Pistons Rumors: Assistant Coach Rex Kalamian to Interview for HC Job

Rex Kalamian, an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons, is set to interview for the organization's head coaching job this week, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

A longtime assistant who began his NBA career in 1995, Kalamian was a stalwart on Dwane Casey's staff dating back to his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Casey chose to step down as the Pistons head coach at the end of the season and took a job in the team's front office.

Kalamian came to Detroit ahead of the 2021-22 season.

First coaching at the college level, Kalamian began his NBA journey with the Clippers, where he spent nearly a decade from 1995 to 2003. He went on to have stints with the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Kings (twice), Thunder, Raptors and Pistons.

But he has yet to get a shot at a top job.

In addition to Kalamian, the Pistons have requested or received permission to interview several other assistants throughout the league, namely Jarron Collins of the Pelicans, Brian Keefe of the Nets, Chris Quinn of the Heat and Charles Lee Jr. of the Bucks.

The organization also wants to interview Kevin Ollie, a former NBA player who is best known for leading UConn to an NCAA title in 2014. He was the head of coaching and basketball development with Overtime Elite from 2021 to this March when he stepped down.

Regardless of who gets the job, they'll have their work cut out for them. Detroit finished with the worst record in the league at 17-65 but has a young and talented core that can be built upon.

Some of the team's young stars include Cade Cunningham—who has yet to put together a healthy campaign—Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren and James Wiseman. And the Pistons could get a cornerstone if they are able to land the No. 1 pick and superstar prospect Victor Wembanyama.