On a recent episode of The Pistons Pulse podcast, hosts Bryce and Omari discussed the improved roster depth the Detroit Pistons are looking for for the upcoming 2024 season. The franchise takes inspiration from the successful model implemented by the New Orleans Pelicans – a team that used the G League to significantly strengthen its roster.
More importantly, the Pelicans have seen previously undrafted players like Naji Marshall and Jose Alvarado blossom after their stellar performances with their G League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron. Both have carved out effective roles in the NBA and show talent that can be developed in the development league.
The Pelicans’ strategy of bringing draft picks into the G League has produced several successful players, including former 17th overall pick Trey Murphy III, as well as lottery picks such as Jaxson Hayes and Kira Lewis, Jr. This plan serves as an ideal case study for the Pistons, who are pursuing a vision created by a front office that includes many former Pelicans executives.
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Pistons President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon and Executive Vice President Michael Blackstone, who both spent five seasons in New Orleans, are key people in this initiative. Langdon’s past honors, including the 2018-19 NBA G League Basketball Executive of the Year award, highlight a commitment to development.
Motor City Cruise, the Pistons’ G League affiliate, has a unique setup as they practice a stone’s throw from the Pistons’ practice facility at Wayne State Fieldhouse. This proximity promises a strong collaboration that the Pistons believe will enhance their player development programs.
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Explaining the advantages of their location, Blackstone said: “The beauty here is that it’s right here. Cruise literally shares our building, which allows us to take advantage of player movements based on situations such as damage and performance. Our goal is to make it “Our hope is that it will be a big part of what we do.”
Since its start in the 2021-22 season, Cruise has fulfilled many roles for the Pistons, from supporting players during the COVID-19 crisis to helping with injury rehabilitation for key players. like Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart.
The main advantage for the Pistons now is the ease of communication and scouting opportunities, unlike the Pelicans’ setup where geographic distances make real-time assessment difficult. “An NBA head coach can watch our practice every single day,” said Cruise GM Max Unger. This unity within the organization is important, especially when it comes to scouting and player evaluations leading up to the draft.
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The Pistons have yet to fully realize the potential of their G League roster, as their most recent first-round pick only practiced with Cruise without actually playing. Blackstone aims to change the narrative surrounding G League assignments and emphasizes that they should not be stigmatized, but considered an important part of a player’s growth and recovery.
Despite the Pistons’ difficulty converting two-way players into established rotation members, there is optimism about the leadership within Cruise. Unger, now promoted to GM after a successful stint as assistant GM, continues to move forward within a coaching staff that includes Jamelle McMillan, a familiar face from his time in New Orleans.
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As Cruise prepares for the regular season opener against the Windy City Bulls on Tuesday, Blackstone expressed an optimistic sentiment: “While success is never guaranteed, we have created a culture of care and commitment that in I believe Detroit will achieve the same positive result.” In addition to development, the focus is on integrating the G League and Pistons operations and creating a model that rewards effective talent nurturing.
Don’t forget to keep up with the Pistons by listening to The Pistons Pulse, your essential podcast for all things Detroit Pistons, available wherever you listen to your podcasts, including Apple, Spotify and YouTube live.
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