Monty Williams linked to one prominent head-coaching job after Pistons exit
The Detroit Pistons fired head coach Monty Williams on Wednesday, and many people feel he could quickly become a candidate for one of the most prominent jobs in the NBA.
Williams was let go after one season with the Pistons despite having five years and more than $65 million on his contract. As soon as the news broke, people began speculating that the Los Angeles Lakers might want to chat with Williams.
JJ Redick is viewed as the overwhelming favorite to be named the next head coach of the Lakers, but even his ESPN colleague Stephen A. Smith said L.A. “should look at” Williams.
“With Monty Williams available, that is a situation the Los Angeles Lakers should look at.”
Stephen A. Smith with a last ditch effort to keep JJ Redick at ESPN?
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 19, 2024
Following the Lakers’ failed pursuit of Dan Hurley, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Redick would get the job once he was done covering the NBA Finals for ESPN.
Nothing has been announced, however, which leaves open the possibility that the Lakers could pivot (again) and reach out to Williams.
Williams has been a head coach for the last five seasons and has 10 years of NBA head-coaching experience in total. He was also named NBA Coach of the Year just two years ago. Redick has zero NBA coaching experience.
It seems like the Lakers have been determined to explore all options, so it would hardly be a shock if Williams received consideration from them.