The Detroit Pistons are the newest NBA team with a head coaching vacancy, as they moved on from Monty Williams Tuesday after one season.
Williams, 52, was given a six-year, $78.5 million contract by the Pistons last June, but after a 14-68 regular season, new team president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon decided it was best to cut the cord.
Currently, the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers are the two other franchises with head coach openings, and NBA insider Shams Charania said on “The Pat McAfee Show ” this afternoon he expects both of them to fill their spots before Detroit does.
Charania added that the Pistons are looking to have a coach in place by the time the NBA Summer League starts on July 12, but are less concerned with making a hire before next week’s draft or the start of free agency.
“One coaching candidate who is at the top of their list is [former Charlotte Hornets head coach] James Borrego, but he is gaining traction in Cleveland to potentially be the Cavs head coach,” Charania said. “So, if James Borrego does come off the board with the Cavs, then if you’re Detroit, you’re looking at more young head coaching candidates.”
Among the younger names who could interest Detroit, per Charania, are New York Knicks assistant Johnnie Bryant, Miami Heat assistant Chris Quinn and Dallas Mavericks assistant Sean Sweeney.
The Pistons have been the NBA’s worst team over the last five years since their most recent playoff appearance in 2019. The franchise’s last winning season (2015-16) is even further in the rearview.
Whoever Langdon winds up hiring, the pressure will be on for him to make the right call.
Related: Detroit Pistons Reportedly Make Decision On Head Coach Monty Williams