:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66954616/51475153.jpg.0.jpg)
The Detroit Pistons are earning accolades throughout the NBA Twittersphere for its hiring of Troy Weaver as the team’s new general manager. The longtime executive with the Oklahoma City Thunder under Sam Presti has built a reputation as a terrific talent evaluator and communicator.
Here is a rundown of what some of the folks are saying immediately after the hire.
Kendrick Perkins, former Thunder big man
Former Thunder big man Kendrick Perkins loves the move. Perkins, it should be noted, was handsomely paid by the team for his defensive prowess in the middle. We also won’t litigate Perkins’ other NBA takes because I’m choosing to be in a good mood.
nba
Detroit Pistons just Struck Gold by hiring Troy Weaver has their GM....he has one the Best eye for Talent in the NBA!!!
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) June 18, 2020
Chris Mannix, senior writer for Sports Illustrated
The rebuilding Pistons need a strong eye for talent. That's Troy Weaver, who advocated for Russell Westbrook in 2008 and played a significant role in OKC's rise as a small market powerhouse.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) June 18, 2020
Michael Lee, senior writer for The Athletic
About time Troy Weaver got this opportunity. He's more than paid his dues https://t.co/u2A6U3QhT5
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) June 18, 2020
Dahntay Jones, former NBA player
The Pistons really struck gold by hiring Troy weaver as their GM. One of the hidden gems of the NBA. Detroit will be a contender real soon.
— Dahntay (@dahntay1) June 18, 2020
Vincent Goodwill, senior writer for Yahoo
Vince Goodwill used to cover the Pistons for the Detroit News and has written extensively about the lack of black representation among the NBA’s coaching and executive ranks while black players make up more than 80% of the league.
No minor feat for the Pistons: Pistons front office has gotten whiter and whiter last several years. Troy Weaver, a black man, coming in with full authority is a huge change for ownership.
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) June 18, 2020
Best decision Tom Gores has made since becoming owner in 2011
Andy Isaac, UPROXX
Keeper of an essential Twitter account, Michigan native and chronicler of whether the Sausage Haus is open or closed (it’s usually closed) inside Little Caesars Arena.
I don't know anything about Troy Weaver so my first question to him would be:
— Isaac (@WorldofIsaac) June 18, 2020
"What are your thoughts on the Sausage Haus?"
That will determine his fate in Detroit
Greg Kelser, Detroit Pistons analyst for Fox Sports Detroit
Kelser is growing out quite an exquisite quarantine beard, and also says he is encouraged about Weaver’s hiring not just because of his long history of success with the Thunder, but because the team was able to so nimbly recover after losing Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook (and James Harden years earlier).
Enjoyed catching up with @DetroitPistons analyst Greg Kelser (@gkelser32) following the #Pistons announcing Troy Weaver as GM. Kelser's first impression is that Weaver's resume speaks for itself, just look at the Thunder this last season. pic.twitter.com/JRqUeotWhN
— Jonathan Deutsch (@JonathanD_TV) June 18, 2020
Sekou Smith, NBA.com, NBA TV and HangTime Podcast
Sekou is also a Michigan native who used to cover the Pistons before moving on to bigger and better things.
Pistons make an excellent choice in the hiring of Troy Weaver as their new general manager. Should be a great fit for the organization in choosing a guy universally respected around the league.
— Sekou Smith (@SekouSmithNBA) June 18, 2020
Jeff Goodman, longtime NBA journalist
Love the Pistons hire of Troy Weaver as GM.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 18, 2020
From DC Assault to NBA general manager.
Dave Pasch, NBA and NCAA Basketball analyst for ESPN
From recruiting @carmeloanthony to @Cuse_MBB, to his talent evaluation work with the @utahjazz & @okcthunder, the @DetroitPistons made a great hire in Troy Weaver!!!
— Dave Pasch (@DavePasch) June 18, 2020
Lazarus Jackson, Podcaster extraordinaire and DBB writer
Laz gets it.
Black GM
— Lazarus Jackson (@lazchance) June 18, 2020
Black Coach
Black Media
Black Players
Black City.
I love you Detroit