The Detroit Pistons, losers of 25 consecutive games, are approaching the wrong kind of history, as they are just three losses from tying the NBA record for the longest losing streak. That futility is occurring despite Detroit’s attempt to take a positive step this year, having hired veteran coach Monty Williams to lead the team, but instead the Pistons have gone backward.
During the Pistons’ most recent loss, Thursday night to the Utah Jazz, frustrated fans directed “sell the team” chants at owner Tom Gores. And on Friday night, for the first time since the season began, Gores publicly spoke about the team’s losing streak, and he took accountability for how his team has played.
“I’ve been thinking about this for a long time about how to communicate with fans. We owe them a conversation about the Pistons and where we’re at, and also just apologize for the disappointment to our fans,” Gores told reporters. “I’m as disappointed as anybody. Speaking to our fans and letting them know what’s happening, it’s critical at this time.”
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Gores admitted that he was looking forward to the team “competing” this year after four straight losing seasons, even going as far as to say he thought the playoffs were a realistic goal. He added that the team already is looking at potential roster changes to try and reverse course.
Detroit’s owner also stood by Williams, who’s contract guarantees him $78.5 million, and said that the blame for the season lies with ownership and general manager Troy Weaver, even though Gores said he still believes in Weaver as well.
“It has to be me,” Gores said when asked whom should shoulder the blame for the team’s struggles. “I was very optimistic at the beginning of the season. Maybe I missed something in the combinations. If you want to shoulder it on any one, I’d say it’s me and Troy. We made these decisions.”
The Pistons haven’t won more than 23 games in a season or reached the playoffs since 2018-19, and that doesn’t seem like it will change this season.
