Detroit Pistons Off-Season Review And Grades

February 24, 2012; Orlando FL, USA; Team Chuck coach Maurice Cheeks talks to an official during the second half of the BBVA rising stars challenge at the Amway Center in Orlando. Team Chuck defeated Team Shaq 146-133. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Coaching Hire – C

Amazingly lost in all of the trades and free agent signings, Maurice Cheeks sits quietly in the shadows waiting to start his first training camp as Pistons Head Coach.

The Maurice Cheeks hiring left many Pistons fans uninspired.  In an offseason where many big name assistants and successful head coaches were available, the Pistons didn’t seem to be in on any of them.  Joe Dumars and company seemed content to just interview the second tier candidates like John Bickerstaff, Maurice Cheeks and Nate McMillian while almost ignoring Brian Shaw, Mike Budenholzer and George Karl.

After waiting until the last possible minute, Dumars hired Cheeks in a move endorsed publicly by Gores.

The hiring of Maurice Cheeks seemed to go against the advice of then Pistons advisor Phil Jackson. The Zen Master who was hired by owner Tom Gores to advise Dumars on the hiring process.  Many thought the Jackson hiring signaled the end of the Dumars era.  However, Dumars survived unscathed an in complete control or the organization.

The jury is out on how effective the Pistons version of Maurice Cheeks will be as a head coach.  This hiring was a big gamble for Dumars who needs playoff success this year in order to stay on as Pistons President and General Manager.

Continue for Overall Grade