Detroit Pistons Give Stan Van Gundy Keys To The City AND Team With Enormous Deal.
This week, Stan Van Gundy has been the topic of discussion for coaches available on the market. That however wasn’t the case last week, as Steve Kerr was the prime target. Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks were thought by many to land Kerr in a deal as early as Monday morning, but the Golden State Warriors have emerged as a candidate.
We’re bringing up Golden State because they were also trying to hire Van Gundy today; but after failing, they have now flown out to Oklahoma City to meet with Steve Kerr during his night there while calling game 5 between the Thunder and the Los Angeles Clippers. Stan strikes gold with a new situation in Detroit inking a 5-year deal, reportedly worth $35 million.
Hit the jump for more on the story and video conversation.
Money was a contributing factor into the decision, but the Pistons have also made him president of basketball operations. Very few coaches in the league will have the final say or influence in moves for a team like Stan will now have, which made the job very appealing.
In the past, SVG has helped develop some young talent in the likes of Dwight Howard having a career year in 2009 and 2010, but also getting the best out of his veteran players during their playoff runs last decade. Detroit is almost locked in for a top 10 pick in the NBA Draft , but will have to make decisions on minutes between Greg Monroe, Andre Drummond and Josh Smith.