During Tuesday’s introductory press conference with the Detroit Pistons, head coach Monty Williams revealed why he initially hesitated to take the job.
His wife, Lisa, was diagnosed with breast cancer while Williams coached the Phoenix Suns in the NBA playoffs. Doctors detected it early, and they have since received “great news” on her condition that led him to accept Detroit’s offer.
Monty and Lisa decided to disclose her diagnosis to encourage women to get tested.
Onlookers sent well wishes to the Williams family following the frightening situation.
“You truly don’t know what people go through at any given time behind closed doors,” Sportsnet’s Savanna Hamilton said. “That’s why empathy at all times is important.”
You truly don’t know what people go through at any given time behind closed doors.
That’s why empathy at all times is important. https://t.co/0Ng5MckzsY
— Savanna Hamilton (@SavHamilton11) June 13, 2023
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“Sending thoughts to the Williams family,” Raptors HQ’s Chelsea Leite wrote.
“Could not imagine trying to win a championship with that on my mind,” a fan wrote .
Could not imagine trying to win a championship with that on my mind https://t.co/5W4dZLE3he
— Collin Breckner (@collinbreeze) June 13, 2023
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“Monty and his family have been through far too much to deserve this. Hopefully they got it early enough that all is well now,” another fan said .
Williams said Pistons general manager Troy Weaver reached out about their coaching position right after Phoenix fired him. Of course, his wife’s health was more important at the moment.
He believes early detection might have saved Lisa’s life. They received an encouraging update earlier than anticipated, so he reignited talks with the Pistons after.
Hopefully all is well for Lisa and the Williams family following the cancer scare.