DETROIT PISTONS MEDICAL UPDATE ON ATHLETIC TRAINER MIKE ABDENOUR

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. –The Detroit Pistons today released the following information regarding a medical update on athletic trainer Mike Abdenour.

Athletic trainer Mike Abdenour experienced an episode on Sunday, March 24 that required hospitalization. Doctors alleviated the situation with a stent procedure and expect a full recovery. Abdenour has returned home and resting comfortably.

“I’m truly overwhelmed by the phone calls, cards and words of encouragement expressed by those connected to our organization, the NBA family and the Metro Detroit community and I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and concern,” said Abdenour. “I look forward to a speedy recovery.”

Abdenour is currently serving his 34th season with the Detroit Pistons and his 37th overall in the NBA.

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DETROIT PISTONS INJURY UPDATE ON ANDRE DRUMMOND

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. –The Detroit Pistons today released the following statement regarding an injury update on rookie center Andre Drummond.  

“Team doctors, in consultation with Dr. Robert Watkins and Dr. Robert Watkins Jr. of Los Angeles, are pleased with the progress of Andre Drummond’s recovery from a back injury.  Under their guidance, Drummond will enter a second phase of rehabilitation and conditioning that will include a progression of basketball related activities. 

No timetable has been placed on Drummond’s return to game action at this time.  He will continue to be evaluated throughout the rehabilitation and conditioning process and further updates will be passed along at an appropriate time.”

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DETROIT PISTONS MEDICAL UPDATE ON ANDRE DRUMMOND

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. –The Detroit Pistons announced this evening that Andre Drummond will be out of the line-up for approximately 4-6 weeks due to a stress fracture of the fifth lumbar vertebra.  The injury was diagnosed following examinations conducted on Thursday, February 7 by team medical personnel. 

Drummond has been placed in a custom brace and activity levels will be modified while the injury heals.  He will be re-evaluated on a regular basis.  Team doctors anticipate a full recovery with rest and rehabilitation. 

The 6-foot-11 forward has appeared in 50 games this season averaging 7.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.68 blocks in 19.7 minutes per game.  Drummond leads all NBA rookies in rebounds (7.5 rpg) and ranks second in blocks (1.68 bpg), fourth in steals (0.94 spg) and eighth in points (7.3 ppg).

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DETROIT PISTONS ACQUIRE GUARD JOSE CALDERON IN THREE-TEAM TRADE

Team Sends Tayshaun Prince and Austin Daye to Memphis

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons announce today that the team acquired guard Jose Calderon from the Toronto Raptors in a three-team deal that sends Tayshaun Prince and Austin Daye to the Memphis Grizzlies.

“Trading a player like Tayshaun Prince, who has meant so much to our organization and contributed to our championship success, is never easy,” said Joe Dumars, President of Basketball Operations.  “We want to thank Tayshaun for his professionalism and contributions over the last 10 years.  We also appreciate everything that Austin Daye has done for our team both on and off the court over the past three-plus years.  We wish both of them the best moving forward.  We are pleased to welcome Jose Calderon, knowing that he fits our mold as a high character individual who is a great competitor.  Jose is a great facilitator at the guard position and a player that we feel gives us tremendous flexibility on the court when added to the core of guards we have on the roster.

Calderon, 6-3, 208, is averaging 11.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 7.4 assists (ninth in the NBA) in 45 games this season (30 starts).  Last season, Calderon dished out 8.8 assists per game, which ranked fourth in the NBA, and led the NBA in assist/turnover ratio at 4.50.  During the 2008-09 season, he shot a NBA all-time single season record .981 (151-154) from the free-throw line.  Coming into this season, Calderon finished in the top-five assists leaders in the NBA in four of his previous five seasons: fourth in 2011-12 (8.8 apg), fifth in 2010-11 (8.9 apg), fourth in 2008-09 (8.9 apg) and fourth in 2007-08 (8.3 apg).

An eighth-year NBA pro from Spain, Calderon averaged a career-high 12.8 points in 2008-09 and has averaged career-high 8.9 assists in 2008-09 and 2010-11.  He has averaged 10.0 points, 7.2 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 0.9 steals in 525 career games (323 starts).  A two-time Olympic silver medalist with Spain’s national team, Calderon won medals at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China and at the 2012 Games in London, England.

Prince, drafted 23^rd overall by the Pistons in the 2002 NBA Draft, has averages of 12.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 769 career games (730 starts).  He averaged a career-high 14.7 points during the 2004-05 season and has scored 1,000-plus points in a season six times.  The 6-foot-9 forward ranks fifth all-time in franchise history in games played (769), eighth in points scored (9,838), 10^th in assists (2,036), fifth in three-point field goals made (499) and seventh in blocks (440).  A member of the Pistons’ 2003-04 NBA Championship team, Prince was also a member of the USA Senior National Team that went 8-0 to win the gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

Daye is in his fourth NBA season and holds averages of 5.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 206 career games (24 starts).  Drafted 15^th overall by the Pistons in the 2009 NBA Draft, Daye averaged career highs in points (7.5), rebounds (3.8) and games played (72) during the 2010-11 season.

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DETROIT PISTONS ANNOUNCE FAN CONTEST TO JOIN THE TEAM IN LONDON

DETROIT PISTONS ANNOUNCE FAN CONTEST TO JOIN THE TEAM IN LONDON, ENGLAND AS PART OF NBA LONDON LIVE 2013

Pistons Host The New York Knicks At The O2 Arena In London, England On January 17
 
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons announced today a special contest where one lucky winner and a guest will have the opportunity to travel with the team and watch the Pistons take on the New York Knicks in London, England as part of NBA London Live 2013 on January 17.

By joining the Hardwood Club, the Pistons fan affinity club tailored for men, or Pistons Playmakers, the fan affinity club tailored for women, fans will be automatically entered into a contest to win tickets and a travel package to see Greg Monroe, Brandon Knight, Andre Drummond and the rest of the Pistons battle Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks in London.

The winner of this exciting contest will receive:
· Round-trip airfare to London, England for the winner and one guest
· Hotel accommodations
· Two tickets to see the Pistons play the Knicks at The O2 Arena
· A London public transportation card to see the sights during a three-day stay
· Pistons merchandise and a meet & greet with Pistons Entertainment Teams in London

Fans signing up for this special contest from now until January 1, 2013 can visit www.pistons.com/london  to fill out an exclusive entry form. A background check and valid passport proof will be required for the winner and guest, and in addition, the winner and guest must be 18 years or older.

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NBA RETURNS TO LONDON WITH REGULAR-SEASON GAME FEATURING DETROIT PISTONS AND NEW YORK KNICKS

-- NBA London Live 2013 Marks the Third NBA Regular-Season Game in Europe Played at The O2 in London --

NEW YORK and LONDON, Oct. 4, 2012 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) will return to London with its third regular-season game in Europe featuring the three-time NBA champion Detroit Pistons and the two-time champion New York Knicks, the league announced today.

NBA London Live 2013 will take place on Jan. 17, 2013 at The O2 which will host its seventh NBA game, including four preseason games, since 2007. Tickets will go on sale on Oct. 30 at www.theo2.co.uk.

The game follows the league’s first-ever regular-season games in Europe held in March 2011, which included a pair of sold-out contests between the Toronto Raptors and New Jersey Nets also played at The O2. Following NBA London Live 2013, the NBA will have played a total of 115 games internationally since 1988, including 16 regular-season games in Japan, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.

“London was the epicenter of global sports this summer, and the Olympics were a tremendous showcase for basketball,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern. “Playing our third regular-season game in the city in three years and having historic franchises like the Knicks and Pistons serve as our ambassadors provide extraordinary opportunities to further the game's growth and development in the UK and throughout Europe.”

“The Pistons are excited to participate in the NBA London Live 2013,” said Dennis Mannion, President and CEO of Palace Sports & Entertainment and the Detroit Pistons. “Playing a regular-season game in London against the New York Knicks will provide a great experience for our players and we look forward to showcasing our brand of Hard, Smart and Together Detroit Basketball to fans on a global scale.”

“I am excited to show our great fans in London what New York basketball is about,” said New York Knicks Head Coach Mike Woodson. “For Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler to return to the city where they helped Team USA win the Gold makes it even more special for our team.”

NBA London Live 2013 marks a continuation of the strong relationship between the NBA and Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), owners of The O2. The 2012 NBA preseason includes two games at AEG venues in Istanbul (Ülker Sports Arena – Oct. 5) and Berlin (O2 World – Oct. 6) as part of NBA Europe Live presented by BBVA™.

“We are thrilled to host NBA London Live 2013 at The O2 in London as part of our ongoing partnership with the NBA globally,” said Jay Marciano, President and CEO of AEG Europe. “Following the two regular-season games in London in 2011, and hosting NBA Europe Live games at the O2 World in Berlin and at the Ulker Sports Arena in Istanbul, we look forward to more exciting regular-season NBA action at The O2, the world’s most popular venue.”

The Knicks are led by 2012 Olympic gold medalists Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler, six-time NBA All-Star Amar’e Stoudemire, and veterans Marcus Camby and Jason Kidd who joined the team this summer. The Detroit Pistons feature a young and exciting roster highlighted by center Greg Monroe, NBA All-Rookie first team selection Brandon Knight, NBA All-Rookie second team selection Rodney Stuckey, and center Andre Drummond, the ninth pick in the 2012 NBA Draft presented by State Farm. The roster also includes 2004 NBA Champion Tayshaun Prince, and veterans Corey Maggette and Jason Maxiell.

The Knicks’ most recent international trip was in 2010 when they played in preseason games in Milan, Italy and Paris, France as part of NBA Europe Live 2010. For the Detroit Pistons, NBA London Live 2013 will be their first-ever game in Europe.

The NBA became the first American professional sports league to stage regular-season games outside of North America when the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz opened the 1990-91 season with two games in Tokyo. Following NBA London Live 2013, 61 games featuring 26 NBA teams will have been played in 18 European cities since 1988.

NBA London Live 2013 also will mark the eighth NBA game held internationally this season, including the comprehensive slate of seven preseason games played as part of NBA Europe Live presented by BBVA™, NBA China Games, and NBA Mexico Game presented by BBVA Bancomer.

The 2012-13 NBA preseason will tip off in Europe where the Boston Celtics will play a pair of games in Istanbul and Milan (Oct. 5 and 7), and the Dallas Mavericks will play games in Berlin and Barcelona (Oct. 6 and 9) as part of NBA Europe Live presented by BBVA. NBA China Games 2012 will feature two games between the reigning NBA Champion Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Clippers in Beijing (Oct. 11) and Shanghai (Oct. 14), while NBA Mexico Game 2012 will feature the Orlando Magic and New Orleans Hornets in Mexico City (Oct. 7).

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STATEMENT FROM THE DETROIT PISTONS ON PASSING OF DAN ROUNDFIELD

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AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The following statement was released this afternoon by Detroit Pistons following news of the passing of former Pistons’ player Dan Roundfield. Roundfield played one season for the team averaging 10.9 points and 8.1 rebounds in 56 games during the 1984-85 season.

“The Detroit Pistons family is deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of the passing of Dan Roundfield and we offer our condolences to his family. Dan will be remembered as a great teammate and professional both on and off the court.”

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DETROIT PISTONS SELECT ANDRE DRUMMOND WITH THE NINTH PICK IN THE 2012 NBA DRAFT

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Khris Middleton Selected 39th and Kim English 44th

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. ­– The Detroit Pistons announced today that the club has selected Andre Drummond with the with the ninth pick in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft held on Thursday, June 28. The club also selected Khris Middleton with the 39th pick and Kim English with the 44th pick in the second round.

“We are pleased to draft Andre Drummond with the number nine pick,” said Joe Dumars, Pistons President of Basketball Operations. “He’s a player with good size and physical tools and we look forward to seeing him grow within our organization. We’re real pleased to add Khris Middleton and Kim English in the second round. They’re two young players that will give us quality depth at the wing positions.”

Drummond, a 6-11, 279-pound center from the University of Connecticut, averaged 10.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 0.4 assists and 2.7 blocks as a freshman for the Huskies. In 34 games, he shot a team-high 53.8% from the field and ranked third in blocks (2.7) in the Big East Conference. Drummond recorded a season-high 24 points (11-12 FG), eight rebounds and five blocks vs. Holy Cross (12/18). Drummond also earned two Big East Big East Rookie of the Week honors last season by scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds vs. West Virginia (1/9) and 18 points (9-12 FG) with seven rebounds at Georgetown (2/1). A native of Mount Vernon, N.Y., he was rated the No.1 high school prospect by Scout.com, No.2 in the ESPNU Top-100 and led St. Thomas More (Conn.) to the 2011 Prep National Championship.

Middleton, a 6-7 junior from Texas A&M, averaged 13.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists last season. In 87 career games, he averaged 11.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.0 rebounds as a collegian. Middleton averaged 14.4 points and 5.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists as a sophomore and earned Second Team All-Big 12 and All-Districts selections.

English played four seasons at Missouri and averaged 14.1 points (.521 FG), 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists as a senior. He scored in double figures in 26-of-35 games last season including seven games with 20-plus points. English shot 39.4% from beyond the arc last season and shot better than 36.0% from three-point range in each of his four years. He earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors as a senior and was named Most Outstanding Player of the 2012 Big 12 Tournament.

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PISTONS ACQUIRE FORWARD COREY MAGGETTE FROM CHARLOTTE

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...IN EXCHANGE FOR GUARD BEN GORDON AND A FUTURE FIRST-ROUND DRAFT CHOICE...


AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced today that the club has acquired forward Corey Maggette from the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for guard Ben Gordon and a future first-round draft choice.

“We welcome Corey Maggette to our organization in a transaction that provides us with a veteran scorer and defender in addition to increased roster flexibility moving forward,” said Joe Dumars, President of Basketball Operations. “We thank Ben Gordon for his commitment to our organization over the last three years and wish him the best in the future.”

Maggette, a 6-6, 225-pound forward, averaged 15.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 32 games with the Charlotte Bobcats last season. In 809 career games, the 13-year NBA veteran has averaged 16.2 points (.454 FG, .325 3FG, .823 FT), 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Maggette averaged a career-high 22.2 points in 2004-05 as a member of the L.A. Clippers and has averaged 20-plus points three times and 15-plus points nine times during his career. Drafted 13th overall in the 1999 NBA Draft by the Seattle Supersonics, his draft rights were then traded to Orlando where he played one year before being traded to the Clippers where he played eight seasons (2000-08). Maggette also played two seasons with the Golden State Warriors (2008-10) and one with the Milwaukee Bucks (2010-11).

Gordon, 29, averaged 12.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 26.9 minutes in 52 games last season (21 starts). He scored a season-high 45 points at Denver (3/21), tying his own NBA record with nine consecutive three-point field goals made without a miss. He also made a franchise-record seven three-pointers in the second quarter vs. Philadelphia (4/26) and tied the franchise record for three-pointers in a half (7). In three seasons with the Pistons, the former Connecticut product averaged 12.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 26.8 minutes in 196 games. After tallying 15-plus points per game during five seasons in Chicago, where he was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2004-05, Gordon’s best year with Detroit came during the 2009-10 campaign when he averaged 13.8 points and 2.7 assists in 62 games.

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DETROIT PISTONS TO HOLD DRUMLINE AUDITIONS

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AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons will be looking for energetic drummers with a rock ‘n’ roll style when auditions are held for their 2012-13 Drumline team on Sunday, June 24th at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Applicants will be judged on their rudimental technique, ability to learn quickly, personality, self confidence and other qualities that embody being a Drumline member.

All participants should wear comfortable clothing to allow free movement and are required to submit a headshot and resume at registration. The preliminary round will consist of performing a music piece followed by performing in subsections (snare, bass, tenor, cymbals) before the first cuts are made. Drummers will then learn a short piece and will be selected from the subsections for individual auditions. Registration is at 10:00 a.m. and auditions will begin at 11:00 a.m.

For more Drumline audition information, click on the ENTERTAINMENT link on http://www.pistons.com/.

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PISTONS SEEKING NATIONAL ANTHEM SINGERS

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Detroit Pistons are looking for talented, devoted, and open-minded performers who would feel comfortable singing the Star Spangled Banner at the team’s home games. The pre-game anthem is a part of the entire game day entertainment package that carries important responsibilities and a pride of accomplishment.
Interested applicants must submit their headshot along with a DVD, CD or link of them singing the National Anthem to the attention of Game Operations, National Anthem at 6 Championship Dr. Auburn Hills, MI 48326 or by e-mail at nationalanthem@palacenet.com.

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PISTONS' CHARLIE VILLANUEVA INJURY UPDATE

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons announced today the following injury update regarding forward Charlie Villanueva.

Following repeated imaging studies as well as multiple consultations from foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons, it has been determined that Charlie Villanueva’s right ankle soreness can be attributed to a resolving posterior tibial tenosynovitis with small talotibal spurs.

A few weeks of partial ankle immobilization have been recommended in an attempt to alleviate the soreness and discomfort.

He will be re-evaluated after that period.

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THE DETROIT PISTONS TO HOLD AUDITIONS FOR NEW CHEER TEAM

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons will hold auditions for a new cheer team that will perform during home games at The Palace of Auburn Hills.  Auditions begin at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 23 at the Cheerleader Training Center (14922 Technology Drive, Shelby Township, MI, 48315).

Cheer Team members are required to perform during every Pistons home game and represent the organization throughout the year at various team and charity functions. A flexible schedule is a must for selected team members.

To audition, male and female candidates must be 18 or older and are required to show proof of identification.  Aspiring cheerleaders should be elite stunters that are stage ready, physically fit and have a strong work ethic.  Co-ed nationals experience is a plus. Participants are encouraged to wear athletic apparel to the auditions and be ready to perform.

        For more information on tryouts contact Tim Dameron at tdameron@palacenet.com or log onto http://www.nba.com/pistons/media/cheerflyer.jpg. 

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DENNIS MANNION NAMED PRESIDENT OF THE DETROIT PISTONS AND PALACE SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons and Palace Sports & Entertainment announced today that Dennis Mannion has been appointed President, effective immediately.

Mannion, 52, will oversee all Detroit Pistons and Palace Sports & Entertainment business operations, including sales, marketing, finance and administration.  Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars will continue to oversee all basketball operations.

Mannion brings a broad and unique perspective, having spent 29 seasons working in four major professional sports, including two years managing business operations for the NBA’s Denver Nuggets and the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche from 1998 to 1999. Mannion most recently served as President of the Los Angeles Dodgers where he worked from 2007 to 2010. He also previously worked for the Baltimore Ravens from 1999 to 2007, and for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1982 to 1997.

“Dennis is very well qualified and will bring a fresh perspective to the organization,” said Detroit Pistons and Palace Sports & Entertainment owner Tom Gores.  “He is an innovative guy and he shares our vision of creating the best possible experience for our fans.   He also shares our core values of hard work and commitment to the community.  Dennis knows what it takes to succeed at a high level and we are excited to have him on board.”

Throughout his career Mannion has led operations during 12 post-season runs, including two World Series, an NHL conference championship and a Super Bowl.

“Detroit is an incredible sports and entertainment town and I am honored by this opportunity,” said Mannion.  “I look forward to working with the Detroit Pistons and Palace Sports & Entertainment team, our corporate partners and the community to build on the legacy of this great organization.  We will do everything we can to provide the best, most exciting experience possible for everyone that comes out to see a game or a show.”

In Los Angeles, Mannion’s marketing initiatives and efforts to improve the game day experience helped the Dodgers lead Major League Baseball in paid attendance in 2009 for the first time since 1986.  He also created the Dodgers Sports Lab, an in-house production facility and staff that generates content for all of the team’s game broadcasts, motion graphics and video, online content and printed materials.

Mannion joined the Dodgers in 2007 following eight seasons with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens where he was Senior Vice President of Business Ventures. In that role, Mannion oversaw all revenue streams, image, and brand-generating properties. He led and coordinated the development of more than 60 Ravens sub-brands, 12 season-long Ravens television and radio shows, and annual events such as Spring Football Festival, Ravens Kickoff Week, State of the Ravens, and the Ravens All Community Team.

Prior to joining the Ravens in 1999, Mannion spent three years as Senior Vice President at Ascent Sports, owner of the Denver Nuggets, the Colorado Avalanche and the Pepsi Center. Mannion managed all business operations for both teams and the arena.

Mannion spent 16 years with the Philadelphia Phillies from 1982-1997, serving as Vice President of Marketing and Sales for his last eight seasons. He was noted for enhancing the fan experience at Veterans Stadium during his tenure and was instrumental in securing and the staging the 1996 MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia.

Mannion is a native of New York and graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in business and sports management.

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2011 DETROIT PISTONS PRESEASON SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

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First Home Preseason Game Scheduled For October 9 At The Palace

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The National Basketball Association announced today that the Detroit Pistons will open their eight-game 2011 preseason schedule at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, October 9 (6:00 p.m.).

Three of the team’s eight games will be played at The Palace, featuring contests against the Minnesota Timberwolves (October 9), Charlotte Bobcats (October 23) and Miami HEAT (October 26). 

The Pistons are scheduled to make their ninth consecutive trip to Grand Rapids to play in The Meijer Basketball Classic at Van Andel Arena on Wednesday, October 12 against the Toronto Raptors (7:00 p.m.).

Following is the Pistons 2011 preseason schedule (all times are Eastern Standard Time):

PISTONS 2011 PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE

        DATE    OPPONENT        LOCATION        TIME
        October 9       Minnesota       The Palace of Auburn Hills      6:00 p.m.
        October 10      at Atlanta      Philips Arena   7:30 p.m.
        October 12      Toronto         Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI       7:00 p.m.
        October 14      at Toronto      Air Canada Centre       7:00 p.m.
        October 21      at Milwaukee    Resch Center, Green Bay, WI     7:30 p.m.
        October 23      Charlotte       The Palace of Auburn Hills      6:00 p.m.
        October 26      Miami   The Palace of Auburn Hills      7:30 p.m.
        October 27      at Orlando      Amway Center    7:00 p.m.

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GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS - Pistons Automotion Dance Team To Hold Pre-Audition Clinic On July 18th

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DANCE FOR THE DETROIT PISTONS IN 2011-12

Automotion Auditions Set To Begin August 1

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- The Detroit Pistons dance team Automotion will host a pre-audition dance clinic for dancers interested in auditioning for the 2011-12 dance team on Monday, July 18th at 6:00 p.m. at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The clinic will serve as a precursor to the Automotion auditions which begin August 1.  All prospective candidates interested in trying out for the team are encouraged to sign up for pre-audition clinic.  Registration for the pre-audition clinic can be found on-line at http://www.nba.com/pistons/automotion_tryouts.html.

Female candidates must be 19 or older by October 1, 2011 and are required to show proof of ID along with their registration.  Choreography will be provided at the pre-audition clinic by the audition staff and dancers are encouraged to wear dance tops, shorts and tights – dress to impress.  See the Pistons website (www.pistons.com) for more details.

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PISTONS FIRE HEAD COACH!

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JOHN KUESTER RELIEVED OF PISTONS’ COACHING DUTIES

        AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced today that John Kuester will not return next season as the team’s head coach.  The decision was made following a meeting between ownership and the head coach.

“Decisions like this are difficult to make,” said Dumars. “I want to thank John for his hard work and dedication to the organization over the last two years, however, at this time we have decided to make a change.”

Dumars goes on to say, “As our organization moves forward and prepares for the future, the search for our club’s new head coach is a priority and will begin immediately.  However, at this time, we do not have a timetable for hiring a successor.  We’ll conduct our due diligence privately and announce a decision when we’ve identified that individual.”

Kuester, who was named head coach on July 9, 2009, tallied a regular-season record of 57-107 in two season’s with the Pistons.  He served one season in Detroit as an assistant coach under Larry Brown in 2003-04, helping the Pistons win the NBA Championship that year.

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SALE OF PALACE SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT AND DETROIT PISTONS COMPLETED

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The sale of Palace Sports and Entertainment (PS&E) and the Detroit Pistons to Tom Gores and his investment firm, Platinum Equity, was formally completed today, following unanimous approval by the NBA’s Board of Governors. With the transfer of ownership Mr. Gores becomes the fourth owner in Detroit Pistons’ franchise history.

“I am very excited at the opportunity to lead this great franchise into the future,” Mr. Gores said. “The passion and commitment of Pistons fans is legendary, and our goal is to meet every one of their expectations. That starts with the hard work and values necessary to compete for championships. It also includes being a real partner in the community, and we intend to do that as well. We’re going to do everything we can to ensure that this organization deserves the passion of our fans. We can’t wait to make a difference in Detroit.”

NBA Commissioner David Stern announced on Tuesday that the NBA Board of Governors had unanimously approved the change of ownership. 

“It's very important to us, because we think Tom will bring renewed vigor and energy to that great franchise,” Mr. Stern said at a news conference prior to Game 1 of the NBA Finals. “He's really very anxious to get going…and that's a very good development for the Detroit Pistons and the good fans of Detroit.”

The Detroit Pistons are one of only seven teams in NBA history to win three or more championships and have made 40 playoff appearances in franchise history (fourth-most in the NBA).  Since the 2000-01 season, Detroit has compiled a record of 512-390 (.568), won six Central Division titles, made six consecutive trips to the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals from 2003 to 2008, won two Eastern Conference Championships (2004, 2005) and made consecutive trips to the NBA Finals, including an NBA Championship in 2004. 

On the entertainment side, PS&E’s Michigan venues average 300 events and 3.5 million guests annually.  The Palace has been voted Arena of the Year eight times by Performance magazine, twice by Pollstar magazine and is listed annually among North America’s top-grossing arenas.  Voted “Best Outdoor Concert Venue” in Pollstar’s 2000 Readers’ Poll, DTE Energy Music Theatre has been listed as the nation’s most attended amphitheater by Amusement Business/Billboard each of the 20 years of PS&E ownership.  Meadowbrook Music Festival on the campus of Oakland University hosted a record-tying six sold out shows in 2010 and achieved its second highest attendance average under PS&E’s 17 years of management.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for the Davidson family and what has been built here. Palace Sports and Entertainment and the Detroit Pistons have enjoyed a great tradition of success and have been committed to being a positive influence in the community,” Mr. Gores added.  “Our mission is to continue that legacy and do it the right way.”

Karen Davidson transfers control of the company to Tom Gores after nearly 37 years of Davidson family ownership.  William Davidson became the club’s majority owner in 1974.

“Throughout this process, my goal was to find the right owner to lead Palace Sports and Entertainment into the future and I am certain that Tom Gores is that person,” said Davidson.  “He is an astute businessman, works hard and will bring a passion to this organization – that same passion that Bill had for so many years.”

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PISTONS CARE TELETHON RAISES MORE THAN $350,000

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DETROIT PISTONS CARE TELETHON RAISES

MORE THAN $350,000 FOR BOYS & GIRLS clUBS IN MICHIGAN

The 2011 Pistons Care Telethon, which culminated in an 18-hour donation drive and telecast of the team’s game on March 18, raised $351,110 in pledges to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs in Michigan with net proceeds being distributed amongst the 35 Boys & Girls Club locations across the state of Michigan. The pledge total will fund over 7,000 Boys & Girls Club annual memberships as well as support the cost of programming for youth in need.

Although the Telethon took place on March 18, there is still opportunity to support the Boys & Girls Clubs in Michigan. Pistons fans can visit pistons.com and click on the red “Charity Auctions” link through March 29 to donate via an online auction of 10 unique Pistons experiences and memorabilia including two hours of play to host a pick-up game with friends on the official Pistons court; golf for two with Pistons forward Jonas Jerebko and two signed Jerebko jerseys; an opportunity for a group of three to play video games against Greg Monroe in the Pistons locker room; a meet and greet with former Pistons “Bad Boy” Dennis Rodman including four lower-bowl tickets to the April 1 Pistons vs. Chicago game in which Rodman’s jersey will be retired; and a trip for two on the Pistons team plane to a road game which includes two lower-bowl tickets and accommodations at the team hotel.

Additional online auction items include an autographed Joe Dumars basketball; a limited edition autographed Rodney Stuckey jersey; a meet and greet with Tracy McGrady including two press row tickets to a future game; a meet and greet with Joe Dumars including two press row tickets to a future game; and even an opportunity to sit courtside with Greg Kelser and George Blaha during one of their in-game broadcasts including an on-air mention, two lower-level tickets and a George Blaha and Greg Kelser autographed basketball.

“Exemplifying the true spirit of teamwork, our fans and sponsors have rallied together to help raise funds for thousands of children who will be given the mentoring and guidance to succeed.” said Alan Ostfield, President & CEO of the Pistons and PS&E. “The Pistons and Boys & Girls Clubs look forward to teaming up to implement Telethon funds to the 35 Club locations statewide throughout the calendar year.”

 “The Pistons players and the entire Pistons Sports & Entertainment family went above and beyond for Boys & Girls Clubs across the state. Their leadership will help provide brighter futures for many children.” said, Len Krichko, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan. 

Entertainers including Bob Seger, Kid Rock, Eminem, Rihanna, Usher and Jimmy Buffett supported the event.

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STATEMENT FROM PISTONS PRESIDENT OF BASKETBALL OPERATIONS JOE DUMARS

In Play Magazine

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The following statement was released this afternoon by President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars.

“First of all, John Kuester has my full support as we try to make a push towards the postseason over these last 21 games. We’ve had a long and proud history of being a first class organization that handles its business the right way. We expect everyone that represents the Detroit Pistons to do so in a first class manner and that will continue as we move forward.”

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