The Detroit Pistons could be in for big changes this week, as Stan Van Gundy, President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach, is scheduled to meet with Tom Gores regarding his future with the team. If Van Gundy is ultimately let go, what happens to the team’s big-three, in Reggie Jackson, Andre Drummond, and Blake Griffin?
Big week ahead for the Detroit Pistons. In a matter of days, the team could have key vacancies in the front office and head coaching positions, depending on how the meeting between Tom Gores and Stan Van Gundy goes.
If Van Gundy goes, then there’s a chance everything he’s built could be gone too.
After all, a new decision-maker in the front office and a new head coach may want, and in fact, is likely going to want to put their own stamp on the team.
The biggest challenge, as far as making roster moves, is the Pistons’ limited cap space.
Still, the team has many assets that other teams likely desire enough to completely overhaul the roster.
Some balk at Blake Griffin’s contract, but he’s still playing at an incredibly high level, and there will still be teams that would like to have his services.
Andre Drummond is more than worth the remaining salary and years on his contract, he would be an hot commodity, if made available.
Even Reggie Jackson has good value, especially if the Pistons are just looking to dump a contract, and not yield much of a return.
Then there’s the players on rookie contracts, Stanley Johnson, Luke Kennard, and Henry Ellenson. I think teams would be interested in each, for the right price.
The point is, whomever the Pistons look to as a replacement for Van Gundy, in this hypothetical situation, could conceivably blow up the roster, if they so decided.
The question is, will they?
Obviously Van Gundy may retain both of his roles for next year, so this is an impossible question to answer. However, we can speculate.
I would surmise that there would be changes to the roster, should new faces enter into the Pistons’ building. With the talent already on the roster, and a fresh coach, I think this team could compete for a top seed in the east, if it stays healthy.
Then there’s always the handful of talented players that are rumored to be available during the offseason, one of which could include John Wall, a player that could be very intriguing for a team like the Pistons.
Next: The Detroit Pistons need to keep Stan Van Gundy
If the Pistons fire Van Gundy, I would expect there to be some changes to the Pistons roster, and I think that could even extend to the team’s big-three.