Pistons dropping big hint about Monty Williams’ future?

Jan 10, 2020; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams against the Orlando Magic at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Pistons may be tipping their hand about head coach Monty Williams’ future.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported Friday that the Pistons are hiring Fred Vinson to serve as an assistant coach. Wojnarowski notes that Vinson, who is known as an expertise in shooting, has spent the last 14 seasons with New Orleans Pelicans (dating back to when they were still the New Orleans Hornets). Vinson overlapped there with Williams, who had coached New Orleans from 2010-15.

Hiring an assistant who has vast history with Williams is a pretty strong signal that the Pistons intend to keep Williams around, at least for another season. There were some questions about Williams’ job status in Detroit, particularly after their horrid 15-67 campaign this season in which some unflattering anecdotes emerged about Williams during the year.

While this was the likeliest outcome for Williams, who is just one year into a mammoth six-year, $78.5 million contract, reports surfaced last month that Pistons owner Tom Gores was considering the nuclear option with Williams. Detroit will enter next season with a new lead executive in Trajan Langdon (who effectively replaces fired former GM Troy Weaver), but it sounds like they will be standing pat for now with their head coach in Williams.