Can Stan Van Gundy turn the Pistons into a threat?
With the exception of LeBron James, no one player or coach has more power within an organization like Stan Van Gundy. The longtime coach was hired over the summer by the Detroit Pistons to serve as head coach and president of basketball operations. Van Gundy has complete authority on the court and anything that happens with the acquisitions of free agents, releasing talent and scouting future talent. Detroit has gone five consecutive seasons without making the playoffs, but that could all change this year.
With four coaches removed from the team, the fifth time looks to be an intriguing one for SVG. During his time in Orlando a few years ago, many cited him for being the reasoning why Dwight Howard was able to elevate him game, into becoming a dominant force at the time. Rising player, Andre Drummond has all of the potential of any big man in the entire NBA and could see his level of play elevate with a slew of shooters surrounding him this season.
Alongside Greg Monroe, Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings, the former team Joe Dumars assembled will finally have the coach they have been looking for, to bring experience and charge to a gritty cast of players heavily under performing. If (or when) Van Gundy is able to get this team on the same page, the eastern conference could be seeing their worst nightmare heading forward for the future.