The Detroit Pistons have made significant additions to their coaching staff, with Luke Walton joining as the lead assistant under new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. This move comes after Walton spent the past two seasons as an assistant under Bickerstaff in Cleveland. With Bickerstaff’s firing and replacement by Kenny Atkinson, who previously worked with Walton at the Golden State Warriors, it was a natural progression for Walton to follow his former boss to Detroit.
Walton, a former NBA player with over a decade of experience, played primarily for the Los Angeles Lakers before transitioning to coaching. Starting his coaching career with the Warriors, Walton’s interim coaching stint with the Lakers earned him a full-time head coaching position. After coaching in Los Angeles and Sacramento, he has returned to an assistant role under Bickerstaff.
In addition to Walton, the Pistons have also added Kevin Burleson, a former Rockets G League head coach, as an assistant coach. Burleson brings experience from his time with Minnesota and Memphis to Detroit.
The Pistons are in the midst of a rebuilding phase after a disappointing 14-win season. With changes in coaching staff and front office, including the hiring of Trajan Langdon to lead basketball operations, the team is looking to turn things around. Bickerstaff and Walton will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Pistons.
However, the road to success is not easy for Detroit. The team has been in the lottery for the past five years, and the roster is young and lacking in shooting. While there is defensive potential, it will require development from the young players to compete against seasoned NBA offenses. Bickerstaff and Walton have their work cut out for them as they strive to elevate the Pistons back to competitiveness.
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