Sampson, Woodson top Pistons' list
The Detroit Pistons are considering several candidates to replace John Kuester as coach, including Milwaukee Bucks assistant Kelvin Sampson, former Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Woodson, Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Bill Laimbeer and television analyst Mark Jackson, league sources said.
Kuester was fired Sunday after enduring a shaky two-year run as coach that included a player uprising that nearly culminated in a full-fledged boycott this season. He had poor relationships with several veterans, including Richard Hamilton(notes), Tayshaun Prince(notes) and Rodney Stuckey(notes). Kuester had a record of 57-107 for the Pistons.
Pistons general manager Joe Dumars had to wait for new owner Tom Gores and his group to officially take over the franchise to fire Kuester. The Pistons join the Golden State Warriors, Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers as teams looking for head coaches.
The Pistons’ search is expected to focus on a coach who can bring a focus on discipline and defense, two long-time staples of the franchise.
Kuester is expected to join the staff of new Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike Brown. He worked under Brown for two seasons as an assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
