Latest news with #TrajanLangdon
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pistons' Trajan Langdon reveals Cade Cunningham's MVP goal
The post Pistons' Trajan Langdon reveals Cade Cunningham's MVP goal appeared first on ClutchPoints. Next season will be big for Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons. So much so that team president Trajan Langdon had a strong MVP case to make for the rising star guard. Advertisement Cunningham is coming off the first All-Star selection of his career as he landed on the All-NBA Third Team. He also led the Pistons to their first playoff appearance since 2019, showing how his talent is crucial to the team's growth. Langdon appeared for an interview during Friday's Summer League matchup between the Pistons and New York Knicks. It was there when he explained why Cunningham would be in the mix for the MVP award for next season and the long term. 'MVP is something he wants to strive for,' Langdon said. What lies ahead for Cade Cunningham, Pistons Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images It's an interesting take for Trajan Langdon to have about Cade Cunningham with the case for MVP. But it makes sense considering how much the Pistons have improved with Cunningham growing his game year after year. Advertisement This past season saw Cunningham average 26.1 points, 9.1 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game after 70 appearances. He shot 46.9% from the field, including 35.6% from beyond the arc. He maintained his level of play in his postseason debut, putting up 25 points, 8.7 assists, 8.3 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks per contest. With the Eastern Conference wide open next season due to injuries, this presents a big opportunity for the Pistons to make noise. They showed in the playoffs that they can compete with the best in the conference. Detroit has played with a chip on its shoulder as they haven't earned the championship contention status since the mid-2000s. They now have the underdog status, but that doesn't mean opponents should underestimate them as Cunningham will make sure of that next season. Related: Pistons' Ron Holland dominates Knicks with 28-point double-double Advertisement Related: Nets' group for 2025 Emirates NBA Cup, revealed
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trajan Langdon on Detroit Pistons pivoting from Malik Beasley: 'Disappointing'
Unforeseen circumstances forced the Detroit Pistons to pivot away from their initial offseason plan. More than a week later, they appear satisfied with how things played out. Malik Beasley appeared destined to return for the 2025-26 season before news broke that the unrestricted free agent is the subject of a federal gambling probe. The Pistons adjusted, sign-and-trading for former Michigan sharpshooter Duncan Robinson and inking another ex-Michigan wing, Caris LeVert, to a two-year contract. Advertisement In all, they've lost three veterans — Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dennis Schröder — and replaced them with two. Along with re-signing Paul Reed, the bulk of their offseason remodeling is complete. Team president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon addressed the media at the team's Midtown practice facility on Tuesday, July 8. Here's what he had to say about their summer. Trajan Langdon, Detroit Pistons president of basketball operations, introduces Chaz Lanier (not pictured) to the media at the Pistons Performance Center in Detroit on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. HEADED TO VEGAS: Detroit Pistons' 2025 Summer League roster headlined by Ron Holland, Chaz Lanier "I think the main thing for us is continuing to let these young guys develop, and they're in the gym and they're working their butt off," he said. "Our thing is, like I said initially in the summer, if they get better we're going to get better. It was still finding pieces to complement our players and their growth, and their ability to reach their potential." Advertisement Pistons prioritized size, flexibility after Beasley pivot The Pistons were prepared to offer Beasley a three-year deal worth $42 million following a season in which he set the franchise record for made 3-pointers. News of the gambling probe came on Sunday, June 29, a day before they could talk to outside free agents. (Beasley, once one of the top wings on the market, is currently in limbo awaiting a resolution to the investigation.) That didn't leave the Pistons a lot of time to adjust their plans. 'Not much time,' Langdon said Tuesday. 'I was able to communicate with Malik and his agent on Saturday, which was obviously right before we could start talking to free agents on Sunday. It was disappointing for us, because we were excited to get him back. Had to pivot quickly and given the situation, we have to have high-character human beings coming into Detroit and I think they'll help us a lot. Pretty darn good basketball players, too.' Advertisement With the 6-foot-7 Robinson and 6-6 LeVert replacing the 6-4 Beasley and the 6-1 Schröder, the Pistons' backcourt has gotten significantly bigger. They're also both on reasonable deals – LeVert's two-year contract is for $29 million, and Robinson is on a three-year, $48 million contract that's partially guaranteed in Year 2 and non-guaranteed in Year 3. 'I think with our two additions we got bigger,' Langdon said. 'We want to continue to put around guys that can play-make a little bit but also shoot the ball, and those guys have postseason experience as well. In a way, we do get bigger. Will we be better? I'm not sure. That comes from the growth of our young guys, being in the gym and developing.' Trajan Langdon, president of basketball operations for the Detroit Pistons, talks with the media at the Pistons Performance Center in Detroit on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. ON THE HUNT: 5 players Detroit Pistons could pursue with cap space from Dennis Schröder sign-and-trade Advertisement LeVert, Robinson address key needs Losing Beasley for this season hurts. He's one of five NBA players to make at least 300 3-pointers in a single season (with 319 last season). But Robinson can also knock down 3s at a high rate – with a career percentage of 39.7% – while bringing some downhill playmaking as well. From 2019-22, he made 752 total 3s (an average of 251 per season) at a 40.8% clip for the Miami Heat. 'We talked about quick pivot and finding shooting that could stretch the floor a little bit for Cade (Cunningham), but also he comes off actions, a lot of stuff with Bam (Adebayo) and throughout the years, he's become a better guy at penetrating closeouts or even coming off curls, down-screen action, getting in the paint and making the right reads whether it's finishing or kicking out.' Langdon envisions LeVert as a jack-of-all-trades that can plug multiple roles. He's a strong passer with career averages of four assists and 1.8 turnovers, and he can score from all three levels. Defensively, he competes and can move up and down positions. Advertisement 'The special thing about Caris is I think you can plug-and-play him with darn near anybody,' Langdon said. 'He can go out there and guard ones, twos and threes. He can handle, he can be a secondary ballhandler, he can play on, he can play off depending on the lineup. He's shown that throughout his career and he's a high-level competitor, worker, easy to play with. He plays an unselfish brand of basketball but he can play off, he can come off down screens, he can come off pick and roll actions, score for himself, create for others. I'm confident (coach J.B. Bickerstaff's) gonna find a really good role for him in our system.' Ausar Thompson hits the gym Blood clots cost Ausar Thompson the end of his rookie season, all of his 2024 offseason and the beginning of last season. He played himself into shape after finally making his season debut in November, and was one of the team's most impactful two-way players by the end of the season. In the playoffs, he was indispensable as a shutdown defender on New York's Jalen Brunson. Now, he has a full offseason to work on his game. Langdon said Thompson has been a regular at the practice facility, noticeably filling out his frame. Advertisement 'When you see him, you're going to see a different Ausar,' Langdon said. 'He looks like he's naturally filled out, he looks bigger. And when I mean bigger, I mean stronger. His shoulders are broader, he looks like he's put on some maturing mass. 'We've talked about some shot-creation stuff, ball-handling things. Obviously working on his shot and finishing. Seems like he's getting more comfortable in those areas. We're pleased with his progress. Being able to start having a full summer, having a training cap to be able to start the season healthy will be very important for him and very important for us.' The roster is settled, for now Trajan Langdon, Detroit Pistons president of basketball operations, introduces Chaz Lanier to the media at the Pistons Performance Center in Detroit on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. The Pistons still have two open roster spots, as well as a traded-player exception generated from the Schröder sign-and-trade with the Sacramento Kings. It gives them flexibility to address any roster weak points, but Langdon said he's comfortable with where the roster currently stands. Advertisement 'I think we're at 13 (players), if I'm not mistaken, right now,' he said. 'Acquiring the TPE from Sacramento will allow us different avenues to do things, whether that's now or later, we don't know. We're not in a rush to fill the 14th but I think we're excited about the roster that we've put together right now.' Follow the Pistons all year long with the best coverage at Follow the Detroit Free Press on Instagram (@detroitfreepress), TikTok (@detroitfreepress), YouTube (@DetroitFreePress), X (@freep), and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook (@detroitfreepress). This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Pistons' pivot from Malik Beasley: 'Disappointing'
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NBA draft: Detroit Pistons go for shooter in Tennessee G Chaz Lanier with No. 37 pick
The Detroit Pistons made their first pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, selecting Tennessee guard Chaz Lanier with the No. 37 overall pick in the second round Thursday, June 26, at Barclays Center in New York. The 6-foot-4 senior averaged 18 points, 3.9 rebounds and 0.9 steals in his final season with the Vols, gaining a reputation as a clutch shooter. He knocked down 40.2% of his 687 3-point attempts during his five-year college career, making him one of the surest bets in the draft to be able to space the floor. Lanier worked out for the Pistons on June 2. Tennessee Volunteers guard Chaz Lanier celebrates Friday, March 28, 2025, during the NCAA tournament Sweet 16 game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. OH, NO, JOE! Ex-Detroit Pistons exec Dumars eviscerated by experts over 2025 NBA draft 'malpractice' Advertisement The Pistons entered Thursday's second round eying the best player available on the board. "We have our qualities that we're looking for — high character, hard working and competitive," Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon said earlier this week. "Size is important throughout the league. As we've looked at that pick, there's a lot of wings that are intriguing. There's some bigs that are intriguing and there's some guards that can shoot the ball that are intriguing as well. I think we'll find a player we like at that number." The Pistons now look forward to Monday, June 30, when they will be allowed to negotiate with outside free agents for the first time beginning at 6 p.m. They will be allowed to sign players starting July 6 at 12:01 p.m. Langdon has signaled the team wants to bring back its veteran free agents — Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dennis Schröder. Advertisement "If we can keep some of the guys that we have as part of this run, some of the vets, that would be great,' he said. 'We know they're going to get interest from other teams as well. As we look to keep them, we'll also have to have backup options as well if they choose to go somewhere else for a deal that we can't match, or a deal that we can't get to. We'd like to get those guys back but we'll be prepared to have to go another direction.' This story will be updated. Follow the Pistons all year long with the best coverage at Submit a letter to the editor at and we may publish it online or in print. Advertisement Follow the Detroit Free Press on Instagram (@detroitfreepress), TikTok (@detroitfreepress), YouTube (@DetroitFreePress), X (@freep), and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook (@detroitfreepress). This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Pistons land G Chaz Lanier at No. 37 in 2025 NBA Draft
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Detroit Pistons sign draft pick Chaz Lanier to NBA contract
The Detroit Pistons have signed their 2025 second-round draft pick Chaz Lanier, the team announced Monday, July 7. Lanier, a 6-foot-4 guard, was selected 37th overall and averaged 18 points, 3.9 rebounds and 0.9 steals in his only season with Tennessee in 2024-25. He spent his first four seasons at North Florida and knocked down 40.2% of his 687 3-point attempts during his five-year college career. Advertisement More: Chaz Lanier wowed Detroit Pistons ahead of 2025 NBA Draft with elite shooting, character "He was our guy if he got to our pick and we were very fortunate to get him," Trajan Langdon said on draft night. "Had him in for a workout, spent some time with him, got to do lunch, we interviewed him in Chicago, watched a lot of film on him. 'First of all, high-character and a great young man,' he continued. 'Really worked his way up and got better from North Florida to Tennessee and had a tremendous year this year in the best conference in the country. Competitive, can really shoot the ball, flies off actions and had a tremendous year in one of the better conferences with one of the better teams in the country.' Tennessee Volunteers guard Chaz Lanier celebrates Friday, March 28, 2025, during the NCAA tournament Sweet 16 game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Terms of the contract weren't revealed, but it won't impact the team's cap space due to the NBA's second-round pick exception. Advertisement Lanier will play for the Pistons' summer league team, which begins play in Las Vegas on July 10. Pistons launch new fan rewards program The Pistons announced their new fan engagement program, Pistons Rewards, on July 7. The program will allow fans to earn "Pistons Points" through everyday transactions such as groceries and gas, which can then be redeemed for various prizes — including tickets and merchandise. The program, which will officially launch in October is a partnership with Uptop, a fan loyalty and rewards platform. Fans can sign up for a free Pistons Rewards account at Advertisement Follow the Pistons all year long with the best coverage at Follow the Detroit Free Press on Instagram (@detroitfreepress), TikTok (@detroitfreepress), YouTube (@DetroitFreePress), X (@freep), and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook (@detroitfreepress). For Summer League openers: Knicks Matchup: Pistons vs. New York, NBA Las Vegas Summer League exhibition. Tipoff: 6 p.m. July 11; Cox Pavilion, Las Vegas. TV: NBA TV. The rest of the schedule July 13: Rockets, 4 p.m., ESPN2. July 15: Timberwolves, 4:30 p.m., NBA TV. July 17: Heat, 4 p.m., NBA TV. July 18-20: Championship/consolation round. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Pistons sign Chaz Lanier to NBA contract
New York Times
26-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Who could Pistons target in second round? Maxime Raynaud leads NBA Draft wish list
The Detroit Pistons have become synonymous with the NBA Draft Lottery since 2010. They've had a top-14 pick for 11 of the last 15 years. Since 2020, the Pistons have had at least a top-seven selection in each draft. But Wednesday night's first round concluded without Detroit drafting a player for the first time since 2018. In that 2018 season, the Pistons chose Bruce Brown at No. 42 with their lone pick. Now, Detroit owns the 37th pick after watching a night full of prospects go off the board to opposing teams. Advertisement So, who should the Pistons be eyeing on night two of the draft? While Trajan Langdon, Detroit's president of basketball operations, said earlier this week the Pistons wanted the best available player, he was sure to mention 'size for position is important.' Here are seven available prospects who fit that mold. As the draft was approaching, Raynaud was a player whose name picked up a lot of steam, so I wasn't sure he'd make it to the second round. Raynaud offers length no one on Detroit's roster currently possesses, was a legitimate 3-point shooter last season and is arguably the most versatile offensive player on this list given his size. For as versatile as Raynaud is, the Pistons aren't drafting for a starter with pick No. 37. He'd likely have time to develop his game while trying to earn a spot in J.B. Bickerstaff's rotation. While Raynaud's 7-foot frame offers plenty of benefits on the hardwood, that same size leads to natural drawbacks as well. At his size, Raynaud would likely have difficulty guarding the perimeter if he were switched onto a smaller player, and he isn't the most athletic. Two traits that are common for someone of his height, while also weighing 250 pounds. Raynaud is the most intriguing prospect Detroit may have a chance of snagging, but don't be surprised if Raynaud doesn't make it to No. 37 as well. Of all the players listed, Fleming has the most unique body type. Although he's 6-8 barefoot, he has a massive 7-foot-5 wingspan. While Fleming was primarily utilized as more of a big at Saint Joseph's, he shot nearly 40 percent on just about five 3-point attempts per game, which shows he can spread the floor. For as much offensive potential as Fleming has, the focus Bickerstaff requires on the defensive end could foster growth that leads to Fleming becoming a formidable defender as well. Advertisement Fleming is still a raw talent who hasn't shown a ton of shot creation ability for himself or others. But, if he's in the right system with the right coaches around him, Fleming seems to be a player who could also find his way into an NBA rotation within the next few seasons. Kalkbrenner joins Raynaud as the only other player on this list at least 7-feet tall. Where Kalkbrenner varies from Raynaud most is the defensive side of the ball, where Kalkbrenner blocked the third-most shots of any player in Division I basketball last season. Kalkbrenner can occasionally step out and knock down triples like Raynaud, but he's usually more tethered to the paint. It should also be noted that Kalkbrenner averaged the second-most points on this list on the best efficiency by a wide margin. He could eventually serve as a solid rotational big for Detroit who offers more rim protection than any Piston not named Isaiah Stewart. While Kalkbrenner could be a nice fit for Detroit, he's another player I wouldn't be surprised to see taken before the Pistons' pick comes around. Not only is Marković the only international player on the list, but he's also the youngest. He's still only 19, although he'll be turning 20 on July 12. Which means Marković offers a blend of height and youthfulness that Raynaud and Kalkbrenner don't. Marković also differs from Ryanaud and Kalkbrenner thanks to his ability to put the ball on the floor. While Raynaud and Kalkbrenner can both occasionally handle if need be, Marković is a legit forward as opposed to a big like the other two. The biggest challenge for Marković at the next level will be his weight and strength. Though he's nearly a 7-footer, he only weighs 190 pounds. Which means while Marković might offer a different playstyle than Raynaud and Kalkbrenner, both players outweigh Marković by about 60 pounds. Marković possesses intriguing tools, especially offensively, but he'll need to add weight and gain strength in a hurry to be effective. Advertisement Of the guards remaining, Jones has the potential to be the best fit long term. He's a lefty guard who has a real feel for the game, and he's progressed in each of his seasons at Marquette. Jones has a knack for getting to the basket and is a crafty finisher around the rim, although he isn't much of a high flyer. Jones had the worst 3-point shooting season of his career last year, although he still made about 31 percent on just over six attempts per game. While that may not be the best on paper, he's a 36.6 career shooter from long range and he's had two seasons at Marquette shooting at least 39 percent from deep. If he's available, he could be a respectable option for the Pistons as a backup guard. Dixon is the oldest player on this list. I know the older a prospect is, the less attractive they become based on potential. But Dixon, to me, is an older prospect worthy of serious consideration. He's shooting over 40 percent from deep on over seven attempts this season, and has been hovering around 35 percent from long range over his last three seasons. Defensively, Dixon could face challenges at the next level due to his lack of athleticism and lateral quickness. Dixon was listed at 265 while at Villanova, so trimming weight could bode well for his overall athleticism. Dixon is one of the more risky picks given his age and not being a clear-cut position in the NBA, but he's worth at least taking a hard look at. Not only is Brea the best shooter on this list, but he was arguably one of the best 3-point shooters in the nation last season. Though he averaged only 11.6 points, he did so on 47/43.5/91.4 shooting splits — not far off from the ever-so-coveted 50/40/90 shooting splits the league's best shooters desire. Advertisement Brea has a 6-foot-6 frame without shoes and a skill set, although relatively limited, that's always sought out in the association. He's also not the most athletic and doesn't have great lateral quickness, so Brea will see a learning curve on the defensive end next season. But Brea's ability to shoot the ball is so lethal, he might find that skill buys him time to improve defensively.
