Rumors

It seems like in recent years, when teams exceed expectations, they might feel the urge to make a trade or alter their roster. How do you go about ensuring last season was real and that players continue to develop without making any of those roster-altering moves? Trajan Langdon: For us, the reason we were more successful (than expected last season) was the environment, the locker room that we had. It was created through people with (the front office) staff, with the coaching staff and with the players we brought in. The character as human beings, and the level of players that we had, we just thought it was a good fit with everybody. That’s one thing that we want to make sure we keep here, but also keep continuing to develop our young guys, who we think are talented young players.

New York Times

Trajan Langdon: We want to see what those guys’ ceilings are. It’s continuing to put players with them that can continue to help them grow, develop and reach their potential. That’s one thing we try to be as cognizant as possible of, which is something at times that can be challenging. Of course, you want to continue to get better, but we’re very aware of what the timing of that is. We want our guys to continue to develop and at least get close to their ceiling or potential. Then maybe at that point is when we realize, OK, what is the proper player fit for these guys when it’s time to really go? I don’t think we truly understand who our players can be at this point. I just think it’s too early for us to truly understand what the best way to press the proverbial gas pedal is right now. So, we’re gonna try to be patient with that and let our young guys continue to develop.

New York Times

How do you think the resilience of the players you’re bringing in contributes to helping shape the mentality and culture of the roster? Trajan Langdon: There’s something to be said when you have to have a level of resilience in this league. It’s a very tough league. You could have a tough game, and you’ve got to play the next night against a really good player. You have to be able to bounce back right away. We’re looking for high-character individuals who have toughness and resilience to be a part of winning, because you have to be able to have that mindset on an every-night basis. It’s not going to go your way every night, but what are you gonna contribute on those nights? We feel that was an important piece for the quality of individuals we’re bringing in here.

New York Times

We know gambling has become more intertwined with the NBA and other professional sports through sponsorships and partnerships. What protocols are in place to make sure players abide by league rules, and how does the organization go about encouraging overall financial literacy with players? Trajan Langdon: Both topics are obviously very important to us, and the NBA is constantly educating players and all employees on gambling and the no-tolerance policies that come with that. In terms of financial literacy, we have to be careful with the information we do give them, because it is their money once we give it to them. If you steer them down one path like investing, you do take risks, so we can’t give them insight into how they invest their money.

New York Times

Kory Woods: #Pistons President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon is in attendance at #Lions practice today.

Twitter

Grant Hill feels the Pistons can take it even a step further entering next season now that the young core has some playoff experience. “J.B. Bickerstaff, the job that he did, Trajan Langdon the general manager, some of the free agents they brought in last summer and then the young players, Cade Cunningham establishing himself as an All Star," says Hill. "It's just a remarkable season. They took a big step last year. I think they have a chance to take another step."

Responsible Gaming

Coty M. Davis: Trajan Langdon on the addition of Caris LeVert: "The special thing about Caris, you can plug and play him with just about everyone... I am confident that J.B. (Bickerstaff) is going to find a good role for him." #Pistons

Twitter

Omari Sankofa II: Trajan Langdon said the Malik Beasley news left them "not much time" to pivot. "I was able to communicate with Malik and his agent Saturday, which was obviously right before we could start talking to free agents on Sunday. It was disappointing for us, because we were excited to get him back."

bsky.app

Omari Sankofa II: Trajan Langdon: “You’re going to see a different Ausar. He’s gotten bigger.” Referring to his frame, he’s filled out naturally and has been at the practice facility all summer.

bsky.app

Omari Sankofa II: Trajan: "We’re not going to be super aggressive this summer I don’t think, I don’t foresee any of that. It’s just developing from within and hopefully keep the guys we brought in last year."

x.com

Omari Sankofa II: Trajan said the revamped East has "provoked thought" but hasn't changed the roadmap. "I don’t think we want to be locked in and push our chips in … we want to keep that optionality … I think we will see growth from this year to next year and that’s what’s important for us."

x.com

Omari Sankofa II: Trajan on Ausar: "He’s been working his butt off. He’s been here, been back home, he’s been in the gym. The thing he wants to do at some point is be Defensive Player of the Year. He's working on his strength, which he couldn’t do last year." Also working on his shot, running PNR.

x.com

Omari Sankofa II: Trajan on Jaden Ivey and Isaiah Stewart's injury status: "I wouldn't say there a full go but they’re coming along. They’ll be ready for camp."

x.com

Omari Sankofa II: Trajan Langdon will have a predraft media availability tomorrow at 1 pm, so mark your calendar. I'll have live updates on here, not sure if it's being live-streamed yet.

Twitter