Detroit Pistons Blog – Page 25 – NBA Blog

Detroit Pistons promote Charlie Metzger

The Detroit Pistons and Palace Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) announced today that Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Charlie Metzger has been promoted to a newly created position of Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer.

Metzger will report directly to Vice Chairman Arn Tellem and oversee all sales and marketing business operations for the company. Metzger joined the organization in 2012 after successfully leading teams, building brands and driving revenue across a wide array of industries.

“Charlie has served as an invaluable member of our executive team over the last five years, leading marketing efforts to increase brand presence and drive revenue,” said Tellem. “In the last year alone, Charlie has increased his role to include cultivating corporate partnerships and propelling new consumer sales strategies. His unifying and innovative spirit will provide steady leadership and vision as we push to reach new heights as an organization.”

Detroit Pistons have jersey sponsor

A post shared by InsideHoops.com NBA Basketball (@insidehoops) on Jul 26, 2017 at 1:22pm PDT

The Detroit Pistons and Flagstar Bank, the largest savings bank headquartered in Michigan and the fifth-largest bank mortgage originator in the country, are unveiling a multi-year corporate partnership deal that brands Flagstar Bank as the franchise’s first-ever jersey partner and designates it the official banking and mortgage sponsor of the Detroit Pistons.

Detroit becomes the tenth NBA team to announce a jersey partner.

“This is a dynamic partnership between two organizations committed to building a better Detroit,” said Pistons owner Tom Gores. “Beyond putting the Flagstar name on our Pistons jerseys, we will be partnering on an education initiative that will benefit schoolchildren in Detroit. I’m really proud that this is more than just a business and marketing initiative. It’s about working together to support the revitalization of our city.”

Flagstar Bank President and CEO Alessandro DiNello described the partnership as a win-win for two of Michigan’s most dynamic and innovative companies. “Like the Pistons, Flagstar is a community-focused Michigan organization committed to instilling pride in our region and contributing to its vitality,” said Mr. DiNello. “At Flagstar, we have a 30-year history of community involvement and investment. We’re pleased to partner with the Pistons to bring good things to the community we share.”

Flagstar Bank will have their logo prominently featured on the left front strap of official Detroit Pistons team jerseys at the start of the 2017-18 NBA season.

“Thanks to the brand exposure with the Pistons, we will have an unmatched opportunity to tell the story of Flagstar’s transformation to a full-service community bank with a thriving commercial business,” Mr. DiNello said. “And the chance to share crafted solutions Flagstar customers love with Pistons fans through co-branded credit and debit cards and checking accounts built just for them, is truly exciting.”

Flagstar’s jersey partnership coincides with the beginning of the NBA’s new partnership with Nike, who will provide all uniforms and apparel for the club also beginning with the 2017-18 season. Nike used advanced technology to design a refined version of the Nike Aeroswift basketball uniform with significant changes to weight, fit and construction. A tailored chassis provides precision fit to ensure supreme comfort for the athlete and a combination of Alpha Yarns and recycled polyester to remove moisture, wicking sweat 30-percent faster than current NBA uniforms. Built with finishing details that enable freedom of movement, the Nike Aeroswift uniform features relocated armhole, neck and side seams, modified hemlines on the bottom of the jersey and shorts, and an altered back shoulder for a vastly improved fit.

Pistons sign Luis Montero to two-way contract

The Pistons have signed guard/forward Luis Montero to a two-way contract.

Montero, 6-7, 190, played 49 games last season with the Sioux Falls Skyforce and the Reno Bighorns of the NBA G League. In 36 games with Sioux Falls (15 starts), Montero averaged 8.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.0 steals in 24.4 minutes per game. He was traded to Reno on March 2, 2017 and averaged 8.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.0 steals in 13 games with the Bighorns. Montero played in four games with the with the Santa Cruz Warriors during the 2015-16 season and averaged 16.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.8 blocks in 28.3 minutes per game. He saw action in 12 NBA games with the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2015-16 season and averaged 1.2 points, 0.3 rebounds and 0.1 assists.

A native of the Dominican Republic, Montero played one year at Westchester Community College (2013-14) where he averaged 15.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.

Per NBA rules, teams are permitted to have two Two-Way players on their roster at any given time, in addition to their 15-man regular season roster. Two-Way players for the Pistons will provide services primarily for the Grand Rapids Drive, the team’s G League affiliate, but can spend up to 45 days with the Pistons, not including any time prior to the start of the Drive’s training camp and at the conclusion of their season.

Pistons waive Michael Gbinije

The Detroit Pistons on Saturday requested waivers on guard Michael Gbinije.

Drafted by the Pistons with the 49th overall selection in the 2016 NBA Draft, Gbinije appeared in nine games last season with averages of 0.4 points, 0.3 rebounds, 0.2 assists and 3.5 minutes per game. Gbinije also appeared in 16 games with the Grand Rapids Drive, the Pistons’ NBA G League affiliate, and averaged 12.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.9 steals and 35.0 minutes per game.

Celtics trade Avery Bradley to Pistons for Marcus Morris

The Detroit Pistons have acquired guard Avery Bradley and a 2019 second-round draft choice from the Boston Celtics in exchange for forward Marcus Morris.

Bradley, 26, averaged career highs in points (16.3 ppg), rebounds (6.1 rpg), assists (2.2 apg) and minutes (33.4 mpg) over 55 games for the Celtics last season. He shot 46.3% from the field and 39.0% from three-point range. In 18 postseason games, he averaged 16.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 35.8 minutes per game.

Drafted 19th overall by Boston in the 2010 NBA Draft, Bradley has averaged 12.1 points (.442 FG, .366 3FG), 3.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 28.1 minutes in 413 career NBA games. The seven-year guard has averaged 15.0 points and shot better than 35% from beyond the arc in each of the last four seasons. He was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team in 2013, the All-Defensive First Team in 2016 and finished sixth in the 2015-16 voting for NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

The 6-2, 180-pound native of Tacoma, WA, played collegiately for one season at the University of Texas where he averaged 11.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists and was named to the 2009-10 Big 12 All-Rookie Team. As a high schooler, he led Las Vegas’ Findlay Prep to the National High School Championship as a senior and was named the ESPNRISE.com High School National Player of the Year. Bradley was also a McDonald’s All-American, Jordan All-American and First-Team Parade Magazine All-American.

“It’s no secret that Avery had been one of my favorite players, and on behalf of our entire organization, I’d like to thank him and Ashley for all of their contributions on and off the court,” said Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge. “Avery did a lot of the dirty work and often didn’t get the recognition that he deserved, but our coaches, staff, his teammates, and our fans who watched him play every night appreciated what a special player and person he is.”

Continued Ainge: “We are excited to add a high-quality player with the versatile skillset that Marcus possesses. He will be a great fit for our team.”

A six-year NBA veteran, Morris, 27, has averaged 10.8 points (42.8% FG, 35.5% 3-PT, 71.7% FT), 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 26.2 minutes over 416 career games (218 starts) with Houston, Phoenix and Detroit. He is one of 20 NBA players to have averaged at least 13.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and shoot at least 33.0% from beyond the arc in each of the last two seasons.

In 79 games with Detroit in 2016-17, Morris (6-9, 235 lbs) averaged 14.0 points (41.8% FG, 33.1% 3-PT, 78.4% FT), 4.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 32.5 minutes. The University of Kansas product and Philadelphia, PA native produced career highs in points (14.1 ppg), rebounds (5.1 rpg), assists (2.5 apg) and minutes played (35.7 mpg) with the Pistons in 2015-16. His 2,856 minutes played that season ranked fifth throughout the NBA.

Pistons withdraw qualifying offer to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

The Detroit Pistons have withdrawn their qualifying offer and renounced the rights to guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

The 6-foot-5, 205-pound shooting guard appeared in 76 games (75 starts) last season and averaged 13.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, a career-high 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Caldwell-Pope led the team in scoring 17 times and among NBA league leaders, he ranked 37th in minutes per game (33.3 mpg).

Selected by Detroit in the first round of the 2013 NBA Draft (#8 overall), the Thomaston, Georgia native compiled averages of 11.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 30.2 minutes in 314 career NBA games (274 starts). Caldwell-Pope was selected to the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge at NBA All-Star 2015.

Pistons sign Eric Moreland

The Detroit Pistons have signed free agent center Eric Moreland.

Moreland, 25, appeared in 44 games (41 starts) with the Canton Charge of the NBA’s G League last season, averaging 12.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.7 blocks, 1.7 steals and 33.4 minutes. He was named a NBA G League All-Star, named to the All-NBA G League Third Team and to the NBA G League All-Defensive Team last season.

The 6-10, 238-pound forward/center last appeared in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings during the 2015-16 season. He averaged 1.0 points, 1.4 rebounds, 0.5 blocks and 6.0 minutes in eight games. For his NBA career, Moreland has appeared in 11 games, averaging 0.9 points, 1.1 rebounds, 0.4 blocks and 4.5 minutes with the Kings. The Houston, TX native went undrafted out of Oregon State in the 2014 NBA Draft. During his final season with the Beavers as a junior, Moreland averaged 8.9 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 1.4 assists and 29.4 minutes in games. He finished his college career as Oregon State’s all-time leader in blocked shots (184).

Pistons sign Langston Galloway

The Detroit Pistons today signed free agent guard Langston Galloway.

Galloway, 25, appeared in 74 games (two starts) with New Orleans and Sacramento last season, averaging 7.9 points, while shooting 39.0% from beyond the arc, 2.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 20.2 minutes. He started the season with New Orleans where he averaged 8.6 points, while shooting 37.7% from three, 2.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 20.4 minutes before being traded to Sacramento on February 20, 2017. In the 19 games following the trade, Galloway averaged 6.0 points, while shooting 47.5% from beyond the arc, 1.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 19.7 minutes with Sacramento. He tied a single-game career-high in points [26 vs. Memphis (12/5/16)] and connected on a career-high six 3-pointers twice [vs. Charlotte (11/19/16) and vs. Memphis (12/5/16)] last season. Galloway connected on three-plus 3-pointers 20 times, scored 10-plus points 22 times and 20-plus points five times during his 2016-17 campaign.

The 6-2, 200-pound guard has tallied NBA career averages of 8.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 24.8 minutes in 201 games with New York, New Orleans and Sacramento. Galloway had his best season during his rookie year with the New York Knicks, where he averaged 11.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 32.4 minutes in 45 games (41 starts). He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, becoming the first undrafted player in Knicks history to make an NBA All-Rookie team.

The Baton Rouge, LA native was undrafted out of Saint Joseph’s University in the 2014 NBA Draft. At St. Joseph’s, Galloway averaged 17.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 34 games as a senior, earning All-Atlantic 10 first team honors. He finished his college career as the Hawks’ second all-time leading scorer with 1,991 points behind only Jameer Nelson (2,094) and finished first in career 3-pointers made (343).

Pistons, Langston Galloway agree to deal

Here’s the Detroit News reporting on a solid Pistons backcourt addition:

Pistons president Stan Van Gundy said before the start of free agency that the main roster needs were for a scoring guard, a third point guard and a third center.

With one move, the Pistons may have knocked out two-thirds of that shopping list. On Saturday, the Pistons agreed to terms with guard Langston Galloway — reportedly for three years and $21 million, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski — and may have some other benefits as well.

Galloway, at 6-foot-2, can play either guard spot, but projects more as a reserve shooting guard for the Pistons, with the ability to be the third point guard behind Reggie Jackson and Ish Smith, if pressed into that situation.

Pistons sign Luke Kennard to his rookie contract

The Detroit Pistons announced today that the team has signed guard Luke Kennard to his rookie contract.

Kennard, 6-6, 206, was selected 12th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft from Duke. He averaged 15.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 31.2 minutes during his two-year career as a Blue Devil. As a sophomore at Duke last season, Kennard averaged 19.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 31.2 minutes in 37 games. A consensus Second Team All-American as a sophomore, Kennard led Duke in scoring (19.5 ppg), while shooting 43.8% from beyond the arc. A final-five candidate for the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year award and a member of the John R. Wooden Award All-America Team, he was named the MVP of the 2017 ACC Tournament, averaging 20.0 points and 5.3 rebounds, helping Duke to the ACC Tournament Championship. During his sophomore year, he ranked second in the ACC in scoring (19.5), three-point field goal percentage (43.8%), fourth in free throw percentage (85.6%), seventh in three-pointers per game (2.38) and eighth in field goal percentage (48.9).

A native of Middletown, OH, Kennard averaged 11.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 26.7 minutes in 36 games as a freshman. His three 20-point games as a freshman were the most by a Duke freshman and he ranked seventh among ACC freshmen in scoring (11.8 ppg).