Former Pistons coach Scotty Robertson dies of cancer

Former Pistons coach Scotty Robertson died today, according to the Shreveport Times.

In “The Detroit Pistons: More Than Four Decades of Motor City Memories,” Steve Addy recalled Robertson’s first season with the Pistons:

"The NBA hadn’t been especially fair to 50-year-old Scotty Robertson, who on June 5, 1980 was named the 16th head coach of the Pistons. He had two previous coaching stints, but neither lasted long enough to get a read on his skills. He was the first head coach the expansion New Orleans Jazz in 1974, but was canned after a 1-14 start. Then with Chicago in ‘78-79, he coached the Bulls to an 11-15 record in the final 26 games. “I never got a good chance,” Robertson said. “I feel this club can win and I’m not talking down the road. I’m talking about now.” His optimism would serve him well during  a difficult 21-61 season."

A photo accompanied that passage, and it was captioned:

"Arkansas-born Scotty Robertson brought a folksy manner to to the Pistons’ head coaching job."