Pistons exec Scott Perry leaves for post with Magic

Detroit Pistons Vice President of Basketball Operations Scott Perry is leaving to become assistant general manager with the Orlando Magic, according to several media reports.

The Detroit News has the skinny:

Scott Perry, the Pistons' vice president of basketball operations, has been named assistant general manager by the Orlando Magic, a source told The Detroit News on Monday.

George David, the Pistons' director of scouting, is Perry's likely replacement, the source said.

Perry, a Detroit native, has extensive experience on the college and professional side. He was head coach at Eastern Kentucky for a few seasons after stints at Detroit Mercy, California and the University of Michigan as an assistant coach.

He was director of player personnel for the Pistons when Joe Dumars took over in 2000, and then took an assistant general manager position with the Seattle SuperSonics in 2007 (now the Oklahoma City Thunder) before returning as Dumars' second-in-charge after John Hammond left for Milwaukee.

Rob Hennigan is Orlando's new general manager.

Perry does have aspirations of becoming an NBA general manager, and while this might seem like a lateral move, it could prove beneficial for Perry to leave Detroit.

The Magic, of course, have to deal with the Dwight Howard situation, which most believe will result in trading him this summer. After that, though, the Magic would have a clean slate, with draft picks and cap space with which to rebuild.

While it will be intriguing how Perry handles the Howard situation a more immediate concern for Pistons fans is what effect this will have on the NBA Draft, which will take place Thursday.

The Pistons held a big workout today featuring several potential draft picks including Jared Sullinger, Meyers Leonard, John Henson and Terrence Jones. Having one less person helping to make that decision is certainly a blow.

However, even if you have less than 100 percent confidence in Joe Dumars, recall that the Pistons have added a few members to their front office cast of characters including Ken Cantanella and Charles Klask.