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          NBA Rumor Central

          Rumor Central: Pistons' owner Tom Gores still has faith in Stan Van Gundy

          Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores believes the team is continuing to move in the right direction with Stan Van Gundy leading basketball operations. Dave Reginek/Getty Images
          • ESPN.com
          Oct 19, 2017, 08:45 PM

          The Detroit Pistons opened the season on Wednesday at Little Caesars Arena with a 102-90 win against the Charlotte Hornets and Pistons' owner Tom Gores gave head coach Stan Van Gundy a vote of confidence to open the season. Meeting the media before the game, Gores continued to back Van Gundy as head coach.

          Rumor Central

          "Do I believe in Stan? Absolutely," Gores told MLive.com.

          Van Gundy was named president of basketball operations and head coach in May of 2014 after signing a five-year, $35 million contract. Gores believes the franchise with Van Gundy in charge is heading in the right direction and will make the 2018 NBA playoffs.

          "My consultants told me not to say we have any expectations, but truth is we do," Gores said. "We have to be competitive. That's what Stan wants. Of course, we want to get into the playoffs. If there's a moment I sit up here and tell you we're not, I think you should fire me."

          Entering the season, ESPN Insider Kevin PeltonInsider predicted the Pistons will finish at No. 8 in the Eastern Conference.

          -- Nick Silva