By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Detroit Pistons agreed to dismiss head coach Monty Williams after spending one full season with the franchise confirmed on June 19, 2024.
After a disappointing 14-68 win-loss record during the recently concluded NBA season, the worst in the league, the Detroit front office collectively decided to terminate his coaching contract and will leave their head coaching post available once again.
The Pistons entered the 2023-2024 NBA season full of expectations after Williams arrived on the East Coast and believed in his coaching philosophy when he led the Phoenix Suns to consecutive NBA Playoff campaigns.
However, Detroit only managed to win 14 games and set a new NBA record for consecutive losses when they dropped 28 straight games.
“Decisions like these are difficult to make, and I want to thank Monty for his hard work and dedication,” said Detroit team owner Tom Gores.
The Pistons also faced a huge problem with their consistency and only managed to tally a season-high of two consecutive wins in terms of their winning streaks.
“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,” added Gores.
As of now, the Pistons are yet to make a short list of their targeted head coaches that will assume Williams’ post effective next NBA season.
Detroit still has tons of talent in their roster, led by former no. 1 pick Cade Cunningham who averaged a career-high in points and assists after the 2023-2024 NBA season with 22.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds.
Backstopping Cunningham in the Detroit pool are Jalen Duren, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, and Isaiah Stewart.
