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Detroit Pistons continue to change culture with Sachin Gupta hiring

By Brenden Welper

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 29: The official game sits on the court on a play stoppage during an NBA game between the Detroit Pistons and the Washington Wizards at Little Caesars Arena on March 29, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. 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. The Pistons defeated the Wizards 103-92. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 29: The official game sits on the court on a play stoppage during an NBA game between the Detroit Pistons and the Washington Wizards at Little Caesars Arena on March 29, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. 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. The Pistons defeated the Wizards 103-92. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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Ed Stefanski and the Detroit Pistons made their latest hire on Tuesday night. Sachin Gupta, a former executive with the Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Rockets, has been named assistant general manager.

Another day, another front-office addition for the Detroit Pistons.

Sachin Gupta will now serve as Detroit’s assistant general manager, according to a report from Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports.

Previously, Gupta was a special adviser to Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey last year. Ironically, he was also Morey’s first hire as GM back in 2006.

Before returning to Houston, he worked under Sam Hinkie in Philadelphia as the vice president of basketball operations.

Gupta will oversee analytics for the Pistons, according to Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press. This marks the second-major hire for the organization in that department.

They lured away analytics-specialist Sammy Gelfand from the Golden State Warriors last month. Now, Detroit has two of the brighter young minds in the NBA.

It has taken some time, but the Pistons’ new front office has fallen into place. Stefanski still runs the show, although that’s been known for well over a month.

Fan and media reaction to Gupta’s hiring has been largely positive. Sam Vecenie of The Athletic voiced his approval of Detroit’s off-season in a tweet Tuesday night.

In a league where the Warriors, Rockets, and 76ers have built contenders using advanced stats, this move should be a welcome sign for Pistons fans.

Detroit has long been hesitant to adjust to the changing nature of the NBA. Specifically, in regards to the emphasis on up-tempo, offensive styles and efficient shot selection.

Gupta’s arrival is a step in the right direction. Currently, the Pistons aren’t built like the teams mentioned above. They’re still very much reliant on a traditional pick-and-roll tandem. Which is fine.

But they’ve since surrounded Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond with competent 3-point shooting. Two seasons ago (the last time Jackson was fully healthy), that was arguably their biggest need.

Next. Three reasons why the Glenn Robinson III deal will pay off. dark

Now the Pistons have filled another void: building a fresh approach to the way basketball is played.

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