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Jalen Rose Reveals Inside Look at Pistons' Ownership & Vision

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 17:35 GMT by Detroit Free Press
      Locales: Michigan, Ohio, California, UNITED STATES

Detroit, MI - February 12, 2026 - Former NBA player and current media personality Jalen Rose recently provided a revealing glimpse into the inner workings of the Detroit Pistons organization and the ambitions of owner Tom Gores. In a candid conversation on the 'Open Up' podcast with Rachel Nichols, Rose detailed his experiences collaborating with Gores' media ventures and offered a critical assessment of the current state of the Pistons under Gores' leadership. His insights paint a picture of a motivated owner with expansive goals, but one whose vision isn't always effectively translated into basketball success.

Rose's comments center around the duality of Gores' approach: a significant investment in a burgeoning media company coupled with what Rose describes as a sometimes-disconnected approach to the Pistons' basketball operations. Gores, a well-known entrepreneur and founder of Platinum Equity, purchased the Pistons in 2011, inheriting a team with a rich history but facing modern challenges in a highly competitive league. While Gores pledged to restore the franchise to its former glory, the Pistons have largely struggled since his acquisition, experiencing multiple rebuilds and failing to consistently contend for playoff contention.

According to Rose, Gores has committed considerable capital to his media company, clearly signaling a desire to become a major player in the sports content landscape. This investment isn't merely about diversification; it represents a broader strategic aim to build a media empire that complements and potentially enhances the Pistons brand. However, Rose suggests that this expansion into media isn't necessarily harmonizing with the basketball side of the operation. "Tom has a big vision," Rose stated, "but sometimes, it's hard to figure out how that aligns with what's happening on the basketball court."

This disconnect, as described by Rose, appears to stem from Gores' focus on the "big picture" - the financial health of the organization and the long-term growth of his media portfolio. While financial stability is undoubtedly crucial for any franchise, Rose implies that this focus can overshadow the immediate needs of the basketball team. Spending money, he noted, doesn't automatically equate to wins. The Pistons have made several high-profile draft picks and free agent signings during Gores' tenure, but these investments haven't consistently yielded the desired results. This raises questions about player development, coaching, and the overall basketball strategy employed by the team.

Rose's revelations are particularly noteworthy given the current NBA climate, where ownership groups are increasingly scrutinized for their involvement - or lack thereof - in day-to-day basketball decisions. Many successful franchises are led by owners who possess a deep understanding of the game, actively participate in strategic planning, and foster a strong relationship with their coaching staff and players. While Gores isn't portrayed as disengaged, Rose's description suggests a more hands-off approach, particularly concerning the nuances of basketball strategy.

The situation with the Pistons mirrors a broader trend in professional sports ownership. Many owners come from business backgrounds and prioritize financial metrics. Bridging the gap between these financial objectives and the complex, often unpredictable world of sports requires effective leadership and a clear communication strategy. Rose's comments suggest that the Pistons may be struggling with this balance.

The implications of Rose's assessment are significant for Pistons fans who have endured years of frustration. It suggests that the team's struggles aren't simply a matter of talent or luck but are potentially rooted in a disconnect between ownership's vision and the on-court realities. While Gores' ambition and willingness to invest are commendable, a more cohesive and basketball-focused strategy may be necessary to finally turn the franchise around. The coming seasons will be crucial in determining whether Gores can successfully integrate his media ambitions with a renewed commitment to building a winning basketball team in Detroit.