Pistons Rumors: Tayshaun Prince Wasn't on DET's Initial List of GM Candidates
June 3, 2020
The Detroit Pistons reportedly haven't requested an interview with Tayshaun Prince, a member of the franchise's 2004 NBA championship team, for its vacant general manager position.
ESPN's Eric Woodyard reported the update Wednesday and noted Prince, who's the Memphis Grizzlies' vice president of basketball affairs, "wasn't on Detroit's initial interview list."
Prince joined the Grizzlies' front office in 2017 as an adviser and has quickly worked through the ranks.
Last June, Memphis executive vice president Zach Kleiman said the University of Kentucky product has established himself as a "core member" of the front office, per David Cobb of the Commercial Appeal.
"That's evaluating players, that's NBA, G League, international," Kleiman said. "But it's also evaluating coaching talent. Tayshaun obviously has an incredible wealth of experience, hands-on experience over the course of his playing career."
The 40-year-old California native's rapid rise in Memphis raised speculation about whether he could return to the Pistons to lead a front office. So far, it appears the team is looking in a different direction.
Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News reported Detroit has three early contenders in its search, which will be "extensive:"
- Former Phoenix Suns GM Ryan McDonough
- Former Atlanta Hawks GM Wes Wilcox
- Los Angeles Clippers assistant GM Mark Hughes
The team's choice will work alongside senior adviser Ed Stefanski.
Prince spent the first 11 years of his NBA career with the Pistons and returned for a second half-season stint in 2015. He also played for the Grizzlies, Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves before his playing days ended in 2016.
His name will likely pop up in general manager rumors consistently once the 2019-20 season resumes and the offseason comes more into focus amid the coronavirus pandemic.