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Dert goes Hollywood.

After 8 seasons at the helm of the Detroit Pistons, in a somewhat shocking turn of events, GM Dert has been hired as the general manager of the Los Angeles Clippers, the team announced on Sunday. The twenty-some Dert takes the vacant position, which was last held by one of many “here today, gone tomorrow” GM's. In an exclusive interview, Anna Wallner sat down with the former Piston's General Manager to talk about his decision.

Anna: First of all, I would like to thank you for this interview. It is a well known fact that you have been one of the most quiet GM's in the last few seasons. Is there a particular reason for that?

Dert: It's my pleasure to be here on this very exciting day. Yes, I haven't been as outspoken as I used to be, but don't think for a second that my passion for the NLL has died down. I just had to take a step back for a bit and gain focus on what I wanted to accomplish in the league. I haven't reached all my goals yet, but today we start a brand new chapter.

Anna: Does the past chapter, Detroit, have a bad ending?

Dert: Well, not on my end. I am sure there are some fans that think I could have done a lot more during my tenure in the Motor City, but I think we had a pretty competitive run. We just ran into some great teams when we were able to make it to the playoffs. In 08/09 we had what I felt was out best team. I really felt great about that group and we just ran into that Toronto beast team that eventually won the championship. And who could forget the Sixers. It seems like every time they beat us, they would end up in the Finals. You know, all things considered, at least I take some comfort in knowing that I was beaten by the top of the class.

Anna: Will you miss the rivalry with Philly?

Dert: Well, its only a rivalry if both teams split wins. I wasn't able to pull off the win, but won't it be that much sweeter when it happens on the biggest stage of them all.

Anna: Obviously, the main reason why you were brought to Los Angeles was to deal with the LeBron James situation. How do you plan to go about handling it?

Dert: Ah, here we go... getting to the juicy part of the interview. To answer the question, simply put, you are not going to get LeBron James for free. I am sorry to disappoint Portland fans, but Mr. James will not be a free agent. I have been able to build up enough reputation to ensure that he will work with us in finding a new team. One way or another, we are going to get something out of it. And I think it will be something that Clippers fans can be excited about. I am sure not everyone in L.A. is happy about the best player in the league leaving, but I am confident that the right deal is out there. I just have to entice it to come out. Now, league officials have been very deliberate in letting us know that this is a pivotal moment for the league, so want to make sure that no one is disappointed.

Anna: Antawn Jamison is the only player under contract whose salary isn't mandated by the rookie salary scale, and altogether, the roster only has five players as of right now. How do you plan to fill out the roster?

Dert: We plan on signing all of out draft selections. Bledsoe is a given, but we feel really good about Jarvis and Latavious. I had a good look at both of them while I was scouting for Detroit and I feel they are both solid role players that will have long careers. As far as Antawn, I will have to sit down and talk to him about what he wants for his career. Obviously, with James leaving, he might feel like it is best for us to find him a new team. Perhaps he wants to be part of the Lebron deal. We feel he still has value in this league. Wether he is helping us or helping another team, it is up to him.

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