Less than one year ago, Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores was [professing his dissatisfaction with the direction of the team](https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2024/06/tom-gores-embraces-new-direction-for-pistons-after-admitting-past-missteps.html), while making grand changes to its leadership.
Through just one season with Trajan Langdon as president of basketball operations and J.B. Bickerstaff as head coach, the Pistons’ owner has quite a different message.
Detroit is coming off an appearance in the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2019 after more than tripling their wins from last season.
In a [recent letter from Gores to Pistons fans](https://go.skimresources.com?id=126006X1587345&xs=1&xcust=jacob-richman|&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nba.com%2Fpistons%2Fnews%2Fa-letter-from-tom-gores), he expressed gratitude and a desire within the organization to push for more next season.
“I am...grateful for you, our incredible fans. Last year was tough and rebuilds are not easy,” Gores said. “Through it all, your loyalty has never waned. Your support means a great deal to me. I can’t say it enough: Thank you.
“With a return to full strength next year and valuable experience under our belts, advancing in the playoffs will be the goal.
“I promise our urgency will not stop. Our players and coaching staff are focused on continuing our positive momentum. Trajan and his team will act with urgency to strengthen our roster. And I will continue to ensure this organization has the necessary resources to succeed.”
Gores hailed the team in the letter for inspiring and exciting the city, which made for a more emotional exit in the first round against the New York Knicks.
He also praised Langdon and Bickerstaff for their focus on “culture and operational excellence” that brought the Pistons rapid success.
Detroit has built a young core of players around fourth-year guard Cade Cunningham and is beginning to build momentum as a franchise.
Gores purchased a majority stake in the Pistons in 2011, making the significant decision to move the team’s home arena back to downtown Detroit.
This season’s 44-38 record ties for the best for the franchise since Gores joined the organization and the team’s third playoff appearance in that stretch.
While there are no assurances the Pistons’ rebuild is done and they are set to be a recurring playoff team, but they’ve built up a strong foundation for the first time in well over a decade.
Gores sees what the Pistons are creating and implores fans to be part of it.
“I believe in what we’re building,” Gores said. “I’m excited about this journey and hope you will stick with us as we continue to build on this foundation for success. I look forward to seeing you next season.”