Pistons president resigns

In a move that has come as a surprise but is not without reason, Tom Wilson has stepped down as the president of the Detroit Pistons and CEO of Palace Entertainment after 15 years.

The Detroit Free Press found out via an email from Wilson.

“I have had the honor to be a part of the Pistons family for the last 32 years, 31 of them working along side Bill Davidson,” Wilson said in a statement. “He was a dear friend and partner. I believe that, with Mr. Davidson’s unfortunate passing, however, the time is now right for me and my family to explore many exciting opportunities that have come my way recently.”

While he won’t say it, this is almost certainly tied to the decision by owner Karen Davidon’s announcement last month she is looking to sell the team. She took control of the team after her husband, Bill, passed away last March. She said a few weeks back she did not have the passion for owning an NBA franchise that her late husband did.

Allen Ostfield, the current COO, will step into the CEO role. The move is not expected to change plans on the court or the team, nor is a change in the front office expected.