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What should Detroit Pistons do with Stan Van Gundy

By Braden Shackelford

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 11: Head coach Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons reacts in the first quarter against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on April 11, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. 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. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Stan Van Gundy
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 11: Head coach Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons reacts in the first quarter against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on April 11, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. 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. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Stan Van Gundy /
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Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores said he would meet with Stan Van Gundy this week to discuss the future of the team and Van Gundy’s role with the organization. What do you think the Pistons should do with Van Gundy?

Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores said last week that the team needs to make some changes, he just isn’t sure what those changes will be.

It’s a perplexing case to say the least.

Van Gundy has only been to the playoffs once in four seasons as President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach.

He also inherited a roster devoid of talent so he should receive somewhat of a pass for his first season at the helm at least.

In Van Gundy’s second season, the team peaked, going 44-38. It was the team’s only winning season under Van Gundy to date, and not only did the team make the playoffs, the way it played against the Cavaliers had Pistons fans hopeful of what was to come.

Only the team never took another step forward. In fact, due in part to injuries to Reggie Jackson, the team has fallen below expectations for two straight seasons.

In most cases, Van Gundy probably doesn’t get a pass considering the control he has had over the roster. But the team also made a tidal wave of a splash at the trade deadline by acquiring Blake Griffin.

The team never really had any chance to develop the right chemistry to succeed, especially with Jackson on the mend.

And therein lies the difficulty of evaluating what to do with Stan Van Gundy.

The team hasn’t lived up to expectations, but there have been plenty of excuses too.

The question the Pistons have to ask is whether someone can come in and do a better job than Van Gundy, but that questions spans across a few different levels, as it must be evaluated with a front office role in mind and a head coaching role in mind.

I personally would not fault the Pistons for whatever the team ultimately decides. Considering the complexity to the decision, I think there is merit either way.

Next: Gores to meet with Van Gundy next week to discuss future

For the sake of the article, I suppose I lean more towards keeping Van Gundy than not.

That’s my take, what’s yours?

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