After signing the most lucrative head coaching contract in NBA history, new Pistons head coach Monty Williams has his work cut out for him in reshaping the rebuilding team. Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press (subscription required) unpacks five big issues regarding the club’s current personnel that Williams must tackle.
Most pressing among these questions is how Williams will use 2021 No. 1 draft pick Cade Cunningham, who missed most of his sophomore NBA season with a shin injury. Sankofa also wonders how Williams will balance Cunningham’s touches with the looks afforded 2023 All-Rookie Second Teamer Jaden Ivey, how the club’s new coach will juggle his frontcourt, and more.
There’s more out of the Central Division:
- The Pacers continue to search far and wide for intriguing young prospects. Today, the team is hosting Washington State forward Mouhamed Gueye for an individual workout, per Pacers.com. Indiana possesses five draft picks this year, including three first-round selections, beginning at No. 7. The team also announced that it will work out two shooting guards, G League Ignite’s Mojave King and the New Zealand Breakers’ Rayan Rupert, on Saturday.
- Because the Pacers have so many selections in this year’s draft and team president Kevin Pritchard assumes he will trade some of them, the team is making sure to assess all levels of prospects to prepare itself for a variety of different scenarios, according to The Indianapolis Star. Many of the young players who have auditioned for Indiana thus far have enjoyed the experience. “When you can get guys like this in the gym that are competitive and good guys, iron sharpens iron,” UCLA point guard Tyger Campbell said. “You’re going to leave this place better than you were when you came in.”
- New Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin continues to build out his staff. A source informs Eric Nehm of The Athletic (Twitter link) that Griffin is bringing in Raptors assistant coach Nate Mitchell and Pistons assistant coach DJ Bakker to help fill out his bench. Nehm reveals that Griffin also intends to keep former Mike Budenholzer assistant Josh Oppenheimer. Nehm adds (via Twitter) that another former Budenholzer assistant, Vin Baker, will also return to the fold under Griffin.
Off topic! From the article: “Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press unpacks five big issues..”
“Unpacks”, as in discusses, explains, lists, etc., has already become the latest NBA writers’ cliché.
A big one that’s still going strong is “theoretically”. You see that one a lot. Sounds smarter than saying “possibly”.
There are a lot more that I’m sure all of you have seen. When the writers read each other’s work, this is what happens. The buzzwords start making the rounds.
Adrian also wants to add: Peter, Chris, Stewie & Brian Griffin..
Peter, the horse is here
“Shut up, Meg…”
Giggitty giggitty!
Please add John George Paul and Ringo.
Really like the underworking’s of this Indy team
Some possible drat night ideas- Cant think holding pat is what they want
Dallas at 10 – Take back Bertans for Theisis 26 and 29 . Indy uses some open cap as a weapon here. (Cubans anger traded before KP, catch him on an off day)
Lakers 17- Beasley + Harrison for Buddy and 29 – Always Need a Buddy trade to kick off the offseason
Mia at 18- 26+29 – I can easily see this one happen
The Bucks have enough coaches 1 for each player. They have .ore coaches than signed players.