The Detroit Pistons have remained quiet since their announcement of hiring a president to lead basketball operations. With an external agency scouting potential candidates, the Pistons are taking their time, recognizing the critical nature of this decision despite the urgency due to upcoming draft and free agency periods.
Consequently, they may benefit from appointing someone already acquainted with the team who can swiftly immerse themselves in the role.
One notable contender, as per reports, is Jon Horst, the current GM of the Milwaukee Bucks. Horst’s roots trace back to the Pistons, where he began as an intern and ascended to Manager of Basketball Operations, boasting ties to Michigan. While Horst earned recognition as Executive of the Year in 2019, his track record also includes questionable choices, including recent ones that might give the Pistons pause.
Draft selections and free agent signings made by Jon Horst, president of basketball operations for the Detroit Pistons
Jon Horst assumed leadership of a team in 2017 already anchored by Giannis Antetokounmpo, refining it into a championship-winning squad by 2021. The Bucks boast a 65 percent win rate under Horst, consistently achieving no fewer than 44 wins each season.
While building around a top-tier player like Antetokounmpo seems straightforward, it poses unique challenges, notably the pressure to assemble a championship-caliber roster to meet his expectations consistently.
However, recent decisions by the Bucks, including acquiring Damian Lillard and changing coaching staff, have raised eyebrows. These moves, driven by the urgency to maintain competitiveness, have not yielded desired results, with the team facing potential early playoff elimination and significant salary commitments hindering future improvements.
While Horst faced pressure to satisfy the superstar, recent moves have largely backfired. Despite never having high draft picks, he secured valuable players like Donte DiVincenzo and Marjon Beauchamp in later rounds. Notable successes include trading for Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen, as well as astutely signing Brook Lopez and extending Khris Middleton’s contract.
While Horst contributed to the Bucks’ championship, the core of that success was in place before his tenure began. The Detroit Pistons, in contrast, offer a starkly different challenge, being the league’s worst team. However, Horst’s familiarity with the Pistons and youthfulness as an executive position him as a strong candidate to lead their rebuild, suggesting he may emerge as the top choice for the role.
