Stan Van Gundy: Pistons job will be my last in NBA
Detroit Pistons president of basketball operations and coach Stan Van Gundy said this will be his last job in the NBA, the Orlando Sentinel's Josh Robbins reports.
Van Gundy, 55, signed a five-year contract with the Pistons before this season and said he will not move his family again for another job.
"I promised my wife," he said. "I wanted one more shot at it. I’ve got a great owner. I’ve got a great situation with great tradition, and I should be able to get it turned around in the time that he’s given me. If I don’t, I don’t. But I should be able to. But this’ll be the last one."
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Van Gundy's most recent job before joining the Pistons was with the Orlando Magic from 2007 through 2012. He had a 259-135 record in five seasons with the Magic, including an appearance in the 2009 NBA Finals. He also had a 112-73 record with the Miami Heat before being replace midseason by Pat Riley in 2005.
Last week, Van Gundy released forward Josh Smith, who still had two years and $26 million remaining on his contract. The Pistons have won both of their games since dropping Smith, including a blowout win over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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In a statement detailing the decision to release Smith, Van Gundy said he wanted to give more playing time to young players. Center Andre Drummond, 21, has averaged 18.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 2.0 steals since Smith was released.
The Pistons are 7-23 this season and play at the Magic on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. ET.
- Paul Palladino
