From Pistons to WNBA: Grant Hill and Chris Webber Unite to Restore Detroit’s Basketball Brilliance
By Detroit Insider. February 9, 2025.
For decades, Detroit has been a city synonymous with basketball greatness. From the “Bad Boys” era of the Detroit Pistons to the electrifying play of the Detroit Shock, the city has a storied basketball history. Now, two of Michigan’s most beloved basketball figures—Grant Hill and Chris Webber—are uniting to restore Detroit’s dominance on the hardwood, both in the NBA and WNBA.
This ambitious initiative will focus on three main goals:
1. Revitalizing the Detroit Pistons and returning them to championship contention.
2. Bringing a WNBA team back to Detroit for the first time since the Shock relocated in 2009.
3. Developing grassroots basketball programs to ensure long-term success for Detroit’s basketball future.
With their combined basketball expertise, business acumen, and deep ties to the city, Hill and Webber are set to usher in a new era for Detroit basketball.
A Partnership Rooted in Michigan Basketball
Grant Hill: The Pistons’ Former Star Turned NBA Executive
Grant Hill’s relationship with Detroit goes back to 1994, when the Pistons selected him third overall in the NBA Draft. In his six seasons with the team, he became one of the most electrifying players in the league, earning five All-Star appearances before moving on to the Orlando Magic.
Since retiring, Hill has been heavily involved in basketball operations. He is a co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks and has played a significant role in the growth of USA Basketball. Now, he’s turning his attention back to Detroit, determined to restore the Pistons’ championship pedigree.
> “Detroit shaped my basketball career in so many ways. This city deserves a winning team, and I want to be part of bringing that back,” Hill said in an exclusive interview.
Chris Webber: The Fab Five Legend’s Detroit Roots
Unlike Hill, who started his NBA career with the Pistons, Chris Webber’s connection to Michigan runs even deeper. A native of Detroit, Webber became a national sensation at the University of Michigan as a member of the legendary Fab Five.
Webber’s professional career took him across several teams, including a brief stint with the Pistons in 2007. But his passion for Detroit basketball never faded. Since retiring, he has remained active in basketball media, philanthropy, and business, making him the perfect partner for this new endeavor.
> “Basketball in Detroit is more than just a sport—it’s part of our identity. Grant and I have talked about this for years, and we’re finally in a position to make it happen,” Webber said.
Revitalizing the Pistons: A New Blueprint for Success
The Detroit Pistons have struggled for over a decade, failing to reclaim the championship glory of the 2004 NBA Finals team. Now, under the leadership of Hill and Webber, the goal is to reshape the franchise from top to bottom.
Front-Office Shake-Up
One of the first steps in this revival will be strengthening the front office. While GM Troy Weaver has made key moves in recent years, Hill and Webber are expected to bring in additional executive talent to improve scouting, player development, and analytics.
> “We’re not here to step on toes,” Hill emphasized. “We want to bring in the right people who can help this team build a sustainable winning culture.”
Player Development Focus
The Pistons have a young and promising core, featuring players like:
Cade Cunningham (former No. 1 overall pick)
Jaden Ivey (electric guard with star potential)
Jalen Duren (dominant young big man)
Hill and Webber believe that player development is the missing ingredient. By implementing advanced training programs, hiring elite development coaches, and creating a culture of accountability, they hope to unlock the full potential of the Pistons’ young stars.
Bringing a Championship Mentality Back
Both Hill and Webber understand that championship teams are built on culture. They have firsthand experience in playing for elite organizations, and they plan to instill that mindset in the Pistons organization.
> “You look at the great Pistons teams—whether it was the Bad Boys or the 2004 squad—they had a toughness and identity. We need to bring that back,” Webber stated.
The Return of the WNBA to Detroit
While the Pistons’ rebuild is a major focus, perhaps the biggest headline in Hill and Webber’s plan is the return of a WNBA franchise to Detroit.
The Detroit Shock, one of the WNBA’s most successful teams, won three championships (2003, 2006, 2008) before relocating to Tulsa (now the Dallas Wings) in 2009. Detroit has been without a professional women’s basketball team ever since.
Why Now Is the Right Time
The WNBA has seen unprecedented growth in recent years, with record-breaking viewership, sponsorship deals, and expansion discussions. Detroit, as a basketball-rich city, is a prime candidate for a new franchise.
Hill and Webber, alongside investors and city officials, have already submitted a formal proposal to the WNBA for an expansion team.
> “Women’s basketball deserves a presence in Detroit again. The city supported the Shock in the past, and we know they’ll support this new team,” Hill said.
Where Will the Team Play?
Several options are being considered for the home arena, including:
Little Caesars Arena (shared with the Pistons)
Wayne State Fieldhouse (home of the Pistons’ G-League team)
A new purpose-built facility
The WNBA franchise is expected to launch within the next two seasons, pending league approval.
Coaching and Leadership Plans
Hill and Webber are determined to bring in top-tier leadership for the new WNBA team. They have already begun discussions with potential coaching candidates, including:
Becky Hammon (Las Vegas Aces head coach)
Swin Cash (former Shock star and current Pelicans executive)
Cheryl Reeve (Minnesota Lynx head coach)
> “We want to create a team that competes for championships from Day 1,” Webber said.
Investing in Detroit’s Basketball Future
Beyond the Pistons and WNBA team, Hill and Webber want to ensure that Detroit basketball thrives for generations.
Grassroots Basketball Programs
Plans are in place to launch:
Elite youth basketball academies
Scholarship programs for young athletes
Community outreach initiatives to promote the sport at all levels
> “We want to make sure kids in Detroit have the same opportunities we did growing up,” Webber stated.
Partnerships with Local Schools and Universities
Hill and Webber are also working with local high schools, AAU programs, and colleges to create a stronger pipeline of basketball talent coming out of Michigan.
> “If we can help keep Detroit talent in Detroit, we’ll be doing our job,” Hill said.
A New Era for Detroit Basketball Begins
With Grant Hill and Chris Webber leading the charge, Detroit is on the verge of a basketball renaissance. Their multi-faceted plan to:
✅ Revitalize the Pistons
✅ Bring a WNBA team back to Detroit
✅ Develop youth basketball programs
…has already created buzz across the sports world.
What’s Next?
In the coming months, expect:
Official WNBA expansion updates
Further Pistons front-office announcements
Community basketball programs to launch
For Detroit fans, the future has never looked brighter.
> “This city has always been a basketball town,” Webber said. “Now, we’re making sure it stays that way.”
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