The Phoenix Suns faced yet another early exit in the postseason, as they were eliminated in the second round. They had just welcomed the two-time champ, Kevin Durant to their roster this season. Durant was traded to the Suns, for what seemed o be a super. Phoenix was stacked with three all-stars and two MVP-level players, led by coach Monty Williams.
Though the squad fell short versus the Nuggets in the second round. This postseason loss was tough, considering the Suns to have fought well last year in the second round.
Following this year’s postseason exit, the organization fired head coach Monty Williams. The decision was debatable, though Monty will now be available for a head coaching role. Williams coached the Suns for four seasons. The team had always managed to appear in the playoffs and has had pretty successful seasons so far. Not long after Williams’ departure, the Pistons showed interest in hiring him as their next head coach.
Monty Williams signs a huge deal with Detroit Pistons
Williams has coached title contenders so far and has the right mindset to lead a team to a championship. Monty signed a 6-year, $72 million deal with Detroit, as he becomes the highest-paid head coach of the league. The team mainly consists of a young core without a presence of a veteran.
Detroit still lacks experience in a lot of aspects, as Monty would be the teacher to guide them through. While it is definitely a huge upgrade for the Pistons, Williams would’ve been more suitable coaching a contender. This year, having three elite scorers on the team, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Chris Paul, the Suns were expected to make yet another Finals run.
Monty Williams has agreed to a six-year, $72M deal to become the Pistons head coach, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/619Zeos9zO
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 1, 2023
Phoenix had traded their future assets for Durant in hopes of contending for a title this season. Though their plans did not seem to work. The Suns had to part ways with Williams. Monty is an experienced coach, having been in an assistant role for a total of seven seasons. He also won the Coach of the Year award in 2022.
Having considered his experience, Monty would be a great addition to Detroit’s coaching staff as the team stays without a veteran on the roster. Though he would have to work on the team’s young core for a while. Detroit fans shouldn’t expect immediate success, as it would take time for the roster to settle in with new adjustments set by Williams. Regardless, it will be interesting to see what difference Monty brings in his first season in Detroit.