The Detroit Pistons are the next NBA franchise on the lookout for a new coach after firing Monty Williams after just a season on Wednesday.
As we look at the field of possible candidates to replace Williams and try to lead a franchise revival for Detroit, there are some strong candidates available for the Pistons organization to consider.
From former coaches to rising assistants, these five names could be an excellent fit for what the Pistons need to do to get the team back on track.
Let’s look at who they are and why they’d make sense, with one of these names a former NBA star who could get his second opportunity as a coach.
James Borrego
The former Charlotte Hornets coach and current New Orleans Pelicans assistant has been a popular interview candidate in this NBA cycle, and Yahoo Sports writer Vincent Goodwill tabs him as a serious candidate for the Detroit job. While he never made the NBA playoffs with the Hornets, his last season with the team posted a winning 43-39 record. He might be a very good fit for a rebuilding Pistons team that needs to learn how to win.
Sam Cassell
With the Boston Celtics hoisting this season’s NBA title, other teams would be very wise to take a look at their assistants. Cassell has tons of experience as a high caliber assistant coach, and he’s been with Boston since 2023 and coached under Doc Rivers before that with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Clippers. Cassell also brings his experience as a former NBA player to the table as well. He’s a strong candidate for Detroit to consider.
Johnnie Bryant
The New York Knicks were one of the feel-good teams of this past season, and Athletic Pistons writer James L. Edwards III mentioned Knicks associate head coach Johnnie Bryant as a possible candidate for the job. Considering the special season New York just had, we wouldn’t be surprised if Bryant got an extensive look for the Pistons job as that team looks for a similar renaissance with its youthful talent.
Steve Nash
If the Pistons want to make a real splash, they could give Nash, an all-time NBA talent, his second opportunity to be a head coach in the league. His run with the Brooklyn Nets from 2020-22 was marred with controversies, but his records in his two full seasons as a coach in 2020 and 2021 were both winning. Free from the drama of trying to manage a super team, Nash could thrive as the leader of a rebuilding franchise and make his mark as a coach, similar to what Jason Kidd did with the Dallas Mavericks.
Kenny Atkinson
Another former Nets coach who might make a lot of sense for the Pistons is Atkinson, who is currently an assistant with the Golden State Warriors. Any team wanting to bring the Warriors offense to their franchise would be smart to give Atkinson an interview, as he’s had a front-row seat to the organization for the past few seasons. He feels primed for another head coaching opportunity, and the Pistons might be the right fit.
