5 Predictions For The Rest Of The Detroit Pistons Season

Prediction #4: Stan Van Gundy will win Coach of the Year and/or Executive of the Year.

Jan 9, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy during the first quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

After starting 5-23 Head Coach Stan Van Gundy was ridiculed tremendously. Though the players weren’t playing that well and it’s still a team effort much of the blame was put on the coach.

Some of the blame was warranted too as his rotations were spotty at times and the general vibe around the team was poor.

Recently though Van Gundy has been proving why Owner Tom Gores went after Van Gundy so hard in the summer. Even why he was given dual President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach roles.

With the Pistons’ recent surge and playoff aspirations Van Gundy has got some of the national spotlight. For awards like Coach of the Year you will need the national hype around you to win it. The Pistons’ level of play and their complete 180 turnaround should be enough for Van Gundy to win the award.

Though it’s been said to be a bit cursed as the coaches selected for the award are fired/replaced that shouldn’t be a problem for the President of Basketball Operations.

For the Executive of the Year that’s a bit out there. Except he is considered an executive and waiving Smith has also gained national attention.

It might be a mild long shot for Van Gundy to win the award but with how the Pistons are playing without Smith he might have a legitimate shot at it.

At the end of the season it’ll be interesting to see how much credit Van Gundy will get for the Pistons’ stretch. If they fade out and miss the playoffs obviously it’ll hurt his chances. But if they do make the playoffs and make some noise he’ll have a legit shot at the award.

Next: Playoffs?