(CBS-DETROIT) After their worst season in franchise history, the Detroit Pistons hired Trajan Langdon as their new President of Basketball Operations.
Langdon, who served as general manager of the New Orleans Pelicans from 2019 to 2024, will report to Pistons owner Tom Gores.
“I am committed to building a front office in Detroit that brings together the most advanced capabilities and creative basketball minds,” Gores said in a statement. “Trajanus is an experienced front office manager with an impressive track record. He has worked his way up and seen it all as a player, scout and manager. He has been successful at every level. I am confident he will take us to the top very quickly. ” standard of excellence that I expect from every company.”
Langdon, 48, brings 12 years of NBA front office experience to the Motor City. Before his time with the Pelicans, the Anchorage, Alaska native served in the front offices of the Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs.
“It is an honor for me to join the Detroit Pistons and I am excited about this opportunity,” Langdon said in a statement. “I have spent a lot of time with Tom over the past few weeks and am fully aligned with his expectations for the challenge ahead. The work begins immediately and I appreciate Tom giving me the opportunity to build on the foundation that has been laid and to achieve this helping the team compete at the highest level. There is a great tradition and history associated with this franchise. I’m excited to build on that for everyone involved with the organization and for the passionate sports fans of Detroit.”
Langdon was the Cavaliers’ 11th overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft and played three seasons in Cleveland before spending another nine seasons abroad in Russia, Turkey and Italy.
Langdon will look to continue Detroit’s rebuild after the Pistons posted the NBA’s worst overall record for a second consecutive season in 2023-24. Under first-year coach Monty Williams, Detroit went 14–68 and set an NBA single-season record with 28 consecutive losses, tying the Philadelphia 76ers for the NBA’s longest losing streak overall.
Detroit is ranked fifth in the upcoming NBA Draft for the third year in a row.
“The young talent on the roster, along with the No. 5 pick, a second-round selection and salary cap space, provide significant opportunities to strengthen the team this season and into the future,” Langdon said. “I am excited to get to work in Detroit and begin preparing for the draft and our strategy beyond.”
The NBA Draft is June 26-27.
