Detroit Pistons: Differences between Dwane Casey and Stan Van Gundy

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 25: Head coach Dwane Casey of the Detroit Pistons talks with Blake Griffin #23 at Little Caesars Arena on October 25, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 110-103. 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. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 11: Head coach Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons looks on in the second 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) /

Why Van Gundy was Fired

After Van Gundy led the Pistons to a 44-38 record in 2015-16 and their first playoff appearance since 2008-09, expectations were heightened for the team to improve in the coming years. That obviously did not end up happening, as the Pistons went 76-88 in the next two seasons.

President Van Gundy did an even worse job after the 2016 season, by doling out questionable free-agent contracts to Jon Leuer, Langston Galloway, and Boban Marjanovic.

Meanwhile, with the colossal draft mistake of passing on Devin Booker for Stanley Johnson already on his resume, Van Gundy doubled down in the 2017 draft by taking Luke Kennard (a solid player) over Donovan Mitchell (a player who looks like a superstar).

Even though Van Gundy received rotten luck with Reggie Jackson suffering through two injured plagued seasons, the majority of decisions he made didn’t end up working out, and change was necessary.

It was important for the credibility of Gores as owner to hold Van Gundy accountable for Van Gundy’s fireable offenses and the lackluster coaching record over the last two seasons.

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