The Pistons and general manager Jeff Bower have parted ways, the Detroit News reported, citing confirmation from an unidentified source.
The move appears to signal that the team is seeking a fresh start not only with its coaching staff (Stan Van Gundy was fired in early May) but also in its front office.
Van Gundy held the title of president as well as head coach, and Bower, whose contract was set to expire June 30, was his top lieutenant, running the team's day-to-day operations.
Team owner Tom Gores last week hired Ed Stefanski as a senior adviser, and according to The News, the team reportedly is considering Nets assistant GM Trajan Langdon and former players Tayshaun Prince and Brent Barry for front-office positions.
The Pistons were 39-43 this season, missing the playoffs for the third time in four seasons under Van Gundy's front office.
The Pistons could continue with a three-tier system — with a team president, a GM and head coach — or move to a two-level approach with no president, the News reported, adding that Stefanski's title is expected to change when the dust settles.
The biggest criticisms of the Pistons' front office were for their selections in the NBA draft and in some of their signings in free agency. They missed opportunities to draft budding stars such as Devin Booker and Donovan Mitchell and also gave huge contracts to reserves Jon Leuer and Langston Galloway without significant return in on-the-court production.
Bower, 57, was brought in by Van Gundy back in June 2014. Detroit compiled a 152-176 record during his four seasons, while making the playoffs just once in 2016.
Detroit has been quite busy since Stefanski’s arrival. They’ve interviewed numerous coaching candidates in the last few days, including Kenny Smith, Juwan Howard, Dwane Casey, and John Beilein.
Former NBA player and Michigan native Shane Battier was interviewed twice for a front office role. But he later withdrew his name for consideration, per Zach Lowe of ESPN. Houston Rockets executive Gersson Rosas also withdrew his name for a similar position late Friday night.
