New Pistons president: No timeframe to reach playoffs

New Detroit Pistons president Trajan Langdon suggested Friday there isn't a mandated rush to return the rebuilding franchise to the postseason.

"I don’t think there's a timeframe for us to get to the playoffs," Langdon told reporters Friday at his official introduction, according to The Associated Press' Dana Gauruder.

The Pistons pried Langdon from the New Orleans Pelicans, with whom he had served as general manager since 2019, to lead their basketball operations and instill a sense of direction for a franchise that has averaged just under 19 wins over the last five seasons.

Langdon replaces Troy Weaver, who stepped down earlier this month after four years as GM amid a difficult rebuild in the Motor City. Despite sharing the best odds for the No. 1 pick in four straight draft lotteries, the Pistons have picked better than fifth just once, selecting Oklahoma State standout Cade Cunningham first overall in 2021.

They're also searching for a third coach in three seasons after replacing Dwane Casey with Monty Williams but then suddenly firing Williams after just one campaign and over $65 million remaining on his contract. The unexpected decision to part with Williams reportedly came from above Langdon as a directive from ownership.

Team owner Tom Gores refused to blame a single individual for the team's predicament but believes Langdon is the right pick to recalibrate the franchise.

"After assessing everything, I really felt the best choice for the organization was a fresh start," he said. "Our mistakes in the past has nothing to do with just one person. We needed a fresh start and we needed Trajan to lead with a fresh start."