A recovered Suns team, 63% victories in four seasons, an NBA final… Recruited at a high price this summer, Monty Williams arrived at the Pistons with a very good CV. But not without needing to impose his mark within his new formation. And in particular with the leader of this one, Cade Cunningham.
Good news, things seem to be going well between the two key men in the team’s reconstruction. “ I like the way he keeps us going. He says things as he sees them. This honesty and frankness towards us is huge. Especially for a young team “, likes the Pistons’ second-leading scorer.
The latter notes that the systems put in place by the technician, “ the way he adapted them to our qualities and the squad we have, was great for us. This will continue to improve as we get to know each other. »
He and his teammates have so much to learn from this coach, awarded the title of best coach in 2022, who is now very experienced. Where Killian Hayes, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, James Wiseman and Cade Cunningham himself are not yet 23 years old.
Lots of good cards in his deck
Intrigued by Killian Hayes, under the spell of Jalen Duren but also of Ausar Thompson… Monty Williams believes he has enough cards in his game to relieve his leader on both sides of the field. “ I saw in training the benefits of having guys like (Ivey), Cade and Killian ‘switching’ and passing through the screens », Remarks the coach, regarding a potential association of the three men.
For this defensive dimension, the newcomer also plans to rely on the versatility of rookie Ausar Thompson: “ We saw Ausar defend against the toughest player. Now Cade doesn’t have to do that anymore. If you’ve watched a lot of Pistons games in the past, Cade was there to defend (on the best opposing attacker). And then you ask him to carry the ball and make the play on offense? »
A question which implies that this time is soon over. In the meantime, the Pistons coach already appreciates the way he defends from behind, turning the ball, grabbing rebounds. “ All of these things mean a lot to us, on both ends of the floor. He brings us a lot », Finishes Monty Williams.
