“They look like idiots” – Journalist Roland Lazenby comments on the Pistons horrible decision to fire Monty Williams

Monty Williams has shown he can coach in the NBA. He proved that when he coached the Phoenix Suns and was even hailed as the 2022 Coach of the Year. Unfortunately, the Suns opted to part with the 52-year-old after losing to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals in 2023. Seeing the potential he had, the Detroit Pistons selected him to turn things around for the struggling franchise. The Motor City squad signed Williams to a six-year $75.8 million deal.

Rather than turn things around, Williams had a forgettable stint with the franchise. The Pistons ended up with the worst record for the 2023-24 season, and Monty took the fall.

Pistons looking like idiots

Detroit wanted immediate results, but Williams was unable to deliver. In the eyes of American journalist and book author Roland Lazenby, the entire thing has made the Pistons look like 'idiots.'

"For them to give that huge contract and fire him after a year, they look like idiots. I don't know the particulars. I'm not there with Monty. But if people are going do that to you and make themselves look like idiots too? " the renowned book author said when he spoke on Sports Bytes Philippines .

Lazenby did not hold back at how things are handled in the Pistons organization. He feels that team owner Tom Gores's decision was poor and that such is making the team look pretty bad.

"I am eager to see better days. These are not good days, making a move like that. It just is the next step in a very bad look for the Pistons," the 72-year-old scribe added.

Patience is key

Without question, Monty Williams has a good coaching track record based on previous teams he handled. Aside from the Suns, there was a time when he was able to transform the New Orleans Pelicans. He led the Pels to two first-round playoff appearances (2011 and 2015).

He did better in Phoenix, leading the team to the postseason in three of his four seasons. All in all, it boils down to patience between the coach and the team. Former NBA player and current Basketball League president David Magley stressed this point back in December .

" People forget that Monty went to New Orleans, and they were awful. He made them playoff contenders and did a good job. You got to be patient, " the former Cleveland Cavaliers forward said.

After getting blindsided, it will be interesting to see what lies ahead for the two-time NBCA Coach of the Year. With most teams settled for the 2024-25 season, the best to expect is Williams being taken in as an assistant coach this season. If not, a break from a harrowing experience with the Pistons would be ideal as he awaits his next head coaching opportunity.

Related: "He's been in purgatory for quite a while" - Stephen A. Smith on why Monty Williams never belonged in Detroit