25% to blame - Pistons coach Monty Williams
While Troy Weaver is definitely the biggest party to blame, Monty Williams should not get off scot-free. Once regarded as a top-five head coach in the league for his job with the Phoenix Suns, Williams’ heart simply does not seem to be in Detroit.
It makes sense considering that Williams declined the Pistons’ first job offer to him, but, goodness gracious, have some pride. When you look around the league and see the fantastic job that guys like Ime Udoka and Jamahl Mosley have done with very young rosters, it’s fair to say that Williams has not lived up to expectations.
Coach Williams has appeared to take a liking to Killian Hayes, despite him showing that he is not a good fit next to Cunningham and despite Hayes being perhaps the 4th or 5th best guard on this team. Meanwhile, a player like Jaden Ivey has seen his minutes reduced and been sporadically taken out of the rotation.
Williams also continuously runs out a starting five, with Isaiah Stewart playing power forward and Marvin Bagley III/Jalen Duren playing center. This two-big system does not work and will not work. Williams needs to realize this.