ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Alaska basketball legend Trajan Langdon has been appointed as the President of Basketball Operations for the Detroit Pistons.
Langdon, known for his time at Bettye Davis East Anchorage High, previously served five seasons as the General Manager for the New Orleans Pelicans and three years as the Assistant GM of the Brooklyn Nets.
“It’s an honor for me to join the Detroit Pistons, and I’m excited for the opportunity,” Langdon stated in a press release. “After spending considerable time with Tom [Gores, Pistons Owner] over the past few weeks, I am fully aligned with his expectations for the challenge ahead.”
Langdon has been appointed as President of Basketball Operations for the Detroit Pistons, a role that encompasses steering the organization’s direction, including roster construction and communication between management levels. In the NBA hierarchy, this position is ranked above the General Manager and reports directly to the owner. Langdon’s extensive experience and success at all levels were praised by Owner Tom Gores, who expressed confidence in the swift achievement of excellence for the team.
A priority during the search process was the identification of a leader who embodied a hands-on approach and possessed exceptional communication skills. This individual would need to foster strong connections with staff, inspire the front office team, and ultimately achieve successful outcomes. It was subsequently revealed that Trajan enjoyed universal acclaim and respect throughout the league. However, further interactions facilitated the articulation of a well-considered, comprehensive plan designed to cultivate a winning culture and optimize the potential of the organization’s talented personnel.
David Langdon: From Alaskan Star to NBA Executive
David Langdon’s basketball journey spans across playing, scouting, and executive roles. After a decorated high school career where he was a three-time Alaska State Player of the Year and led his team to a state championship, Langdon earned a scholarship to Duke. There, he became known as the “Alaskan Assassin” and set a school record for most career three-pointers. Drafted 11th overall in 1999, Langdon became Alaska’s first NBA player.
Following his playing career, Langdon transitioned to the front office. He served as a scout for the San Antonio Spurs before becoming Assistant GM for the Brooklyn Nets (2016-2019). He concurrently led the Nets’ G League affiliate, earning G League Executive of the Year honors in 2019. Most recently, Langdon’s tenure with the New Orleans Pelicans culminated in a successful season with key trades and impactful hirings.