The Detroit Pistons finally concluded their search for a new head coach last night, announcing that they had struck a deal with Monty Williams.
You have to hand it to Tom Gores on this one, he stayed patient, stuck with his guy and eventually signed the biggest check for a coach in NBA history.
Now that they have landed one of the best coaches on the market, the Pistons will turn their attention to the roster, as they will have the 5th pick in the NBA Draft to go along with upwards of $30 million in cap space to make impact additions.
Adding Williams could certainly make the Detroit Pistons a more desirable free-agent destination, as it shows they are committed to winning soon and Williams has good relationships with players all over the league after being a long-time assistant and head coach.
Here are eight players on the free-agent market this summer who have connections to Monty Williams and may want to reunite with their former coach.
Detroit Pistons: 8 free agents with ties to Monty Williams
Robin Lopez
Can I just say that I love the Lopaii? Brook and Robin just continue to chug along after all of their big-man peers were ushered out of the league. Brook figured out how to shoot 3-point shots and Robin continues to be a good team defender and rebounder who also takes out the other team’s mascot.
It’s hard to see the Pistons signing another big man given that they already have Isaiah Stewart, Jalen Duren, James Wiseman and Marvin Bagley III (for now) but if they wanted to add a veteran mentor to that group we could see Robin Lopez reunite with his former coach from New Orleans.