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The Detroit Pistons nab Warriors’ analytics guru Sammy Gelfand

By Andrew Brewster

BISMARCK, ND - NOVEMBER 21: Basketball operations coordinator Sammy Gelfand of the Dakota Wizards poses for a photo during media day at Bismarck Civic Center on November 21, 2011 in Bismarck, North Dakota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2011 NBAE (Photo by Dick Carlson/NBAE via Getty Images)
BISMARCK, ND - NOVEMBER 21: Basketball operations coordinator Sammy Gelfand of the Dakota Wizards poses for a photo during media day at Bismarck Civic Center on November 21, 2011 in Bismarck, North Dakota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2011 NBAE (Photo by Dick Carlson/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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In a mini-coup, the Detroit Pistons hired highly-regarded analytics guru Sammy Gelfand away from the Golden State Warriors

When Stan Van Gundy was hired into the Detroit Pistons organization in 2014, he brought in a small analytics team with him. This was considered to be a long-overdue development for the franchise.

The new regime is looking to continue that development with the hiring of Sammy Gelfand.

Gelfand is well-known in the analytics community for his work with the Warriors. The Warriors now-famous benchmark of hitting 300 passes per game was largely spearheaded by Gelfand.

When Steve Kerr took over the team after a disappointing 2014 season, it was the addition of Gelfand that enabled them to create those standards. The Warriors averaged 240 passes per game before Gelfand that suggested that they increase to 300.

"“I knew I wanted more ball movement — I wanted to play like the Spurs — but in those days we didn’t have access to those numbers. We didn’t have a Sammy,” said Kerr."

Gelfand also got some time in the public eye during the 2018 playoffs. Steph Curry, who has injured to start the playoffs, insisted that Gelfand sit next to him every game to coach him up on the analytics side of the game.

The Left Side of Steve Kerr’s Brain

All of these contributions prompted Marc Stein of the New York Times to pen a glowing spotlight on Gelfand back in June. The piece, titled ‘The Left Side of Steve Kerr’s Brain,‘ reported how Gelfand would spend two hours after every game compiling a detailed report of that day’s campaign. These reports would then heavily inform Kerr’s future decisions.

What is remarkable about Gelfand is how he became such a welcome member of the team. Not only did Curry ask to sit next to him during games, but Gelfand also acted as the exclusive rebounder for Shaun Livingston during his time in the Bay Area.

Aside from his passing data, it’s also worth noting that it was Gelfand who encouraged Kerr to start playing Javale McGee over Zaza Pachulia towards the end of last season. This may prove important as the Pistons just signed Pachulia to a one-year deal.

The Pistons have not announced what Gelfand’s official role will be with the team, but it seems like he will be more involved with the front office than in Golden State.

Next: Pistons to face Bulls in Summer League tournament

It will be interesting to monitor how this alters the team’s use of their current roster. Perhaps even more interesting may be how his departure affects the Warriors moving forward.

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