The Detroit Pistons made a surprising move in the NBA coaching world by firing head coach Monty Williams, just a year after signing him to a lucrative six-year, $78.5 million deal. This decision has left a coaching vacancy that has sparked rumors about potential candidates, including former NBA player and current ESPN analyst JJ Redick.
According to reports from Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports, Redick is being considered as a possible candidate for the Pistons head coaching position, as well as the Los Angeles Lakers coaching job. It is unclear how much interest Detroit can generate in Redick, especially since he is also a prime candidate for the Lakers’ job. Redick has a connection with the Pistons’ new team president Trajan Langdon, as they were both in New Orleans when Redick signed there as a free agent in 2019.
Despite his lack of coaching experience, Redick has made a successful transition from playing in the NBA to working in the media. He has gained popularity through his podcasts and his role as an analyst and color commentator on ESPN’s NBA broadcast team. However, coaching the Lakers would be a challenging task due to the team’s high profile and expectations.
The Pistons, on the other hand, are in a rebuilding phase with a young roster that includes promising talents like Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, and Ausar Thompson. The team is focused on development and improvement, rather than immediate playoff success. Under Williams’ coaching, the Pistons regressed last season, leading to the decision to let him go along with general manager Troy Weaver.
While some NBA analysts have expressed skepticism about the Pistons’ recent decisions, others believe that a change was necessary for the team to move forward. Redick’s potential appointment as head coach raises questions about whether he can steer the team in the right direction. Despite the uncertainties, Redick’s name continues to be linked to coaching opportunities, showcasing his appeal in the NBA coaching landscape.