Ellenson, Gbinije Eager To Add To Pistons' "Rich History"
By Will Burchfield
@Burchie_Kid
The Detroit Pistons introduced draft picks Henry Ellenson and Michael Gbinije Friday afternoon in Auburn Hills. Both players, sporting black Bad Boys hats, spoke to the thrill of joining the Pistons organization and becoming part its renowned culture.
Ellenson began by saying, "First off, I just want to say I'm real excited to be part of the Detroit Pistons. Last night my dream came true of being able to play in the NBA so this is a special time for me and my family. The biggest thing for me last night during the draft wasn't how high I was going to get picked, it was about where I wanted to go fit-wise, so I think this pick is going to suit me very well. Obviously, the Pistons are a really talented team and I just can't wait to add to that."
The Pistons selected Ellenson with the 18th overall pick, after the 6'11 guard from Marquette just about fell into their lap.
"We spent a lot of time looking at scenarios and talking about players we didn't feel we would have the opportunity to bring to Detroit. But it's still part of the evening in case it happens," said GM Jeff Bower. "Thankfully we were ready and able to take advantage, particularly in Henry's case, of him being available and us able to select him."
Gbinije, another player who the Pistons believed would be picked ahead of them, piggybacked on Ellenson's opening remarks.
"It's truly an honor to be associated with the Detroit pistons," he said. "I'm extremely excited, extremely blessed and grateful. I can't wait to not only move into the city of Detroit and get a chance to associate with the community get a chance to learn the culture, but I'm excited to bond with my new teammates and have fun and win games."
Gbinije was the Pistons' 49th overall selection.
Assistant GM Brian Wright praised both players' versatility, commenting first on Ellenson's advanced skill set.
"What he can do as a big – putting the ball on the deck, making a play off the dribble, passing the ball, making plays for teammates and playing with a high basketball IQ – I think it's a very unique thing. It's something that adds a whole new dynamic to our offense and what we want to do here," Wright said.
As for Gbinije, the 6'8 guard from Syracuse, Wright seized on his ability to play multiple roles at both ends of the court.
"He's a guy that played off the ball for most of his college career and then last year played most of his time at the point guard position, so it shows a guy that's adaptable, can fit in any way offensively, and defensively can guard multiple positions.
"Beyond just good basketball players, Wright added, "they're also very good people and I think they add character and culture to our organization."
Head coach and president of basketball operations Stan Van Gundy said the Pistons we're delighted to have landed two prospects whose skill sets should enable fast maturation at the NBA level.
"One of the things we were able to do with both picks in this draft is we got very mature people with very mature games. They know how to play and they know how to play with other people so I think that gives them a chance to adjust more quickly than some other guys," Van Gundy said.
Though the Pistons weren't looking for immediate-impact players based on where they were picking, Van Gundy allowed that Ellenson and Gbinije have a chance to become exactly that.
"How quickly they're able to get on the floor, that's yet to be determined, there's plenty of time for that as we get into training camp. But we do have two guys who I think are capable of making a quick transition to the league because of not only their skills but their maturity," he said.
As is customary for new members of the Pistons organization, Ellenson and Gbinije were asked about their thoughts on the "Bad Boys" era, when Detroit won back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990.
"We might be too young to have seen the Bad Boys – thank god they have it on DVD so I can watch it," Gbinije quipped, drawing heavy laughter from those on hand. "It's just the mindset and the culture of it that's really appealing. Any team that plays with that mindset defensively of just locking people down, being physical, that will equal success."
Ellenson, more soft-spoken than Gbinije by first impression, added, "The history is rich here, and I just hope to add to it."
