The Detroit Pistons made a splash last summer by hiring Stan Van Gundy to be their head coach and president of basketball operations. The summer hasn't officially started yet but they have already made another flashy hiring. NBA super agent Arn Tellem is leaving his current position at the Wasserman Media Group to become the vice chairmain of Palace Sports & Entertainment, the company that owns the Pistons.
From the Detroit Free Press:
"The decision to change careers was in one sense a difficult one, because I am leaving a terrific job with great clients and an outstanding leader in Casey Wasserman, who I believe runs the finest sports marketing and talent company in the business," Tellem said in the statement. "But in another sense, it was an easy decision, because I am joining another great organization with an outstanding leader in Tom Gores, who is committed to ensuring Palace Sports & Entertainment is a championship organization, both on the court and in the community."
Tellem currently represents superstar players like Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Davis. Could this help the Pistons in future dealings with free-agents? According to Van Gundy, the Pistons will definitely be using Tellem's basketball knowledge and experience with players.
"Arn brings a unique perspective that will make our entire organization stronger," Van Gundy said in a statement. "His responsibilities may be focused on the business side, but we won't be shy about taking full advantage of his knowledge on the basketball side as well."
Although Tellem is leaving a job that he was highly successful at, he has ties to Michigan having went to law school at the University of Michigan. Also, one of Tellem's proteges is Bob Meyers, the general manager of the Golden State Warriors. Perhaps, Tellem wants to duplicate the success of his former employee in Detroit.
