The Detroit Pistons have made waves in the NBA by firing head coach Monty Williams after just one season, despite his hefty six-year, $78.5 million contract. This surprising decision leaves the Pistons with $65 million in obligations to Williams, a move that stunned many in the league, including Williams himself. As the Pistons begin a fresh coaching search, the Los Angeles Lakers, who are also in the midst of finding a new head coach, are reportedly not considering Williams for their vacancy.
Williams, who was hired by the Pistons after being dismissed by the Phoenix Suns, endured a challenging season with Detroit. The team finished with a dismal 14-68 record, tying an NBA record with a 28-game losing streak. This performance marked one of the worst seasons in NBA history, further tarnishing the Pistons’ already struggling franchise.
Despite the dire circumstances, Williams had been engaging in discussions about the future of the franchise with new Pistons president of basketball operations, Trajan Langdon. These conversations made the timing of his firing even more unexpected. Detroit’s decision was reportedly driven by ownership, specifically team owner Tom Gores, who decided to move in a new direction.
With the Lakers still searching for a replacement for Darvin Ham, who was fired after a disappointing first-round playoff exit, speculation immediately arose about Williams potentially joining the Lakers. However, Shams Charania of The Athletic has reported that Williams is not in the running for the Lakers’ head coaching job.
“I haven’t gotten the sense that Monty Williams is gonna be in the picture for the Lakers,” Charania stated during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show. This sentiment aligns with the Lakers’ current trajectory in their coaching search, which has prominently featured former NBA player and current ESPN analyst JJ Redick, despite his lack of coaching experience.
The Lakers have been methodical in their approach to finding a new head coach. They have considered several candidates, including UConn’s Dan Hurley and New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego. Hurley turned down a lucrative offer to remain at UConn, while Borrego’s candidacy has not progressed significantly. Redick, on the other hand, has garnered substantial attention and is seen as a front-runner despite his inexperience.
Redick’s potential appointment has raised eyebrows, given the high-profile nature of the Lakers’ coaching role and the pressure that comes with leading a team featuring superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Redick’s lack of coaching experience contrasts sharply with Williams’ extensive resume, which includes leading the Suns to the NBA Finals in 2021 and earning Coach of the Year honors.
Williams, known for his coaching prowess and leadership, will likely find another opportunity in the NBA, although he may take some time away from coaching. With $65 million owed to him, Williams is in a comfortable position to assess his next move carefully.
The Pistons, meanwhile, are at a crossroads. They must find a new head coach who can develop their young talent, including Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Jalen Duren, and help the franchise move past its recent struggles. Detroit’s front office overhaul, led by Langdon, signals a significant shift in strategy as they aim to rebuild and restore the team’s competitive edge.