Detroit Pistons head coach Monty Williams will be under the microscope even if it is reportedly likely he will return to his position next season.
James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reported on the Eastern Conference team Sunday and noted Pistons governor Tom Gores may hire a new president of basketball operations who would oversee all basketball decisions. It is something Detroit has not had since 2018, and, in theory, could mean the new decision-maker may look to hire a new staff.
Yet Edwards noted "it appears as of now" that Williams will return in 2024-25 as long as "demonstrates that he can deliver significantly more progress in the development of its team and players" as the Pistons seek "total synergy from the top down."
Williams arrived in Detroit ahead of the 2023-24 campaign with plenty of fanfare considering he had just led the Phoenix Suns to three consecutive playoff appearances. One of those postseason appearances came in 2020 when he guided the team to the NBA Finals before a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Some rebuilding was to be expected for the Pistons after they went 17-65 in 2022-23, but they have actually taken a step back in the standings with a 14-67 record this season. They also achieved some infamy by losing an NBA-record 27 straight games in a single season.
That losing streak finally ended at 28 on Dec. 30, which tied the 2014-15 and 2015-16 Philadelphia 76ers for the all-time record. Philadelphia set the mark across two different seasons.
There may be some reason for optimism in Detroit, as Cade Cunningham is an excellent player and building block at 22 years old. Jaden Ivey, who is also 22, has shown flashes of his potential, as has 20-year-old Jalen Duren.
Still, it is hard to feel too encouraged with the worst record in the NBA, which is why Williams will be facing pressure to help develop immediate improvement.
Otherwise the front office and perhaps a new president of basketball operations may look elsewhere.
