Although the Pistons have missed the playoffs the past two seasons, team owner Tom Gores reportedly still wants Stan Van Gundy to return next year, according to ESPN.
The catch? Gores reportedly wants a new front office structure that would affect Van Gundy's authority in personnel decisions, a move he is apparently resisting. Van Gundy's title currently includes the role of president of basketball operations.
Van Gundy, who is 152-176 in four seasons in Detroit, has one year remaining on his contract. But other front office staff, including general manager Jeff Bower, are in the final year of their contract. The uncertainty over their futures has led to questions on whether or not Van Gundy will return. Van Gundy and Gores reportedly met early last week, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Despite a 39-43 mark this season, the Pistons are expected to rebound next year with the return to health of forward Blake Griffin and guard Reggie Jackson.
Meanwhile, former Pistons star Chauncey Billups told the Free Press he was angry about a recent report tying him to the Pistons coaching job if Van Gundy doesn't return.
“I think that was in bad taste,” Billups said. “Everybody knows that I have the desire to run a team at some point, but I would never discuss or talk about a job that’s not open. That’s not my character.
“That’s not how I am, so I was a little angry about the report that came out. The timing of it was bad. It was false.”
