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Detroit Pistons: Differences between Dwane Casey and Stan Van Gundy

By Edward Zilincik

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)
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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AUBURN HILLS, MI – APRIL 24: Head Coach Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons speaks at a press conference after Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2016 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2016 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI – APRIL 24: Head Coach Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons speaks at a press conference after Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2016 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2016 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Coaching record and playoff success

What exactly will the Detroit Pistons receive with Casey at the helm compared to if they had kept Van Gundy for the final year of his contract? Here’s a look at the differences between the two coaches.

Stan Van Gundy went 523-384 (.577 winning percentage) in 12 seasons (11 full seasons) while being fired 21 games into the 2005-06 season with Miami. Van Gundy coached for three seasons in Miami, five seasons in Orlando, and four seasons in Detroit.

While Van Gundy had success in his 12 years as coach, Casey’s resume is solid as well.

Casey is 373-307 (.549 winning percentage) in nine seasons as head coach. Casey, like Van Gundy, was fired midway through a season in 2006-07 with the Timberwolves. Casey previously coached two seasons in Minnesota and seven seasons in Toronto while also being the de facto defensive coordinator for the 2011 champion Dallas Mavericks.

When it comes to playoff success however, Van Gundy has the upper hand on Casey.

Van Gundy made the playoffs eight of his 12 seasons as a coach, won nine playoff series, made three conference final appearances, and advanced to the 2009 NBA Finals.

Casey has only made the playoffs in five out of his nine seasons, won four playoff series, made one conference finals appearance, and has never advanced to an NBA Finals.

This column clearly goes to Van Gundy because of his overall resume of success prior to arriving in Detroit. Van Gundy somehow managed to take a team with Rafer Alston as the starting point guard to the Finals while beating LeBron James in his prime along the way – an accomplishment Casey failed miserably at doing.

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