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.
Detroit Pistons: 8 free agents with ties to Monty Williams
Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook and Monty Williams crossed paths for a year in OKC and again on the USA National team where Williams was an assistant coach.
It’s strange to say that Westbrook is actually a bit underrated at this point, as people love to clown on his shooting, but the guy is a former MVP who still brings value on both ends.
It’s hard to see a fit on the Detroit Pistons, as they already have young guards, although one of them, Jaden Ivey, is often compared to Westbrook and could probably learn a thing or two from him.
But Westbrook is unlikely to want to be a role player on a young team, so it’s far more likely he takes a deal to join a contender.
If the Pistons had him on a minimum deal and he agreed to come off the bench, I’d love Westbrook, but neither of those things are likely to happen, so Westbrook is probably not coming to Detroit.
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.