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Detroit Pistons: Stan Van Gundy fined $15k for criticizing officials

By Braden Shackelford

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 7: Head Coach Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 7, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 7: Head Coach Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 7, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Pistons suffered another tough loss on Saturday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. To add fuel to the flame, head coach Stan Van Gundy has been fine $15,000 for his comments towards the officials after the game.

The Detroit Pistons fell to the Portland Trail Blazers100-87 on Saturday night, marking for 13 losses in 18 games.

After the game, Van Gundy let everyone know exactly how he felt about the officiating in Portland.

Via Detroit News:

"“A big part of (the Blazers’) defense — they play very hard; I don’t mean to take anything away from them,” Van Gundy said Saturday, “but when you can get away with playing like that and get screwed that badly by the officials, your defense is going to be pretty good.”"

Hard to say if Van Gundy let his temper get the best of him. Maybe all of the losing has really taken its toll on Van Gundy, and this was just the tipping point?

Or, Van Gundy just wanted everyone to know exactly how he was feeling.

With just 13 games left to go in the season, the Pistons are 6.5 games back in the standings for the playoffs.

The team is also strapped for cash, meaning there is hardly any wiggle room to add talent this offseason, and there is only about a 2.9% chance–if the season ended today–that the team would keep its first round draft pick.

All of this, and Van Gundy is entering into the final year of his contract, one that he may not have the opportunity to see through to the end.

Then there’s the fine for $15,000, adding insult to injury.

The Pistons future looks pretty bleak right now, and Van Gundy can’t feel very good at the possibilities of outcomes moving forward.

Even if he retains his job, there will be a limited number of things he can do, short of sacrificing even more future assets.

Next: Analyzing the Detroit Pistons capabilities financially

Here’s to the Pistons landing that top-3 pick.

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