Report: Blake Griffin, Andre Drummond Talked Stan Van Gundy with Pistons Owner

On Tuesday, Michael Scotto of The Athletic reported Detroit Pistons big men Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin met with owner Tom Gores in regard to head coach Stan Van Gundy's coaching style as rumors about the coach's future circulate.

This comes after Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported Gores prefers to bring Van Gundy back for the 2018-19 campaign—the final season of his contract—but wants the return to be accompanied by changes in the front office's structure.

According to Wojnarowski, some of the discussions between Gores and Van Gundy have focused on general manager Jeff Bower, who is also entering the final season of his contract. Van Gundy serves as the president of basketball operations and head coach and hired Bower to run day-to-day operations.

"Gores has suggested changes that, so far, Van Gundy is resisting," Wojnarowski wrote.

Van Gundy took over the Pistons after they went 29-53 in 2013-14 and appeared to have the franchise on the right track when it improved to 32-50 in his first season and made the playoffs in his second season with a 44-38 record.

Even though Detroit dropped out of the 2014 playoffs in the first round after going head-to-head with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, it was its first postseason appearance since the 2008-09 campaign and provided reason for optimism moving forward.

However, the Pistons went just 37-45 in 2016-17 and 39-43 in 2017-18, missing the playoffs both seasons.

They are also saddled with Griffin's contract, which pays him more than $31 million every season through 2021, per Spotrac. What's more, he has a player option for just under $39 million for the 2021-22 campaign.

Injuries were an issue for Detroit this season, as both Griffin and point guard Reggie Jackson missed time. Wojnarowski noted it was 8-4 when both played, suggesting a turnaround is within the realistic realm of possibilities next season if they remain healthy.

The front office's structure could look quite different, though, if Gores institutes some changes.