Pistons name Bower as GM

Jeff Bower was hired Tuesday by the Detroit Pistons as their general manager.

The team did not diclose terms of the contract. Bower joins the Pistons after serving last season as the head coach at Marist College, where his team finished with a 12-19 record.

“I’m pleased to welcome Jeff Bower to the Detroit Pistons organization,” Pistons coach and president of basketball operations Stan Van Gundy said. “Jeff brings great basketball knowledge and NBA experience to our organization and he’s enjoyed success in building teams. He’s a great evaluator of talent and Jeff will bring solid leadership to our front office.”

Bower has NBA experience as general manager of the Hornets from 2001 to 2003 and 2005 to 2010. He also was an advance scout, director of scouting/assistant coach and assistant general manager for the Hornets before he became the GM.

“I’m excited to join the Pistons organization and play a role in helping this franchise build on its great basketball tradition,” Bower said. “I look forward to working with Stan, his staff and everyone in the Pistons organization to put together a team that the community can support and be proud of. I’m also excited about ownership’s commitment to winning and their demonstrated commitment to the community.”

Working under Van Gundy, Bower will take over the management side of the team, which will likely include leading negotiations with free agents and rookies and overseeing the scouting department, among other duties.

Van Gundy also reportedly considered former NBA president of basketball operations Stu Jackson and former Orlando Magic general manager Otis Smith.