Report: Kenny Smith in ‘top tier’ of Pistons’ coaching candidates

The Detroit Pistons are inching closer to a decision on their next head coach, and a surprising name appears to have made it into the final list of candidates.

According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, while former Toronto Raptors coach Dwane Casey remains the frontrunner, TNT analyst Kenny Smith has made the final cut of candidates who will meet with owner Tom Gores this week.

Dwane Casey remains the leading candidate for the Pistons' coaching vacancy, league sources say, but Detroit continues to do interviews and has TNT's Kenny Smith in its top tier of candidates meeting with owner Tom Gores

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 6, 2018

The University of Michigan's John Beilein was also in the Pistons' top tier but withdrew from consideration to stay at U of M. Sources say Detroit was intrigued enough by Smith's candidacy to give him serious consideration https://t.co/fxJ15zT9BK

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 6, 2018

Smith interviewed for the job last week. Apparently he sufficiently impressed the team to be given a shot to meet with Gores. As noted, they explored hiring John Beilein, but the Michigan coach withdrew from consideration on Wednesday.