When the Detroit Pistons handed the keys over to Stan Van Gundy, many fans thought this was going to be the guy that lifts the Pistons out of mediocrity. (Including myself). Now that we’ve gotten four seasons out of Van Gundy, it’s time to take the fan’s temperature. What’s your confidence level in Stan Van Gundy?
The Detroit Pistons are better today than they were before Stan Van Gundy took over as President of Basketball Operations and Head coach. Not only in record, but also in talent level.
Still, that’s not saying much considering the Pistons were bottom feeders in a weak Eastern Conference for the previous five seasons.
In the Van Gundy era, the Pistons have made the playoffs in 33 percent of the seasons he’s coached, and finished 12th and 10th in the Eastern Conference every other season.
He has also added three borderline all-stars in Reggie Jackson, Avery Bradley. and Tobias Harris. In fact, if the NBA didn’t suddenly produce all of these super teams (Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers), the Pistons would at least be in shouting distance of making a deep playoff run.
Still some could argue that Van Gundy has done a poor job developing his players as Andre Drummond, along with young gun Stanley Johnson have had little progression under Van Gundy. In fact, some would say they have both regressed.
With all of that in mind, what’s your confidence level in Stan Van Gundy’s ability to build and lead this team?
Let’s put this on a 10-point scale.
My confidence level in Stan Van Gundy is still fairly high. I would score him at an eight.
Next: Best and worst case scenarios for Avery Bradley
What’s your confidence level?