DETROIT _ This needs to be said.
Until Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores says otherwise, team president and coach Stan Van Gundy is calling the shots.
He is contractually obligated since he has one year remaining on a deal that will pay him $35 million over five years, a contract that started with the 2014-15 season.
And that applies for members of the front office and coaching staff under contract until June 30.
Since it's been more than three weeks since the regular-season finale at Chicago and Gores hasn't announced Van Gundy's status for next season, there is confusion among the fan base as to who sits atop the Pistons organizational chart.
But one thing is becoming clear.
The longer it goes without a resolution, it's hard to see the Van Gundy-Gores partnership lasting much longer.
Given the uncertainty, it's clear Gores hasn't committed to any scenario _ yet.
The cap mismanagement and the underwhelming draft night performances are under the microscope.
Should there be coaching adjustments?
After four seasons with only one playoff appearance under Van Gundy, it's apparent that Gores is seeking change.
"We got to make some changes," Gores said toward the end of the season. "I'm just not sure what they are and he's been working the whole season so I need to hear from Stan. I can tell you he's an extremely dedicated man so I think he's been good for our franchise.
"That I know for sure."
Discussions are very amicable, but those changes have yet to be determined, two sources told the Free Press this week.
