Detroit Free Press

Jeff Seidel Detroit Free Press Published 7:29 PM EDT Aug 26, 2020 “Nothing can stop the power of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our society. Why? Because human beings are the most dynamic link to the divine on this planet.” — the late Sen. John Lewis They didn’t march across

Omari Sankofa II Detroit Free Press Published 6:01 AM EDT Aug 25, 2020 Blake Griffin has said it multiple times this summer — whatever role the Detroit Pistons want him to fill next season, he’s willing to do it.  It’s his way of acknowledging that the Pistons are in the midst of a transition. Since

Omari Sankofa II Detroit Free Press Published 9:09 AM EDT Aug 24, 2020 Now that we’re on the other side of the NBA lottery, evaluators can project the draft with a greater degree of certainty. The pool of players the Pistons can target with the seventh overall pick has become slightly more shallow.  But in

Ryan Ford Detroit Free Press Published 6:02 AM EDT Aug 24, 2020 Thursday’s 2020 NBA draft lottery was the latest in a recent trend of disappointing lotteries for Detroit teams, as the Detroit Pistons fell from their No. 5 spot into the seventh pick, despite having a 42.1% chance to move up. It’s not a

Omari Sankofa II Detroit Free Press Published 6:03 AM EDT Aug 22, 2020 Historically, the seventh overall pick of the NBA draft has consistently produced high-level talent.  Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry might be the best seventh pick ever. Chris Mullin, Bernard King, John Havlicek and former Fort Wayne/Detroit Piston George Yardley are Hall of

Scott Gleeson USA TODAY Published 5:46 PM EDT Aug 21, 2020 The 2020 NBA draft lottery is in the rear-view mirror, with the order of the top 14 picks now finalized. The Minnesota Timberwolves won the No. 1 pick, while the Golden State Warriors will select No. 2. The Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers

Omari Sankofa II Detroit Free Press Published 6:00 AM EDT Aug 21, 2020 Troy Weaver’s face said it all.  NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum reached the seventh pick of the lottery, picked up the card and revealed the Detroit Pistons’ logo under it. Weaver’s expression was blank, at first. Then, he acknowledged the camera. A

Omari Sankofa II Detroit Free Press Published 6:00 AM EDT Aug 21, 2020 The Detroit Pistons have not been lucky in the NBA draft lottery. And while that didn’t change Thursday night, that wasn’t Troy Weaver’s focus after learning the result.  Despite having the fifth-best odds — a 10.5% — at the No. 1 overall

Omari Sankofa II Detroit Free Press Published 9:10 PM EDT Aug 20, 2020 Detroit Pistons general manager Troy Weaver didn’t snap the organization’s historic lack of luck in the NBA draft lottery. Regardless, the Pistons will have a high draft pick as they prepare for a pivotal offseason.  The Pistons will have the No. 7 pick in

Omari Sankofa II Detroit Free Press Published 6:07 AM EDT Aug 20, 2020 The NBA lottery is finally here. And with it comes a chance for the Detroit Pistons to land a high draft pick and franchise-altering player — though it isn’t clear whether such a player exists in this year’s draft.  Regardless, the Pistons

Omari Sankofa II Detroit Free Press Published 8:41 PM EDT Aug 19, 2020 In June, Detroit Pistons coach Dwane Casey pondered how detrimental nine months without organized basketball would be for the development of his young players.  That’s the reality the Pistons were facing, as their season ended March 11. The 2020-21 season is slated to

Omari Sankofa II Detroit Free Press Published 6:03 AM EDT Aug 18, 2020 In two days, the Detroit Pistons will finally know the fate of their 2020 NBA draft pick. Will they move up from their current position, which gives them the fifth-best overall odds? Will they stay in the same slot, as they have

Omari Sankofa II Detroit Free Press Published 6:00 AM EDT Aug 16, 2020 Between his rehab sessions, Blake Griffin has been watching the NBA’s return within the Orlando bubble. He has been impressed by the comprehensive plan put in place by commissioner Adam Silver and league officials to keep everyone within the bubble safe, as

Omari Sankofa II Detroit Free Press Published 7:30 PM EDT Aug 14, 2020 Six years after stepping down as the Detroit Pistons president of basketball operations, Joe Dumars is back in the general manager chair. At least, temporarily.  Vlade Divac has stepped down as general manager of the Sacramento Kings. Dumars, who has been with

Omari Sankofa II Detroit Free Press Published 6:40 PM EDT Aug 13, 2020 The Pistons are in the midst of an extended offseason. It’s given Blake Griffin plenty of time to rehab his knee.  Griffin, who’s been working out at the practice facility in Midtown this week, said he’s been doing “everything” to get himself

Omari Sankofa II Detroit Free Press Published 6:00 AM EDT Aug 13, 2020 In a week, and after an unexpectedly long hiatus, the Detroit Pistons will find out where they’ll pick in the 2020 NBA draft.  The draft lottery will take place on Aug. 20, and it’ll be virtual. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported earlier

Jeff Seidel Detroit Free Press Published 4:23 PM EDT Aug 11, 2020 Jamie Samuelsen used to intercept the magazine at the mailbox. It was People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” issue. He would print out a picture of himself and paste it on the cover, right over whoever had won that year. Then, he’d hide it

Omari Sankofa II Detroit Free Press Published 6:00 AM EDT Aug 9, 2020 Will Bynum has long considered himself a trainer. Even when he was a junior in high school, years before his NBA career took off.  The former Detroit Pistons guard attended Chicago Crane High School and was teammates with former Grizzlies guard Tony

Jeff Zillgitt USA TODAY Published 11:53 AM EDT Aug 8, 2020 No team has benefited inside the NBA bubble more than the Phoenix Suns. A team headed nowhere when the NBA suspended its season, the Suns have been a delightful surprise in the restart. Shooting guard Devin Booker has solidified his All-Star credentials, center DeAndre

Omari Sankofa II Detroit Free Press Published 12:15 PM EDT Aug 7, 2020 In two weeks, the Detroit Pistons will know where they will pick in the  2020 draft.  The lottery will take place on Aug. 20, and new general manager Troy Weaver and the rest of the front office are hoping the odds will fall