The Detroit Pistons officially introduced new head coach Monty Williams at a news conference on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. at their practice facility in the city.
All of the big wigs in the Pistons franchise were there to welcome Williams, including owner Tom Gores and general manager Troy Weaver at the podium.
The Pistons made an offseason splash when they hired Williams. The former New Orleans and Phoenix Suns head coach is 367-336 in nine seasons, took the Suns to the NBA Finals in 2021, and helped turn the team around over his four seasons. He was fired in mid-May, after the Suns were eliminated in six games by the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the playoffs.
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The move was formally announced June 2, with Gores saying he couldn’t be more proud to make Williams a Piston.
“After spending some time with Monty, it’s clear that he’s found a unique balance between achieving victory at the highest level while at the same time nurturing a culture of growth, development and inspiration,” Gores said. “I’m beyond excited. This is a huge win for us.”
Williams will make an eye-popping $78.5 million guaranteed over six years, with more money possible through incentives. The Pistons did not officially announce the terms of Williams’ contract, but the Free Press learned from a team source it is the richest in NBA history for a coach.
The Pistons have nine days until the 2023 NBA draft, where they hold the No. 5 overall pick and No. 31.
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Follow live updates from Williams’ news conference below.
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