Detroit Pistons: 8 free agents with ties to Monty Williams

Detroit Pistons: 8 free agents with ties to Monty Williams

Most of the free agents on this list come from Williams’ most recent job as head coach of the Phoenix Suns, and there are some interesting names who could definitely benefit the Pistons.

Aaron Holiday

If Detroit is looking for a veteran point guard to play off the bench and compete with Killian Hayes for minutes, Holiday could be an option. He is a tough on-the-ball defender and can shoot the 3-ball a little.

Jae Crowder

Crowder didn’t do himself any favors by holding out for most of the season and then only playing 18 games for the Bucks after being traded. He didn’t get much run with the Bucks or do much in the minutes he had and I can’t imagine his holdout endeared him much to Monty Williams. On paper, a player like him is a fit, but in reality, he’s probably a pass.

Torrey Craig

My dream of Craig playing for the Pistons may be closer to reality! Seriously, I’ve been writing about this guy for what seems like 10 years now. He’s a tough wing defender who can shoot and had his best years under Monty Williams in Phoenix.

Jevon Carter

Another guy I really like for the Pistons. He’s a pesky defender who can shoot the 3-ball, won’t cost much and would give some much-needed competition for Killian Hayes.

Kelly Oubre Jr.

Oubre Jr. had a breakout season in his one year under Monty Williams in Phoenix. This year he averaged over 20 points per game on a bad Charlotte team while putting up inefficient shooting numbers. The Detroit Pistons definitely need help on the wing, and Oubre is not a bad player but he should be Plan B or C if they strike out on some guys who are better shooters from long range.

Cameron Johnson

Speaking of better shooters from long range. Cameron Johnson is another guy who had his breakout season under Williams on the Suns. Johnson is a big wing who has shot nearly 40 percent from 3-point range for his career and would be a nice fit next to Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. The problem is that he is a restricted free agent and it’s hard to see Brooklyn just letting him walk after he was one of the key pieces in the Kevin Durant trade. Would he be interested in a reunion with his former coach? Depending on their relationship, adding Monty Williams might help the Pistons woo Johnson to Detroit.