With a completely reconfigured roster and presumably some new organizational principles coming from Troy Weaver, the Detroit Pistons are shuffling the sidelines with some fresh voices and perspectives within the assistant coaching ranks, according to media reports.
The Pistons are adding well-respected veteran assistants Jerome Allen from Boston, Rex Kalamian from Sacramento and Bill Bayno, most recently in Indiana. The team is also retaining defensive coach Sean Sweeney, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN and confirmed by The Athletic’s James Edwards III.
We’ve already taken a closer look at Allen when reports first emerged he was close to signing a deal with Detroit, but it’s worth learning a bit more about Kalamian and Bayno.
Kalamian is most interesting, especially in light of Sweeney sticking around on a new contract, as he has spent several years in a “defensive coordinator” role for several organizations including the Kings, Clippers as well as some stops in Oklahoma City and Toronto where he intersected with Weaver and Dwane Casey, respectively.
His most recent stint in Sacramento was, to put it mildly, a disaster. But then again things with the Kangz often are. His team finished dead last in defense, which is an anomaly for Kalamian teams. Since 2009, his teams have only finished with a bottom-half defense three times with many appearances in the top 10.
Bayno most recently coached with the Indiana Pacers after being hired by Nate McMillan. He was retained when McMillan was fired and the infamous Nate Bjorkgren came on board. Bayno abruptly resigned from his position on the Pacers’ bench in February citing mental health struggles after the death of both of his parents and the social unrest roiling the country.
In retrospect, working in the chaotic environment in Indy with all the controversies and strained relationships could not have been very positive for one’s already taxed mental health issues.
Bayno is well regarded for his work in player development, and that is certainly going to be among the top priorities for the Pistons next season.
He has worked with young players such as Jonas Valanciunas, Terrence Ross, Delon Wright, Norman Powell, Myles Turners, Domantas Sabonis, Edmon Sumner and Aaron Holiday in recent years.