Stern says Palace the place for Pistons

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NBA commissioner David Stern admitted he wasn't expecting the question.

At the news conference shortly before the Pistons faced the Knicks, Stern was asked about the prospects of the Pistons moving from Auburn Hills to a new downtown arena.

At first Stern referred to Pistons owner Tom Gores and Palace president Dennis Mannion, who were in attendance. But he ultimately gave a solid endorsement to the Palace.

"It's been a great home for us, and indeed it is, I'd say, given the recent reinvestments that have been made by Tom Gores and Dennis Mannion and that whole team," Stern said. "It's the best preserved of its age that we have, and it's just about as modern as can be. So I have had not part of any discussion for a replacement arena for that."

But that doesn't stop the speculation. A proposal for a new downtown stadium and entertainment district was announced last month by the Ilitch family's Olympia Development.

Gores was asked about the possibility and he didn't rule it out, saying it's something to consider if it helps the Pistons grow.