Detroit Pistons to Name Lawrence Frank New Head Coach


by Marcel Mutoni@marcel_mutoni

Following the epic disaster that was the John Kuester era, it appears that the Detroit Pistons have a new bench boss.

Lawrence Frank will reportedly assume head coaching duties in Motown, beating out candidates such as Mike Woodson for the gig. Frank was hired in part for his ability to gain players’ respect in the locker room (something Kuester failed at miserably.)

The Detroit News reports:

The Pistons seemingly have made their decision: Lawrence Frank will be their coach, according to sources. Frank, 40, most recently a Celtics assistant, is expected to finalize a deal in the next two days. He would replace John Kuester, who was fired in June after compiling a 57-107 record in two seasons.

Pistons president Joe Dumars has said publicly he wanted a coach who could not only command respect from the players, but also had experience. It led many to believe former Pistons assistant and Hawks coach Mike Woodson would be the choice. Woodson, who interviewed for the Timberwolves job this week, is known for cultivating young talent, as well as commanding respect in the locker room.

For what it’s worth, at least one Detroit Pistons player is in favor of the decision to hire Lawrence Frank: “Two thumbs up,” Pistons forward Austin Daye said. “He’s a winning coach, he’s got a lot of experience. He knows what he’s doing. He had a little rough patch in New Jersey, but other than that, I think he’s a good hire. I think someone that has his credentials will demand more respect,” Daye said. “Not that Kue (Kuester) didn’t have credentials, but (we need) someone that’s won playoff games. From what I’ve heard around the league, players respect him and he expects a lot from his players. We’re definitely turning the page from the last two seasons.”

Reportedly, GM Joe Dumars wanted to Mike Woodson to take the job, but he was overruled in the Pistons’ front office. No matter, Lawrence Frank is the new man in charge on the pine in Detroit.