What happened: Trajan Langdon, the Detroit Pistons' top basketball executive, enters the offseason with a clear sense of the direction he wants the franchise to take. Translating that vision into actual moves is the more difficult challenge that lies ahead.

Why it matters: With the draft and free agency approaching, the choices Langdon makes will determine whether Detroit builds on its recent momentum. The front office's ability to land the right pieces — not just identify them — will define how much the Pistons can close the gap in a competitive Eastern Conference.

What to watch: Watch how Langdon navigates the draft and the opening of free agency to see whether the plan and the execution line up.