Dumars regime was the disconnect between coaches, players and the front office.

    Wright puts another top basketball mind in place that will set the foundation for long term success.

    Gone are the days of selfish player revolts, coaching changes just to change coaches, and most importantly — disfunction between the General Manager and the staff that surrounds him.

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