The Motor City Cruise has proudly announced Max Unger as the team's new General Manager.
The Huntington Woods, MI native already has a wealth of experience from his time in operations with the San Antonio Spurs, to his return to Detroit as a scouting coordinator with the Pistons, followed by an impactful tenure as the Motor City Cruise's assistant General Manager.
"It's been great to lead our players, coaches, and staff, and developing them and getting them ready for the Pistons –– that's what it's all about, so I'm super excited. I'm from here so this is a special thing, means a lot to have that responsibility," Unger said.
Since joining the Cruise in 2021 — he's played a key role in shaping the team's vision and is ready to tackle the first bullet point on his checklist of goals for the upcoming season.
"I would say the first bullet point on everything we want to achieve is creating a place and a culture where players want to be in the gym every day and want to get better," Unger said. "I think that starts with the people you have, so I've made a few hires and surrounded myself and built out our coaching staff with people who are going to contribute to the spirit of the gym and making that culture what we want, because obviously, that's the place where all of the magic happens –– where all of the work gets put in. We need the players to walk in every single day and feel that –– feel that we are here for them every step of the way."
Unger will oversee the roster going forward, and recently held local tryouts this past Saturday at the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center. This tryout was a way for players to display their skills and vie for a spot in the Cruise's training camp. Last year's tryouts were notably successful, with Malique Jacobs from Kent State securing an opening night roster spot. Sam Peek's contributions with the Cruise gave him the opportunity to represent the Pistons on the grand stage at the NBA Summer League.
"Those guys are willing to do everything to contribute to winning, if they are playing two minutes, if they are playing 20. They don't change, so we are looking for the exact same stuff out of these guys today –– players who have the edge, who competes, and just trying to win basketball regardless of how many points they score," Unger said.
Embracing a mindset where every player is dedicated is what will define the team's success. As Max Unger steps up as the new general manager, it marks an exciting new phase in his professional journey.
Building a strong, cohesive unit that thrives on shared goals, the collaboration with former general manager –– Ben Carloni, who now works in the Detroit Pistons front office as the Director of Basketball Administration –– has established a strong foundation for developing talent and fostering a winning culture.
Photo Courtesy: @Motorcitycruise on Instagram
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