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The Detroit Pistons have found their man, hiring Monty Williams as their next head coach on Wednesday, according to The Athletic and Stadium’s Shams Charania.
Williams reportedly received a six-year contract worth $78.5 million, making him the highest-paid head coach in NBA history, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. He will replace Dwane Casey, who resigned after five seasons at the end of the 2022-23 campaign to take a front-office position.
According to Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports, the contract could reach $100 million with incentives. It also includes additional team options after the six-year deal.
Williams spent the last four seasons as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns, building the team into the league’s winningest franchise over the past three years. He led the team to an NBA Finals appearance in 2021, and was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2022.
The 51-year-old oversaw one of the most grueling rebuilding projects in the league, as the Pistons finished last in the Central Division for the third consecutive season with a 17-65 record. The team got the No. 5 picks in the 2023 NBA draft during the lottery on May 16.
Detroit has not made the playoffs in any of the last four years and has an overall record of 121-263 in five years under Casey.
When the Pistons made the 2019 playoffs in Casey’s first year as head coach, it was only their second postseason appearance since 2010. The team was swept by their opponents twice.
Despite the franchise’s recent lack of success, the Pistons have some good young pieces that inspire hope for the future. The 2022 No. 5 overall pick Jaden Ivey had a strong rookie season averaging 16.3 points and 5.2 assists, while Killian Hayes, Jalen Duren and James Wiseman all showed potential throughout the year.
However, Detroit’s future will undoubtedly depend on the 2021 No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham, who was limited to 12 games last season with a broken foot. When he was healthy, he averaged 19.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists, which improved on his averages from his rookie season.
Williams certainly hopes the 21-year-old will be strong next season as the Pistons try to get back to the playoffs.
Detroit still has a lot to address this offseason to complete its rebuild. Hiring Williams is a step in the right direction.
