Pistons general manager Joe Dumars wants to improve the talent level around rookie point guard Brandon Knight and second-year center Greg Monroe.

“Greg and Brandon are cornerstones here,” Dumars said. “They’re guys you can build around. They are ultimate high-character guys, both of them. They are the ultimate competitors. Work ethic – you see each of them getting better, Greg from last year to this year, Brandon – as we sit here, this is day 38 we’ve been together – in 38 days, you’ve seen this kid improve already.

“Those are the type of guys we want – young, talented guys, but we want super high-character guys, guys who want to win, guys who are dedicated, tremendous work ethic like those guys.

“Those two young guys, they epitomize everything – everything – that you want with a Detroit Piston.”