Waiting for the Ax: 5 Potential Coaches for the Detroit Pistons
I don't know about you Pistons Nation, but I can't help from hearing John Williams' theme for Darth Vader from Star Wars when thinking about the fate of coach John Kuester.
Bum-bum-ba-bum-bum-ba-bum-bum-ba-bum.
We all know it is coming. Team president Joe Dumars is about to come aboard the Death Star and crush the windpipe of the suspecting coach. His end is coming, and everyone knows it.
Now we can all talk until we are blue in the face about the untenable situation he inherited, the petulant cry baby roster and the injuries. We have all heard it before, and we have all said it before.
True, it was a terrible situation, but he guy just was not a good coach, and his mistakes made the whole situation worse.
It's like blaming a bad dish you cooked on the recipe or the ingredients you were supplied with. Yeah, it was a bad recipe, but you cooked it. The buck stops with you, so own up to it.
More importantly, it is time to start looking forward to the next coach of this franchise since we all know that day is coming. So before we fly off the handle and discredit the next guy that we bring in, let's take a second and vet the potential candidates for this post.
Mike Woodson
1 of 5
Pros
Mike Woodson has proven that he can win in this league. He is a player's coach with a solid understanding of the x's and o's of the game.
He, like Kuester, is a disciple of Larry Brown, and he was with Detroit when it last won the title in 2004.
By all accounts, the players liked Woodson quite a bit when he was here.
Cons
Most of the pros could be attributed to Kuester as well.
Furthermore, he was perceived as underachieving with the Hawks and was ultimately fired this year. After his firing, his team actually improved, and now it is one of a handful of teams still playing.
Outlook
Personally, I don't think Woodson is exactly the type of big-name hire new owner Tom Gores is looking for. Gores is a Hollywood guy, and I'm sure he will want the big name hire.
Additionally, if the Pistons decide to go with a proven coach, they probably will want someone that is more proven.
I put the odds of Woodson being hired at about one in five.
Rick Adelman
2 of 5
Pros
Rick Adelman has had a long and relatively successful career as a head coach. He has had nice runs in the playoffs, though he has never won it all.
He is known as a player's coach, tends to be somewhat laid back and commands respect through his resume and experience.
Cons
Right now, I think Dumars has had his fill with player's coaches. Dumars will want more of an authoritarian front man in the mold of Doug Collins or Tom Thibodeau.
Besides, Dumars is not likely to go for a guy who will want a big chunk of the power. Adelman will most likely want to buy some of the groceries, and Dumars will want to retain total power, especially with a new owner on board.
Overall
Adelman is a long shot. I put him at around 20-1.
Mark Jackson
3 of 5
Pros
Jackson has instant credibility. He is one of the outspoken faces of NBA telecasts, he has a strong command of the game and he is a former player known for his intelligence.
Jackson has been one of the hot names for a number of years, and was rumored at one point to be a candidate for the Pistons.
Cons
With so many near misses, one has to wonder why he hasn't gotten his shot yet. Does he really want to give up the cushy digs of ESPN telecasts?
Additionally, just because he was a great leader on the court doesn't mean he will be a great leader with a clipboard. Remember Michael Curry anyone?
Outlook
Jackson will most definitely get a shot to coach an NBA team, and I really think he wants it. But Dumars might be apprehensive to give him that shot given the debacle of his last two choices. Dumars needs more of a sure thing.
I put the odds at 10-1.
Jeff Van Gundy
4 of 5
Pros
Of all the potential coaches out there, Van Gundy has the biggest name recognition. He was a very popular coach during his days in New York, and he gets a lot of respect from the current generation for his ESPN work.
Van Gundy is also a defensive-minded coach who will command respect, and his fiery demeanor fits with the Doug Collins school of coaching.
Cons
I have a feeling that Van Gundy will require at least a bit of the general manager duties, and Dumars will not like that.
Furthermore, Van Gundy really hasn't won anything.
Overall
The idea of Van Gundy in Detroit begs at the larger issue at stake here. Just how exactly will Gores act as an owner. If he wants to be the Mark Cuban style micro-manager, he may push for Van Gundy. If he wants to be a hands-off owner, he will allow Dumars to have final say.
You have to imagine that if Dumars has final say, he will steer clear of Van Gundy.
I think Van Gundy will probably wind up in a more high-profile spot, so I put the odds at 50-1.
Bill Laimbeer
5 of 5
Pros
Laimbeer has a lot going for him in this job race. He has a lot of experience with the franchise, he has at least a solid relationship with Dumars and he is a winner.
He is an imposing figure that commands respect with his attitude, personality and let's face it, his baritone voice.
Laimbeer has been linked to a lot of the success that Kevin Love has had in Minnesota, and would be a immediate fan favorite in Detroit.
Cons
Laimbeer has some coaching experience, but it was with the WNBA. That is just one letter removed from the league that Detroit plays in, but that one letter makes all the difference in the world.
Would players really respect him as a front man given his previous post?
Outlook
Anyone that has been reading my posts knows that this is who I think the Pistons should hire. Sure, he is light in the experience department, but I have a feeling that he will make it work at this level.
Personally, I think this should be a no-brainer, but I will put the odds at 5-1.
