The Pistons have officially hired Trajan Langdon to be their new president of basketball operations, the team announced in a press release.
“I have committed to building a front office in Detroit that brings together the most advanced capabilities and creative basketball minds,” said owner Tom Gores. “Trajan is an accomplished front office executive with an impressive track record. He’s worked his way up and seen it all as a player, scout and executive. He’s been successful at every level. I’m confident he will very swiftly get us to the standard of excellence I expect from every business.”
“What was important to me was finding someone who was a hands-on leader and effective communicator that could connect with people, motivate our front office and deliver results,” Gores added. “I knew Trajan was universally praised and respected around the league, but as I spent time with him, he articulated a thoughtful, detailed plan to create a culture of winning and getting the best out of the talented people we have in our organization.”
Langdon has spent the last five years as New Orleans’ general manager, serving as the second-in-command to executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin. The news of Detroit intending to hire the former Duke star broke a week ago.
Langdon said he has begun interviewing candidates for roles with the team, per the release.
“It’s an honor for me to join the Detroit Pistons and I’m excited for the opportunity,” said Langdon. “I have spent considerable time with Tom over the past few weeks and am fully aligned with his expectations for the challenge ahead. The work starts immediately, and I appreciate Tom giving me the opportunity to build on the foundation that has been laid and help this team compete at the highest level. There is great tradition and history associated with this franchise. I’m excited to build on that for everyone associated with the organization and the passionate sports fans of Detroit.”
The 48-year-old was drafted with the 11th overall pick in 1999, though Langdon spent just three seasons in the NBA with the Cavaliers. He went on to become a star overseas, winning a pair of EuroLeague titles in 2006 and 2008 with CSKA Moscow. He made multiple All-EuroLeague teams, earned EuroLeague Final Four MVP honors in 2008, and was named top the EuroLeague’s All-Decade team for the 2000s.
After retiring as a player in 2011, Langdon got his first front office role in San Antonio, working as a scout for the Spurs from 2012-15. Before being hired by the Pelicans, he had a one-year stint in Cleveland’s front office and was an assistant general manager with the Nets for three years under Sean Marks.
A recent report said Langdon’s first major move was essentially offering a demotion to former GM Troy Weaver, who declined the new position. The two sides have parted ways.
The Pistons had the worst record in the league last season at 14-68. They control the No. 5 pick in June’s draft.