NBA
The Monty Williams Experiment With The Detroit Pistons Proved To Be A Really Bad Fit
To accurately describe the Detroit Pistons in Game of Thrones terms, winter has come, and there is no sign of things heating up anytime soon.
Jun 19, 2024
Sometimes, people take a new job and realize it is a bad fit after a couple of weeks. The question is, who came to the realization of the bad fit first, Williams or the dysfunctional Detroit Pistons front office?
After a disastrous first season, the Pistons fired head coach Monty Williams on Wednesday. Williams exits Detroit with five years and over $65 million left on his deal and a newly tarnished reputation. Was the team's performance all of his Williams fault-no but he certainly contributed to a downward spiral that the team went on this past season. He basically appeared to never really connect with the youth of the team which at times clearly tunned him out.
The Pistons now hold one of those records they would prefer to own. Last year, they lost an NBA-record 28 straight games before snapping that skid in late December. Detroit finished the season winning just 14 games, and clearly, something needed to be done throughout the organization.
Just last month the Pistons hired Trajan Langdon as their new president, but team owner Tom Gores made the final call.
"Decisions like these are difficult to make, and I want to thank Monty for his hard work and dedication," said Pistons owner Tom Gores in a statement. "Coaching has many dynamic challenges that emerge during a season and Monty always handled those with grace. However, after reviewing our performance carefully and assessing our current position as an organization, we will chart a new course moving forward."
"I have great respect for Monty as a coach and as a person, and I am certain he will be successful in his future endeavors," added Gores. "I sincerely wish him and his family the very best."
To accurately describe the Detroit Pistons in Game of Thrones terms, winter has come, and there is no sign of things heating up anytime soon. 2008 was the last time they won a postseason game.
The Pistons have had four consecutive lottery picks, highlighted by Cade Cunningham, the 2021 No. 1 overall pick. Detroit also drafted Killian Hayes (No. 7 in 2020), Jaden Ivey (No. 5 in 2022), and Ausar Thompson (No. 5 in 2023). Hayes started 31 games for Detroit last season but was waived on Feb. 8.
The Pistons have the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
