Former NBA veteran, ESPN analyst eyed as possible candidate for Pistons vacancy

Several weeks after formally announcing changes within the franchise, it appears there is some clarity on the Detroit Pistons’ current search for a new head of basketball operations. According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, JJ Redick is one of several names the Pistons could turn to in order to fill the vacancy.

Redick, 39, a former 15-year NBA veteran and current ESPN analyst, is regarded as one of the smartest minds in basketball, having a knack for analyzing the intricacies of the game and offering stout assessments of players. In fact, because of his acumen, Redick is also listed as a candidate for the Charlotte Hornets’ head coach vacancy. Per Stein, Redick is mentioned as “a name to monitor in Detroit in the event he has any interest in a move to basketball operations.”

If the Pistons have any interest in the former Duke Blue Devil, one thing that could work in their favor is his relationship with Pistons chairman Arn Tellem. During his NBA playing days, Tellem represented Redick as his agent and is said to be a “strong admirer” of him.

Other names Stein listed as potential candidates are Timberwolves lead executive Tim Connelly, Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst, and Dallas Mavericks consultant Dennis Lindsey.

Connelly, whose official title with the Timberwolves is president of basketball operations, could be an intriguing name for Pistons fans, considering the current success that the Timberwolves are experiencing.

The Timberwolves finished third in the Western Conference this season and are fresh off a sweep of the No. 6 seeded Phoenix Suns. Connelly finished third in the NBA Executive of the Year voting behind Oklahoma City Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti and Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, who won the Executive of the Year Award on Tuesday.

Also, under Connelly’s tenure in Minnesota, many within the franchise have experienced or are on the verge of experiencing a considerable amount of success this season. Center/power forward Nas Reid took home this season’s Sixth Man of the Year award. Additionally, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch finished third in NBA Coach of the Year voting, and Rudy Gobert is a frontrunner to take home his fourth NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, with it being the first as a member of the Timberwolves.

Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley is also among 12 finalists for Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year award.

Connelly is completing the second season of a five-year, $40 million deal with Minnesota, and the Pistons are said to “naturally have interest” should he decide to trigger the opt-out clause in his contract given the ownership battle between current Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor and prospective buyers Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore.

Horst, whose extensive experience and successful tenure with the Bucks make him a compelling option for the Pistons as well. Horst’s basketball journey began with the Pistons, where he served as the manager of basketball operations from August 2007 to April 2008. Afterward, he moved to the Bucks, where he would eventually be promoted to director of basketball operations, a position he held from April 2008 to June 2017.

In June 2017, Horst took over as general manager of the Bucks, a position previously held by former Pistons executive John Hammond. Under Horst’s leadership, the Bucks experienced unprecedented success, including a league-best 60–22 record in the 2018–19 season and winning the 2021 NBA championship.

Additionally, Horst showcased the ability to assemble a championship-caliber team with solid acquisitions such as Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, and Jrue Holiday, highlighting his keen eye for talent and team-building prowess. While the Bucks have had occasional missteps in the draft, their consistent success on the court underscores Horst’s ability to create teams with exceptional floor balance. If Detroit brings in Horst, they could be poised for a promising future under his leadership.

Per the Pistons, the next head of basketball operations will have the final say on whether current general manager Troy Weaver and head coach Monty Williams will remain with the franchise, despite Williams finishing the first year of a six-year, $78.5 million deal.