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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