Holder of the biggest contract in history for an NBA coach when he signed up for the Pistons, Monty Williams could have taken a completely different path as he confided on Tuesday during his presentation press conference. The former coach of the Suns has indeed confided to having considered taking a sabbatical following the announcement of breast cancer contracted by his wife, and this in the middle of the playoffs. The news was another blow in the life of Monty Williams, who lost his previous partner, Ingrid, in a car accident in 2016.
Fortunately for his wife, the disease very quickly evolved favorably once spotted, so much so that it was Monty Williams himself who again signaled to the Pistons to let them know that he was finally available. The story ended well and Monty Williams was able to sign with Detroit. His first official speech in his new costume was therefore an opportunity to remind him how important screening was to treat pathologies as best as possible.
Early detection saves lives
“It played an important role in my decision. The patience the Pistons have shown has taught me a lot.”, did he declare. “The reason I am talking about this today is not to talk about my family, but to emphasize that women need early detection. We had genetic tests done, then CT scans, and we found the disease at an early stage, which may have saved my wife’s life and may save others. It can save others”.
Not content with offering him the biggest contract in history, the Pistons franchise has done its utmost to put him at ease, whether for care, or the provision of a jet. private to allow him to reach Phoenix as quickly as possible, where his wife and doctor are.
The event has visibly pumped him up, and the former Phoenix coach arrives in Detroit with a new challenge and the mission of advancing a young group to bring it as high as possible.
“Monty is hungry. He is not resting on his laurels. We have a lot of work to do, but it’s an exciting time for us and it’s already a big win.” rejoiced owner Tom Gores
Front row players
If his leaders feel his ambition and his determination, the coach expressed the same thing with respect to his players since all were present on Tuesday, with the exception of Bojan Bogdanovic. The sign that everything may be in place to achieve a great season after a year of tanking marked by the injuries of major players like Cade Cunningham.
“You can see the talent of this group and its size, but what impresses me the most are the people. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a coach’s press conference that all the players attend. That’s what I see: appetite, desire. They all want it. If you’re asking if there are any similarities to early Phoenix, this is what was similar. These guys were hungry, they wanted some.”
