Adam Rubin enters his fourth season as manager of esports for Pistons GT. Rubin is the architect behind the club’s roster, handling all personnel decisions, scouting responsibilities and overall team evaluation. He helped guide Pistons GT to a playoff berth in the team’s first season in the NBA2K League after a 9-5 regular season. Rubin started with the Detroit Pistons in September of 2013 and recently completed his eighth season with the organization. Prior to moving over to esports and working with leadership to found Pistons GT, Rubin worked as a producer for the team’s courtside radio show with Mark Champion and Rick Mahorn as well as produced content for Pistons.com. He spent two seasons covering the Pistons on the road for social and website content, while also directing concerts at DTE for more than 30 bands and tours and leading the exploration of 360 degree content that included a video that garnered over 2.8 million views. A native of Stamford, CT, Rubin has over 10 years of broadcast experience, covering events such as K1 Kickboxing, US Open of Martial Arts, World Combat League, Bellator MMA, Major League Lacrosse and bowling. He had stints with the Detroit Renegades and Michigan esports, and worked for NBC productions during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Rubin graduated from Trinity Catholic High School in 2007 and attended Eastern Connecticut State University and Norwalk Community College with a focus in business management and marketing.
Twitter: @AdamRubinNBA
Duane Burton is currently in his fourth season as team coordinator of esports for Pistons GT, where he serves as the head coach and deals with the day-to-day coaching duties, basketball strategy, team operations and player management. Burton burst onto the NBA2K League scene in 2018, leading Pistons GT to a 9-5 overall record that included a playoff appearance and NBA2K League Coach of the Year honors in the club’s inaugural season. Burton has been with the Detroit Pistons since 2008, working as a Game Operations Manager for the last 13 seasons. Burton oversees the Pistons entertainment teams and handles in-game programming and promotional activations. In coordination with the marketing team, he had an instrumental part in the Pistons earning the 2016 NBA Team Marketing Campaign of the Year. His additional roles have included promotional efforts for Palace Sports & Entertainment for concerts and viewing parties, as well as various other team outings. Burton also has experience on the hardwood, bringing eight years of Jr. NBA and high school coaching experience into his head coaching role with Pistons GT. The Detroit, MI native previously served in the military for four years, spending time abroad with specials ops units across Germany, France, Baghdad, Italy and Spain. Aside from his time serving, Burton has always resided in Detroit.
Twitter: @KingDuOne | Instagram: @KingDuOne