The Detroit Pistons have now missed the playoffs in three of four seasons under head coach and president Stan Van Gundy after finishing with a 39-43 record this past season.
With Van Gundy’s future in the Pistons organization being questioned over the past few months, including speculation that he would relinquish both his presidential and head coaching role with the team, there seems to be some clarity regarding Van Gundy’s role next season, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski:
Sources: Detroit owner Tom Gores wants president/coach Stan Van Gundy back for final year of his contract — with changes to front office. Talks are ongoing. ESPN Story: https://t.co/2V30SjDjuW
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 1, 2018
However, even with team owner Tom Gores reportedly having his mind set on keeping Van Gundy around in some capacity, there will be some changes in the front office, with the dismissal of current general manager Jeff Bower, whose contract expires this summer.
While Van Gundy should shoulder the majority of the blame for the Pistons’ shortcomings during his tenure – as he has had the responsibility of both putting together a roster to his liking and coaching that team – the veteran coach is not without outside reasons for the team’s failure to build on their 2016 playoff appearance; starting point guard Reggie Jackson has suffered a variety of injuries over the past couple campaigns- which has limited the Pistons’ ceiling – among other key injuries to the roster. Jackson’s health will be key in bringing the Pistons back to the playoffs next season.
