Exactly one week before the 2024 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons have decided to fire head coach Monty Williams. While it is not all that surprising to see Williams dismissed after a 14-win season that saw frustration and turmoil set in for the franchise, it is shocking that the Pistons made this move in the middle of June. Now, with the draft and free agency on the horizon, new President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon seems to have his eyes on James Borrego as a possible replacement for Williams.
Borrego served as an assistant on Willie Green's staff with the New Orleans Pelicans this past season, the organization that the Pistons hired Langdon from. Not only do Langdon and Borrego already have an established connection, but the former Charlotte Hornets head coach has also been in the mix for the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers jobs. Although he has interviewed with these two teams, Borrego's name has popped up in chatter around the league as a name to watch in connection with the Pistons, according to Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports.
In the immediate aftermath of the Pistons firing Williams on Wednesday morning, league sources shared similar remarks with ClutchPoints regarding Detroit's interest in Borrego.
Whether or not Borrego would even want the Pistons job is a whole separate story. This organization has failed to surpass 23 wins in a season in each over the last five years, and there have long been questions about the direction ownership wants to take the franchise in. The moves to fire GM Troy Weaver and Williams were two decisions made by the top of the organization, as was the decision to hire Langdon from the Pelicans, sources said. The catch to pursuing Borrego is that he may already be finalizing an agreement with the Cavs.
Cavs zeroing in on James Borrego
After appearing to strike out on the Lakers job, Borrego met with the Cavs last week, sources confirmed to ClutchPoints. Current Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson also visited Cleveland last week for a formal interview with the organization. While both coaches remain candidates for this position, the talk around the league points in the direction of the Cavs favoring Borrego.
Between his defensive mindset and proven ability to develop young talents, Borrego seems like the ideal fit to replace JB Bickerstaff, who led the Cavs to the Eastern Conference Semifinals this past season. Momentum surrounding Borrego and the Cavs appears to be building as well.
President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman and the Cavaliers would like to finalize an agreement with a new head coach prior to the 2024 NBA Draft. At this time, Borrego seems to be at the forefront of Cleveland's list, ahead of Atkinson. In fact, a deal between Borrego and the Cavs may be in the final stages of negotiations, according to Steve Popper of Newsday Sports.
The Cavs appear to be on the verge of naming their next head coach. Whether or not Borrego is their actual choice is yet to be seen. Should Cleveland pass on the Pelicans assistant and hire Atkinson or someone else, then Borrego will immediately become the Pistons' top choice to replace Williams due to his connection with Langdon. Detroit also recently hired former Pelicans assistant Fred Vinson, leading to more speculation that Langdon is bringing in coaches he is familiar with.
Whether or not the Cavs make a decision on their next head coach in the coming days will be very telling as to what the Pistons have planned in their search leading up to the NBA Draft on June 26.
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