Stan Van Gundy passed on the opportunity to coach Stephen Curry and a loaded Golden State Warriors roster to become the Detroit Pistons head coach.
Some will say that former Magic head coach took the wrong job. According to Van Gundy, the opportunity with the Pistons was “just too good to pass up.”
Van Gundy on Pistons: "It was too good to pass up."
— Brian K. Schmitz (@MagicInsider) May 14, 2014
The Pistons also issued a press release confirming the big hire.
“Stan is a proven winner in our league. He instills his teams with passion, purpose and toughness. He is a great teacher who will help our players grow and develop,” said Pistons Owner Tom Gores. “Stan is more than just a great coach, he’s a great leader. What I’m most excited about is how Stan can help us shape the franchise and instill what it means to be the best. He’s also a great communicator. My time with Stan has me convinced that he will bring our players, team and community to a very proud place.”
“It is an honor to be chosen to help Tom Gores build the Pistons into a team that competes for championships,” said Van Gundy. “Tom’s vision of building for the future, while seeking immediate improvement is a challenge that I embrace. We will work to put a team on the floor that reflects the franchise’s rich tradition and embodies the toughness and work ethic of fans in the Detroit area.”
Van Gundy’s first task will be figuring out what to do with such an unbalanced roster. Andre Drummond is a keeper. The rest of the roster leaves a ton to be desired. Van Gundy should dramatically improve a defense that ranked 27th in the NBA in points allowed this past season (104.7).