Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Time will tell whether or not Tom Gores is a good owner for the Detroit Pistons. But it appears that Gores badly wants an NBA title. That’s a good sign that he’s going to be a terrific owner.
About six months ago, it didn’t appear that Gores cared much about the Pistons. He wasn’t heard of too often. It appeared that he was just another rich guy wanting to have a hobby and whether or not the Pistons were a winner didn’t mean much to him.
Nothing could be further from the truth. During the second half of the season, Gores made his presence known at the Palace of Auburn Hills and clearly expressed his disgust at another lousy Pistons record.
It’s basically the reason Lawrence Frank got fired as coach. It’s also why he brought in Phil Jackson to help with the coaching search. He knew something had to change in a hurry
Some feel Gores should have dumped team president Joe Dumars immediately. That would have ben unwise. But Dumars does need to deliver within the next two or three years. He’s been given passing marks from the NBA draft last week although some Pistons manics still would have preferred that he take over Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. It’s doubtful he’ll get a big-name free agent because the Pistons are still a rebuilding team. But he might land someone who raises a few eyebrows.
Gores told USAToday in an interview this week how badly he wants to win:
“I’m serious about getting us there and try to get not only the Pistons back on that map, but Detroit back on that map. The Pistons have such a great history. I feel we need to get back there and a championship is high on my list.”
