Trajan Langdon talks about the team’s successful season on Wednesday.
Trajan Langdon talks about the team’s successful season on Wednesday.
Detroit — The Detroit Pistons’ revival this season prompted Trajan Langdon to take a few days to reflect on his team’s success after they were eliminated in the first round by the New York Knicks on May 1.
In fact, he took a full seven days.
“Surprising” and “gratifying” were the main adjectives Langdon used to describe his first season as Pistons president of basketball operations as he met with the media on Wednesday.
Like many within the organization, he came into the year with modest expectations. However, the franchise’s rapid improvements led to 44 regular-season wins and a playoff appearance for the first time in five years.
“Helluva season for us, I don’t know any other way to put it,” Langdon said. “J.B. (Bickerstaff) and I have been doing a lot of exit interviews, hearing about how much they have enjoyed this season, and how this was the best year of their careers from an enjoyment standpoint.”
The Pistons’ rapid ascent has altered Langdon’s initial offseason plans for building upon the team’s success this summer, which starts with enhancing Detroit’s roster. They have the chance to pursue a notable All-Star player who might be available via free agency or trade, and Langdon and his team are willing to stay open to all possibilities.
However, similar to his strategy around the NBA trade deadline in February, Langdon intends to adopt a patient approach while balancing the team’s established continuity with its needs.
“The continuity piece is big,” Langdon said. “In my time with San Antonio, that was huge for those teams, having that continuity, where you can go from one season to another, regardless of how it ends, there isn’t a lot of explanation or expectations of what the culture and environment are going to be.
“When you have continuity, you can get off to quicker starts. When you have continuity, you can start taking steps to get better faster.”
The Pistons maintained a tight-knit locker room throughout the year, and given the camaraderie between the players, Langdon is expected to prioritize his own free agents before exploring the market.
Malik Beasley, who ranked second in the NBA with 319 made 3-point field goals, headlines Detroit’s pending free agency class that also includes Tim Hardaway Jr., Paul Reed and Dennis Schröder. Each player made a positive impact on the Pistons’ success on and off the court. Schröder was Langdon’s only midseason roster move, and the veteran point guard was a quintessential fit.
The Pistons may decide to keep their current core. However, Langdon acknowledges that their success this season could lead to free agents receiving attractive offers from other teams.
“It takes two to tango,” Langdon said. “All of them were great for us, and I think they all will be great for us coming back here, in terms of what they did for us and how they fit with the roster we have. It takes both sides to come together on a deal. They are going to have their vision of what that is going to be, and we will have ours.”
Each player has shared their love and appreciation for the Pistons, but none more so than Beasley. The veteran guard has not only expressed his affection for the organization but also for the city, which he has come to regard as his second home.
“In my whole nine years in the NBA, I’ve never had this much fun coming to the gym,” Beasley said after the Pistons’ elimination by the Knicks. “I’ve been through a lot of stuff just this year alone, and every day coming in was probably the best thing that happened to me.”
In February, Beasley pleaded with Langdon not to include him in any deal. Beasley finished the season averaging 16.3 points on 41.6% 3-point shooting across 82 games.
“Coach J.B., Trajan did an amazing job making sure when we come in here it’s fun, it’s energetic, it’s a place where you want to be, and it’s definitely a place I want to be,” Beasley said. “To be here in my mom’s hometown, I grew up here a lot in the summertime, and to be able to perform in front of the city is huge, and I’m glad I got a chance to do that.”
Langdon is proud of the Pistons’ achievements and believes the roster’s current makeup has yet to reach its potential. He has faith that Ausar Thompson’s and Ron Holland II’s summer trainings will lead to significant individual leaps next season. He also believes that Jaden Ivey’s return from a broken left fibula will give the team a new dynamic.
The Pistons will evaluate all options this summer. However, Langdon vows not to make a move without considering the team’s best interests, regardless of a player’s renowned talent.
“We are going to stick to our guns and make the decision we feel is right for this team going forward,” Langdon said. “We will explore all avenues, look into fits for our team, and figure out if we can do some things to make us better. … We are exploring all avenues.”
Coty.Davis@detroitnews.com
@cotydavis_24
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