Since purchasing the Pistons in 2011, Tom Gores has operated with a win-now mindset.
The return? Two playoff appearances, one winning season and zero playoff wins. At long last, it appears Gores is open to a legitimate rebuild.
In a discussion with reporters Thursday night in Los Angeles, where the Pistons lost for the ninth time in 10 games, Gores indicated he's willing to take a step back if it raises the ceiling for the organization moving forward.
Gores and the Pistons hoped to build on last season's playoff berth in 2019-20, but injuries and poor play have conspired to produce a 12-23 record near the halfway point. The health issues haven't come as a surprise for a team built with aging, injury-prone players.
The trade deadline, which is about a month away, could be a turning point for the organization.
Asked if he's considering a different direction with a new group of players, Gores said, "We have to look at everything because we’re not winning. If you’re not winning, you have to assess everything. ... Probably in the next month or so, we’re going to get together as an organization and just discuss things.”
The Pistons do have some young pieces to start building around. That includes 2019 first-round pick Sekou Doumbouya, who posted a double-double in his first career start on Thursday. Luke Kennard, Bruce Brown and Christian Wood could be part of a new core as well.
That owes in large part to senior advisor and acting GM Ed Stefanski, who took control of the franchise in 2018.
“The front office is doing a great job," Gores said. "We’re in a good position. We’re not winning today, but we’re in position to build something.”