goingon

New GM says Griffin and Rose part of Pistons' plans
Tuesday, June 23, 2020

(DETROIT) - A fresh chapter in Detroit Pistons franchise history is set to be written next season, but new general manager Troy Weaver still sees veteran stars Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose as part of the "plans going forward." Griffin, 31, is coming off left knee surgery after playing in just 18 games this season. Weaver, a longtime Oklahoma city Thunder executive, said during his Monday introductory new conference that he is familiar with Griffin, and that as long as he is in a Pistons uniform and under contract, he is definitely in the team's plans moving forward. Griffin is due $36.6 million in 2020-21, and owns a player option for 2021-22 that, if exercised, will pay him $38.9 million. Similar to Griffin, Weaver described Rose as a "big time" player looking to restore his career after a history of injuries. Rose, 31, has been plagued by knee and ankle injuries throughout his 12 years in the league, but was enjoying a resurgent season with the Pistons in 2019-20, averaging 18.1 points and 5.6 assists off the bench as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate. He became the first player in franchise history to record seven consecutive games of 20 or more points as a reserve. Summer has officially begun for the Pistons, who are one of the eight teams eliminated by the NBA's 22-team proposal for its Orlando restart. Detroit (20-46) is one of two teams that have not won a playoff game since the 2008-09 season, but Weaver said he's committed to restoring a winning culture. Pistons coach Dwane Casey also said he's happy that team owner Tom Gores selected an African American candidate in Weaver, especially in light of the Black Lives Matter movement and the push for diversity in front offices. Weaver, 52, is now the ninth Black GM in the league.

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