Kander leaving Pistons, but Abdenour sticking around

A familiar face will be missing from the Detroit Pistons' sideline next season.

But the team will retain another longtime employee.

Arnie Kander, who has worked for the Pistons for 23 years, informed the organization that he will resign when his contract expires June 30, the Pistons announced Monday.

He spent the majority of that time as the Pistons' strength and conditioning coach, before becoming the team physical therapist for the first year of Stan Van Gundy's regime as president/coach.

Meanwhile, Van Gundy later confirmed to the Free Press that Mike Abdenour, the athletic trainer who has been with the organization for nearly 40 years, will have his contract extended. He is now the team's director of operations, a position created when Van Gundy was hired in May 2014.

Kander was hired in 1992, when the team was owned by Bill Davidson. Tom Gores bought the team in 2011.

"The Detroit Pistons have been a huge part of my extended family and I'll forever cherish the relationships and friendships that have been built both inside and outside the organization over the years," Kander said in a released statement. "I'm also grateful to both Mr. Davidson and Mr. Gores for the opportunity and support they provided during my 23 years with the team. It's been an incredible run filled with many great memories along the way. I look forward to spending time with my family and the next chapter life brings."

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Kander, 55, is considered an innovator when it comes to rehabbing injures. He incorporated yoga and techniques learned as a dancer into his regimens.

Antonio McDyess joined the Pistons in 2004, trying to preserve a career derailed by knee injuries. He turned into an iron man in Detroit, playing all 82 games in two of his five seasons. He played in 77 and 78 games in two other seasons.

Jonas Jerebko suffered a partially torn Achilles in the first preseason game of 2010, but he could have returned to the lineup before the end of the regular season if the Pistons had been in the playoff chase.

But when Van Gundy was hired, Kander was moved to physical therapist, and a new strength and conditioning coach was hired.

"Arnie Kander has been a valued member of the Detroit Pistons for many years – contributing to the development of numerous players while also overseeing injury prevention, treatment and rehabilitation," Van Gundy said. "We appreciate the commitment he has made to the organization over 23 years and his efforts throughout the last year during our transition. We certainly wish Arnie the best in his future endeavors."

Contact Vince Ellis: vellis@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @vincent_ellis56.