Arn Tellem: Of all the athletes and …

Arn Tellem: Of all the athletes and executives shamed and ridiculed in the first two episodes, the most brutal — and gratuitous — character assassination was reserved for Jerry West (played in the series by Jason Clarke), the universally beloved former Lakers player, coach and general manager known as Mr. Clutch. In the series opener, which aired on March 6, his character seemed to be modeled on Yosemite Sam — a boozy, impulsive hothead who steamrollered anyone in his path, angrily snapped a golf club over his knee and stormed away to curse out a colleague, and chucked his 1969 NBA Finals MVP trophy through his office window in a fit of frustration.

Arn Tellem: Never mind that West is a …

Arn Tellem: Never mind that West is a health nut who has always shied away from alcohol. Never mind he’s not just a gentleman but a gentle man who prides himself on treating others with grace and compassion. And never mind that his old office at the “Fabulous Forum” didn’t have windows. Indeed, none of the arena’s basketball offices did. I ought to know. I was there.

Arn Tellen: As a former player agent …

Arn Tellen: As a former player agent who is now vice chairman of the Detroit Pistons, I have known West for more than 40 years. During that time, I have observed, negotiated and socialized with him. In all of our dealings, he has been courteous, respectful, generous and self-deprecating. He’s never once lost his temper. He’s always heard me out. Many of the players I represented sought his counsel, both professionally and personally. Having battled depression during his entire adult life, West has a deep awareness of the suffering of others, coupled with the wish to relieve it. Sure, he can be moody. But when frustrated, he doesn’t lash out. He withdraws into himself.

Pistons vice chairman open to immediate Jerami Grant trade

Some rival clubs are now describing what amounts to a split within the organization about keeping or trading Grant … with Pistons vice chairman Arn Tellem said to be open to an immediate trade. Source: Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com What’s the …

Some rival clubs are now describing what amounts to a split within the organization about keeping or trading Grant … with Pistons vice chairman Arn Tellem said to be open to an immediate trade.

Source: Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Josh Jackson (right lumbar spine tightness) is questionable tonight. Jerami Grant (return to competition reconditioning) and Kelly Olynyk (health and safety protocols) are still out. – 1:03 PM
Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
What can the Pistons realistically get back in a Jerami Grant trade? I looked at three recent deals that are similar, and what the Pistons should be prioritizing
freep.com/story/sports/n…9:49 AM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Casey said Jerami Grant has been cleared by the league. – 12:50 PM
Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Dwane Casey said Jerami Grant has exited health and safety protocols and is in the reconditioning program – 12:50 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Also, Jerami Grant is here at practice – 12:37 PM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Kings reportedly pursuing one of Jerami Grant, Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner
sportando.basketball/en/kings-repor…10:52 AM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
NEW @TheCrossover Pod w/@Howard Beck: Can AD save the Lakers, Harden-Simmons buzz, Pistons plans for Jerami Grant, more. Links: bit.ly/2w1G5e210:00 AM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
New episode of @FrontOfficeShow is up! @Trevor_Lane and I talk about James Harden cooling on BKN, Jerami Grant drawing interest around the league and the Hawks maybe looking to move John Collins. We’re closing in on 15K subscribers. Put us over the top!
youtu.be/B4mBUCg8ab05:42 PM

More on this storyline

Zach Lowe on the Hawks: They’ve been linked in recent reports to Jerami Grant. Personally, I think that’s old intel based on what I’ve heard and that they are not in on Jerami Grant right now. -via Spotify / January 28, 2022

Troy Weaver keeping Jerami Grant in Detroit?

While there is no shortage of interest from contenders in the injured forward, Jerami Grant continues to have a staunch backer in Motown in Pistons GM Troy Weaver as he nears eligibility in the offseason for a four-year $112 million contract …

While there is no shortage of interest from contenders in the injured forward, Jerami Grant continues to have a staunch backer in Motown in Pistons GM Troy Weaver as he nears eligibility in the offseason for a four-year $112 million contract extension. Weaver is hardly the lone voice of influence in Detroit, where former player agent Arn Tellem wields considerable (and realistically the loudest) say as the Pistons’ vice chairman, but Weaver, remember, recommended Grant to legendary Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim long before he was hired to lead Detroit’s front office. Hence the belief in various corners that he would prefer for Grant to stay.

Source: Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Came up with four Jerami Grant trades that make sense for all sides.
The Bulls and Hawks are obvious candidates, but the Kings and Wolves are also in position to make intriguing offers
freep.com/story/sports/n…9:36 AM
David Thorpe @coachthorpe
Discussing on BRING IT IN today live @Henry Abbott 11am et–who should get Jerami Grant?
Memphis gets him, loses Z Williams and the Lakers first. Gives them their own “death” lineup with JJJ in the postseason. @jshector will have thoughts!!
fanspo.com/nba/s/general/…7:58 AM
Rod Beard @detnewsRodBeard
#Pistons Isaiah Stewart on Saddiq Bey moving to the 4 in Jerami Grant’s absence: “I’ve seen Saddiq get a lot more comfortable in that position, for Jerami, and doing a lot of things that Jerami did.” – 2:11 PM
Stephen Noh @StephNoh
Jerami Grant should try to sneak on the team bus after this Bulls win. – 10:19 PM
Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Casey said Jerami Grant has been working out every day and has a brace on his thumb. Kelly Olynyk worked out with the Cruise a couple days ago. – 6:44 PM
Rod Beard @detnewsRodBeard
#Pistons Dwane Casey says there’s no timetable on Jerami Grant’s return, but he is working out in the gym.
He said Kelly Olynyk worked out with the G League team this week also. – 6:44 PM
Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayo
“Getting Jerami Grant to D.C. for Dummies”
With recent reports of the Washington Wizards’ interest in Jerami Grant, @lazchance & I try to negotiate a deal 👀
Yup, role play. | @detroitbadboys
🍎 https://t.co/QzeR91Zbsq
🟢 https://t.co/0v0YOiicia
🖥 https://t.co/eIDfAlkqYR pic.twitter.com/YSacfoXkjC6:32 PM

More on this storyline

The Blazers had been frequently mentioned by league sources as a strong Myles Turner destination, while Detroit’s Jerami Grant also emerged as a potential Portland target. But if Lillard is indefinitely sidelined, that would seem to further increase the likelihood of Jusuf Nurkic and Robert Covington heading elsewhere. -via Bleacher Report / January 14, 2022
Meanwhile, some competing executives have Atlanta as a credible destination for Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant. The Pistons are thought to covet a young center, making Okongwu a potentially attractive option in a trade along with Reddish. -via Bleacher Report / January 11, 2022
Several playoff teams are pursuing Pistons star forward Jerami Grant: The Wizards, Knicks, Blazers and Lakers among others, sources said. Grant is sidelined due to a UCL injury in his right thumb but Detroit will have a vast group of suitors for the 27-year-old. Grant, who is eligible for a four-year extension worth up to $112 million this offseason, is one of the most sought-after players this trade season. -via The Athletic / January 10, 2022

Troy Weaver keeping Jerami Grant in Detroit?

While there is no shortage of interest from contenders in the injured forward, Jerami Grant continues to have a staunch backer in Motown in Pistons GM Troy Weaver as he nears eligibility in the offseason for a four-year $112 million contract extension. Weaver is hardly the lone voice of influence in Detroit, where former player agent Arn Tellem wields considerable (and realistically the loudest) say as the Pistons’ vice chairman, but Weaver, remember, recommended Grant to legendary Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim long before he was hired to lead Detroit’s front office. Hence the belief in various corners that he would prefer for Grant to stay.

For Arn Tellem, who joined the Pistons …

For Arn Tellem, who joined the Pistons in 2015, it’s an easy cause to support. He has known Rose since his playing days, when he served as Rose’s agent. Tellem had an inkling Rose’s social awareness would lead to his focus on education. “The thing that always impressed me about him was that he had a social conscience, wanted to give back to Detroit, wanted to make a difference in his hometown,” Tellem said. “He recognized the platform that he had to do good things, he didn’t run away from it. Jalen has been one of the leaders making a difference in this community for a long time.”

It’s an example of the perspective …

It’s an example of the perspective chief business officer Mike Zavodsky, who was hired in June to oversee sales, marketing and creative operations, brings to the Pistons. He was lured from entertainment agency Roc Nation, where he served as an executive in charge of sports and event sales. The new position reports to Pistons vice chairman Arn Tellem. Prior to his stint with Roc Nation, Zavodsky cut his teeth with the Nets organization, where he spent 14 years. Zavodsky recently spoke with Pistons.com and in just under 20 minutes, he discussed J. Cole, the attractiveness of the Pistons brand and his plans for the new position.