Ranking the 3 best options for Pistons coaching vacancy

1. Sam Cassell

Sam Cassell has been waiting in the NBA head coaching line for a minute. He began his assistant coaching career with the Washington Wizards in 2009 and spent nine years under the tutelage of Doc Rivers from 2014-23 with the Clippers and the Sixers. Cassell has interviewed for multiple lead gigs over the years, but no team has taken the plunge on the former NBA All-Star and three-time champion.

The Pistons should make a strong push for Cassell. Spearheading player development under Rivers, Cassell has worked closely with young Sixers standout Tyrese Maxey. He also developed a close relationship with James Harden and, going back to his Clippers days, was a central figure early in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s career. The Pistons should see Cassell’s player development acumen — and, more specifically, his track record developing guards — as a gigantic green flag.

Detroit’s entire rebuild hinges on the evolution of Cade Cunningham. In his rare time operating at full health, we have seen flashes of stardom from the former No. 1 pick. Cassell would be the perfect voice to empower Cunningham while potentially helping to navigate his flaws and further his development. The same goes for Ivey, another speedy score-first guard in the Maxey vein for Cassell to shepherd.

It can be difficult for contending teams to trust young coaches with no head coaching experience. The Pistons, however, have a young roster and can afford to let a young coach grow with that roster. This is the perfect entry point for Cassell, who deserves his chance to lead an NBA team. The Pistons should be calling the Sixers to request an interview sooner than later.