Pistons choose top front office assistant

The Pistons are hiring Michael Blackstone as executive VP of basketball operations, Omari Sankofa of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Blackstone will be the second in command under new president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon. Blackstone has updated his social media bio, stating he now works for the Pistons organization.

Blackstone worked with Langdon as the Pelicans’ VP of Basketball Administration since the 2020/21 season. He had been considered the favorite to land the job as Langdon’s right-hand man.

Sankofa confirms the Pistons are also hiring former Nets director of player personnel J.R. Holden in an executive role.

Blackstone was an assistant GM in Atlanta before coming to New Orleans. He was also the executive director of basketball operations with the Cavaliers from 2010-13.

The Pistons parted ways with GM Troy Weaver at the beginning of the month. Weaver’s rebuilding project was a failure, as the Pistons finished with the worst record in the league this season.

Langdon and his assistant will have over $60M in cap space this summer to make the team more competitive. The Pistons hold the No. 5 pick in the draft after falling in the lottery.