Detroit Pistons: Takeaways from Dwane Casey’s introductory press conference

The Detroit Pistons introduced Dwane Casey as the 36th head coach in franchise history on Wednesday afternoon. Here are some initial takeaways from Casey’s first presser.

Now it’s “officially” official.

Dwane Casey was formally introduced as the new head coach of the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday afternoon at Little Caesars Arena. The press conference came nine days after his hiring was first reported back on June 11.

Here are some initial takeaways from the 61-year-old’s first presser as head coach.

1. Casey shines in first public appearance

In an overall awkward press conference (we’ll get to that later), Casey’s comments and demeanor were very reassuring. He spoke with poise and purpose. Despite sitting next to a fidgeting Tom Gores, Casey seemed at ease throughout the process.

“The talent base is there,” Casey said. “The number one nemesis…is health. We’ve got to work and find a way, whatever rock we have to look under, to make sure we stay healthy.”

He wanted to make something clear: the Pistons are playing to win now.

Casey also spoke highly of forward Stanley Johnson, saying that he is “the best (defensive) match up for (LeBron James).” He also noted that he’s admired Johnson from afar.

Casey displayed his already-vast knowledge of the roster. He met with every current Piston shortly after his hiring last week. Casey’s preparedness, which Gores alluded to, was equally apparent.

2. Pat Caputo’s questions to Gores

Perhaps the most notable moment of the day came when Pat Caputo of The Oakland Press asked Gores a series of questions.

Caputo referenced some of the recent criticisms of Gores from the fan base, and gave the owner a chance to respond.

After Gores was finished, Caputo then pressed him with a number of follow-up questions.

He wanted to know why the players practice in Los Angeles, why the Pistons don’t have a practice facility (they do at The Palace), and when the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center will be completed.

Gores was visibly frustrated. He reminded Caputo, twice, that he grew up in Flint, Michigan, and reiterated the organization’s frequent involvement in the local community.

Casey and Ed Stefanski noted that many NBA players currently train in Los Angeles during the off-season.

3. No word on Malik Rose, or other potential front-office hires

There was no mention of the Malik Rose report that surfaced earlier in the day. Gores also described Stefanski’s role as a “senior consultant”, but there wasn’t any official title given for his position.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as David Topham explained in a recent piece.

And if you need anymore of a confirmation, Rod Beard of The Detroit News tweeted out the bottom line to all of this.

Next: Why Dwane Casey is the right man for the Pistons

This has been reported by Beard and other writers for several weeks now. But Stefanski’s comments today solidified it. He was even introduced as “the leader of the front office.”