NBA commissioner wants to learn more about Pistons, downtown
DETROIT (AP) -- Commissioner Adam Silver is noncommital about the possibility of the Detroit Pistons moving downtown.
Silver and Pistons owner Tom Gores were in Detroit on Monday, when the team announced plans for a partnership at the S.A.Y. Detroit Play Center at Lipke Park, which supports youth in the Osborn community area. Silver was asked where the NBA stands on the possibility of the Pistons moving from Auburn Hills to downtown Detroit.
"The league doesn't have a position on that. In fact, it's one of the reasons I'm here today, is to talk more to Tom Gores about the discussions he's been having," Silver said. "Ultimately, that's a decision for ownership of this team, but to me, I need to learn more about the opportunity."
Gores said Palace Sports and Entertainment vice chairman Arn Tellem has been looking into the issue.
"I'd say we're in the diligence process," Gores said. "We're keeping a close eye on it."
Gores, Tellem and the Detroit Pistons Foundation are making financial commitments to renovate the gym and basketball court at the S.A.Y. Detroit Play Center. The six-year commitment will also include funding directed toward digital education.
Gores says it's important for the Pistons to connect with the Detroit community regardless of where they play.
"We just made a philosophical decision that we just want to do more in Detroit," Gores said. "Let's just get our feet on the ground. There's going to be a lot more of this that we're going to do."
