With Darvin Ham being named the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, another former Detroit Pistons’ player is in a position of prominence in the NBA.
There likely is not another coaching job in the league that holds as much luster as the Lakers, despite the recent failures. Many coaching legends have held this position including Phil Jackson and Pat Riley.
Beginning as an Atlanta Hawks assistant in 2013, Darvin eventually made his way to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he served as an assistant on their championship team last season.
As one of the more respected assistant coaches in the league, it was only a matter of time before Darvin got a head coaching gig. Now, he finds himself in a huge, high-pressure situation in Los Angeles.
Being the head coach of LeBron James has proved to volatile over the years. Throw in the fact that you’re in LA and the Russell Westbrook situation, and you have your work cut out for you.
That may be why Darvin Ham decided to bring in the ultimate enforcer.
Players respect Rasheed. At least that is the hope. If anyone can light a fire under Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook, it is Rasheed.
There is a reason the Pistons hired Rasheed as an assistant in 2013 and why Penny Hardaway took a chance on him for the University of Memphis last season: Rasheed Wallace is a leader and knows how to get things done.
It would best serve the Lakers if both Darvin and Rasheed instilled some defensive intensity and togetherness into this Lakers team, similar to that of the 2003-2004 Detroit Pistons.
Detroit Pistons: The Goin’ to Work coaching tree
Adding both now Lakers coaches to the list, the 2003-2004 Pistons roster has now produced eight players with NBA coaching or front office experience.
Even the man that put it all together, Joe Dumars, is now the Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations of the entire NBA.
Now that is an impressive coaching tree.
Looking down the 2004 roster, Chauncey Billups is the current head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, after serving as an assistant on the Clippers. This is one that we all saw coming as Chauncey was a coach on the floor as a player.
Tayshaun Prince is the current Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Memphis Grizzlies, one of the more respected front offices in the league.
Ben Wallace is a team engagement advisor for the Detroit Pistons and part of basketball operations. His duties include being the best good luck charm of all-time at the NBA draft lottery, and he has also been working with the Pistons’ bigs.
It will be interesting if the Pistons can find a similar place for Richard Hamilton now that he is back on good terms with the organization.
Even Corliss Williamson, Mehmet Okur, and Lindsey Hunter have served as assistant coaches for various NBA franchises including the Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, and Phoenix Suns.
A list this extensive really makes you think…something impressive was going on in that locker room that season.
It might have been the leadership of Larry Brown, whose resume speaks for itself and now serves as an assistant coach for the University of Memphis.
It could have been Joe Dumars’ guidance or the selfless leadership of the veterans all up-and-down the roster.
We know it wasn’t just one thing, but whatever it was, the legacy of that championship roster continues to grow.
As time passes, the impact of the 2004 Pistons continues to be felt, not just in legend, but throughout the framework of NBA leadership.
These are the type of guys you want running the league.
This also shows that things really do come full circle.
18 years ago, the Detroit Pistons dismantled the Lakers in five games to become NBA champions. Now two of those players will attempt to build things back in Los Angeles.
If you need stability and excellence, just ask a former Detroit Piston.