Trajan Langdon: Pistons need to see ceilings before chasing stars

The Pistons made the playoffs last season after winning only 14 games the year before. That’s called progress. But president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon insists the plan is still all about the long game.

Langdon told The Athletic’s Hunter Patterson that this wasn’t the offseason to make a splash, even though the Pistons could have used their young talent as bait to chase a star. Instead, he doubled down on development.

Detroit had planned to bring back Malik Beasley before a federal gambling probe got in the way. So Langdon pivoted, signing Caris LeVert, grabbing Duncan Robinson in a sign-and-trade and keeping Paul Reed around as backup size. Steady moves, but hardly blockbusters.

“We want to see what those guys’ ceilings are,” Langdon said. “It’s continuing to put players with them that can continue to help them grow, develop and reach their potential.”

Translation: they’re not ready to push their chips in just yet. Langdon knows the Pistons’ young core hasn’t scratched the surface, and until they get a clearer picture, swinging for the fences makes little sense.

“I don’t think we truly understand who our players can be at this point,” Langdon added. “It’s too early for us to truly understand what the best way to press the proverbial gas pedal is right now. So we’re gonna try to be patient and let our young guys continue to develop.”

The Pistons’ breakout might have come sooner than expected. Langdon’s message? Pump the brakes, keep building, and figure out later when it’s time to step on the gas.