Detroit Pistons 1982 Preseason Presser

[tbone963]

Hello and welcome to the Detroit Pistons' 1982 "Fresh off The Press"er. Please have a seat and we'll get started.

After considerable thought and evaluation, we have decided to continue this rebuild for another season or two. This was a difficult decision, but one that we feel is necessary at this time to continue bringing in fresh talent and build a culture that will deliver sustainable success, on and off the court. We feel this approach was indicative in our draft, selecting Terry Cummings and Clark Kellogg: two guys who will make an immediate impact and provide a foundation to build upon in the coming seasons. We also believe our later selections, Terry Teagle and Edmund Sherod, will be solid role players that have the skills to develop into eventual starters.

We are committed to signing the right players and delivering an NBA Championship to our city. That is what our fans deserve. We are truly appreciative for all our management and staff for the many contributions to the Pistons organization
and the Detroit community they have provided for all these years.

While our focus is a championship on the court, we are also making sure that we do the same off the court,
by continuing to prioritize the fan experience, and ensuring our games are easily accessible across the entire Midwest region.

In addition, we are working to determine the best path forward to transform the Pontiac Silverdome into the best arena in the NBA. We look forward to delivering on these priorities for our fans.

Thank you. I'll now take any questions.

[WigNosy]

Steve Duin, Portland Trailblazers beatwriter for the Oregonian...

Everyone knows about your Big 3, but did any of your other players impress enough in the preseason for you to lock them in as a part of your long-term plans?

[JNR]

GWR: Do you think Terry Cummings is a lock for Rookie of the Year?

[tbone963]

Steve Duin, Portland Trailblazers beatwriter for the Oregonian...

Everyone knows about your Big 3, but did any of your other players impress enough in the preseason for you to lock them in as a part of your long-term plans?

We knew Clark Kellogg would be a great addition which is why we drafted him, but I did not see him averaging 12 rebounds/game. I know it's only preseason, but that gives us plenty of confidence with him being here for the long haul. Edmund Sherod has also stepped up in his pg duties, distributing the ball efficiently.

[tbone963]

GWR: Do you think Terry Cummings is a lock for Rookie of the Year?

Nothing is guaranteed. This was a great class with Wilkins, Pierce, Lever, Hodges, Worthy, the list goes on. We personally think Terry is the best out of all of them and will show his abilities on the court to prove that.

[BigDaddyd8720]

Picks Emmington of the SLOE Gazette,

First questions: WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!?!

Second question: Getting Terry Cummings at 4 was a great selection, and you saw him take an immediate jump in TC. Do you feel he will be the one you build your team around, or do you think you're still looking for that franchise player?

[IamQuailman]

Mr. Tbone. What would it take to pry Terry Cummings from you? Love, Milwaukee

Question 2: What is your long term vision for this team, or is it still being determined?

[NY_Magic_Garrett]

Bruce Wayne, Gotham Gazette

Popped on over out of respect for our GM in NY. Said I needed to go pay my respects to his mentor. He also wanted to remind you that he has more playoff appearances than you and you still owe him dinner or something, I don’t know, Can I come?

Anyway, tough luck in the lottery it seems but you got a couple really nice players nonetheless. Clark and Trey look like they could have ROY potential. One might even see a world where they are ranked 1 and 2 at the end of the year. Would be a crazy world. Which do you think has the best chance to push for the award here in the real world?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[tbone963]

Picks Emmington of the SLOE Gazette,

First questions: WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!?!

Second question: Getting Terry Cummings at 4 was a great selection, and you saw him take an immediate jump in TC. Do you feel he will be the one you build your team around, or do you think you're still looking for that franchise player?

"I am what I am"
- Popeye
- Me

I thought Terry would be a great addition to the team, but after seeing him in training camp and his first few games; he definitely looks like a player to build around. We of course asses every situation and position as it arises in the draft and free agency but I'm pretty confident in saying Terry is the PF of this franchise for the foreseeable future.

[tbone963]

Mr. Tbone. What would it take to pry Terry Cummings from you? Love, Milwaukee

Question 2: What is your long term vision for this team, or is it still being determined?

I'm not sure how many first borns you have or holy grails, but it would take multiple of thoses to even start to consider separating Terry from this team. He's our guy and we intend to keep him in Detroit for a long time.


The long term vision, as I think with every team, is to win a championship. I will say, though, we wanna build a strong core and foundation to sustain that winning culture for seasons to come.

[tbone963]

Bruce Wayne, Gotham Gazette

Popped on over out of respect for our GM in NY. Said I needed to go pay my respects to his mentor. He also wanted to remind you that he has more playoff appearances than you and you still owe him dinner or something, I don’t know, Can I come?

Anyway, tough luck in the lottery it seems but you got a couple really nice players nonetheless. Clark and Trey look like they could have ROY potential. One might even see a world where they are ranked 1 and 2 at the end of the year. Would be a crazy world. Which do you think has the best chance to push for the award here in the real world?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You're welcome any time to come enjoy some our classic Detroit style pizza on me.
I think Terry has the best chance to win with his raw talent. I'd be a little worried though if Clark continues with his insane work ethic and determination. One great thing that will come from this though is both guys motivating and pushing each other to take their games to the next level.