Pistons Off-Season: Part 1 Coach Search

Now that Flip has been fired, I'm going to try to fire out this article. As I said in an earlier post many sources are reporting Michael Curry will be the next coach of the Pistons soon. Let's look at all the options though.

Michael Curry
Currently: Assistant Coach, Detroit Pistons
Past: Played 11 years in the NBA, including a stint with the Pistons. Former NBA Players Association President.
Philosophy: Stress on defense and hard work.
Why it makes sense: The Pistons did not respect Flip Saunders at all, perhaps because he had no clue about what players go through. Curry has a long history as a player and was in many leadership positions around the NBA.
Why it doesn't: Not a lot of experience at the NBA coaching level.


Avery Johnson
Currently: ESPN Playoff Analyst.
Past: Former head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, fastest coach ever to 150 wins. Spent 16 years in the NBA, winning a championship while playing with the Spurs.
Philosophy: Attacking man-to-man. Attacking defenses.
Why it makes sense: In a similar situation to Michael Curry, Avery Johnson demands the respect of his players. While in the NBA he was known as a great floor general, he stresses smart decision making.
Why it doesn't: He wasn't exactly paraded out of Dallas, more likely ran out by a mob. Outside of their NBA Finals appearance, many thought Johnson and the Mavs underachieved. Also, many were critical of his lack of adjustments.

Isiah Thomas
Currently: In the New York Knicks front office.
Past: Everyone knows about his championship titles with Joe Dumars in Detroit.
Philosophy: Losing.
Why it makes sense: Familiar with the city and the organization, would be a leader as a former player in the NBA for a long time.
Why it doesn't: Has been awful in almost all of his post-playing career endeavors. Led the Knicks to their worst season ever.

Terry Porter
Currently: Assistant Coach, Detroit Pistons
Past: NBA Player for 17 years, former NBA coach with the Milwaukee Bucks as well.
Philosophy: Technician, X's and O's coach.
Why it makes sense: A lot of people already think that Porter has been the un-official head coach of the Pistons for awhile. Unlike Flip Saunders, Porter stresses adjustments and defense.
Why it doesn't: Even with his prior head coaching position, Porter has yet to have success leading a basketball team.

Bill Laimbeer
Currently: Head Coach, Detroit Shock
Past: Former player for the Pistons, highly succesful as a WNBA coach.
Philosophy: Bad Boys style. Rebounding, defense.
Why it makes sense: Has been succesful as a coach and is accustomed to the city and organization. Another former player
Why it doesn't: The WNBA isn't the NBA, and this would be the first time that a coach has gone from the women's game to the men's game to have success.

Joe Dumars
Currently: President of Basketball Operations, Detroit Pistons
Past: Former Bad Boy, built teams with much success.
Philosophy: Rebounding, defense.
Why it makes sense: Joe Dumars is the most respected person in the Pistons' organization. He is really the players' confidant here.
Why it doesn't: The person who builds the team coaching the team has not been succesful in the NBA yet.


Common Threads.
5/6 Coaches currently/past connected to Pistons.
6/6 Coaches former players.
4/6 Former point guards.
5/6 have similar defensive philosophies


The Choice: I'd like to see Joe Dumars come down and coach, as I think his personality and presence will get the Pistons going right.

The Alternative: If not, Michael Curry should (and apparently will) be the coach of the Pistons. Hopefully he can get an idea of what he needs to do and be a figure of power in the organization.

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Later this week, we'll take a look at potential trade and free agent targets the Pistons may set their sights on.