DETROIT – Detroit Pistons President Trajan Langdon talked to the media following the team’s introduction of rookie Chaz Lanier.
During the media session on Tuesday (July 8), Langdon shared insights on the team’s growth, Caris LeVert’s fit, and what to expect from summer league players.
“We do get bigger. Will we be better? I’m not sure,” said Langdon. “But that comes from the growth of our young guys being in the gym and developing.”
On LeVert’s role in the backcourt, Langdon praised the former Michigan Wolverines’ versatility.
“The special thing about Caris is you can plug and play him with darn near anybody,” Langdon said. “He can guard ones, twos, and threes. He can handle the ball as a secondary ball handler. He can play on or off the ball depending on the lineup.”
LeVert’s skill set is not one-dimensional, as it includes scoring and playmaking.
“He plays an unselfish brand of basketball, can come off down screens, play in pick-and-roll actions, score for himself, and create for others. I’m confident J.B. Bickerstaff is going to find a really good role within our system,” Langdon said.
Langdon also highlighted the importance of Jaden Ivey’s return.
“JI’s return gets lost in all this. He’s going to fill a lot of the point guard and playmaking roles. Caris will fill in the loss of Dennis Schroder as well,” Langdon said.
Regarding the summer league roster, Langdon expects big things from key players.
“Vitaly Potapenko will be the head coach for the summer league. We’re sticking with our brand of basketball — physical, defensive-minded, but also getting up and down the court and playing unselfishly,” Langdon said.
Langdon also mentioned standout players like Ron Holland II, Bobi Klintman, Dennis Jenkins, Tolu Smith, and Lanier.
“Ron and Bobi will get a lot of attention. Chaz, Dennis Jenkins, and Tou Smith are two-way players. We’ll also have some Exhibit 10 players going up and down. We have some experienced Exhibit 10 guys like Miller Kopp from OKC. Zakai Zeigler is coming in to play with Chaz. We have a good, balanced group, and we’ll come in and compete with a defensive slant as usual,” Langdon said.
Lanier said he was also excited to reunite with a former college teammate, Zeigler, the undrafted guard who signed as an undrafted free agent with the Pistons.
“He was my point guard at Tennessee, a great player. I love Zakai a lot. It’s definitely an exciting feeling being able to play with him and just a great opportunity,” Lanier said.
On Holland II’s role as the veteran of the group, Langdon expressed excitement.
“Ron’s been one of our hardest workers in the gym, relentlessly working on his game and shot. We told him to go out there and compete on both ends, impact winning, and be incredibly aggressive,” Langdon said.
All reports ahead of the summer league suggest that they have been focusing on creating offense.
“He’s not just taking shots but getting in the lane and creating for others. He and Bobi have been working very hard to prepare for summer league. I’m excited to see what they can do in Las Vegas,” Langdon said.
Langdon also provided an update on the offseason progress of a key player, such as Ausar Thompson.
“(Ausar Thompson) He’s been great, in the gym with everybody else. He looks like he’s naturally filled out — bigger, stronger, broader shoulders, put on some maturing mass,” Langdon said.
Langdon said Thompson has been working on key skills, such as creation and ball handling, during the off-season.
“(Thompson) He’s doing shot creation, ball handling, working on his shot, and finishing. He seems more comfortable in those areas. We’re pleased with his progress,” Langdon said.
Langdon emphasized the importance of a healthy, full offseason for Thompson.
“Being able to start the season healthy after a full summer and training camp will be very important for him (Thompson) and for us,” Langdon said.
Look for Lanier and the young Pistons to take the floor for the first time on Friday, July 11, where they will take on the New York Knicks inside Cox Pavilion at 6 p.m. on NBA TV.
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