The Detroit Pistons’ surprising and unsettling problems this season have put them one loss away from tying the single-season record for consecutive losses and four losses away from setting the NBA’s all-time futility record. In his recent public words following a lengthy period of silence, team owner Tom Gores had a direct message for the fans who went viral for their audible “Sell The Team” chants on December 21, and they are now reacting in like.
The Pistons are in a virtually inexplicable slump, having suffered a stunning 25 consecutive losses after a promising 2-1 start to the season. Their latest loss to the Utah Jazz, who were without key players, contributed to their difficult run. Toward the close of the game, audible cries of “Sell The Team!” echoed from the remaining supporters inside Little Caesars Arena, expressing their dissatisfaction with the team’s performance.
Owner Tom Gores engaged with a group of media members on Friday night on a conference call, adamantly dismissing the idea of selling the team.
“They can say what they want, but that’s ridiculous,” Gore said during the conference call. “It’s ridiculous. Other than winning, and we should win more games, we do everything to bring the best to Detroit. Sell the team? They don’t understand what we’re doing in the community. I know we have to have more wins, but we’re taking care and are being in tune with the community. Me selling the team would be selling the community out. I’m not doing that to the community. When you put aside basketball, we’ve made a very big difference in the community, and that means a lot to me. I understand that’s only going to mean a lot to people if we win, but the underworking of what’s happening and our community over all these years is there. We’re doing multi-billion dollar things outside of it. I understand fans being upset, but it’s a ridiculous thought.”
The primary goal of a professional sports franchise is to win games. While community involvement is commendable, winning is still the most important thing to supporters. Understandably, Pistons supporters were unimpressed by Gores’ remarks, especially given the team’s continuous troubles on the court, which now have them just four losses away from setting a new NBA record for futility.
It’s unlikely that Gores will ever consider selling the Pistons, at least not anytime soon. This emotion is undoubtedly familiar to Detroit sports fans, who have held out hope for the Ford Family to sell the Detroit Lions, which has gone unmet over the years.
While Gores voiced a desire for improvements within the team as well as a commitment to winning, those wishing for a sale and a change in ownership can expect a lengthy wait.
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