Kendrick Perkins has a SOLID Doc Rivers reference while reasoning why the Pistons shouldn’t fire Monty Williams despite 27-game losing streak

Perkins draws parallels to Doc Rivers' past challenges, advocates for patience with Monty Williams

Kendrick Perkins has a SOLID Doc Rivers reference while reasoning why the Pistons shouldn’t fire Monty Williams despite 27-game losing streak

Kendrick Perkins think the Pistons are facing problems that any young team could face, and that the NBA community is being too quick with judging his coaching abilitied (First Take)

In a recent episode of ESPN’s First Take, former NBA player Kendrick Perkins offered a unique perspective on the Detroit Pistons’ current woes. Despite the team’s historic 27-game losing streak, Perkins argued against firing head coach Monty Williams, drawing an intriguing comparison to Doc Rivers’ early coaching days with the Boston Celtics.

The Pistons’ struggles have been the talk of the NBA, with their losing streak setting a new record for consecutive defeats in a single season. Amidst calls for drastic changes, Perkins’ stance brings a different viewpoint to the discussion, emphasizing the importance of stability and patience in the rebuilding process.

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Kendrick Perkins had this to say in Detroit Pistons’ head coach Monty Williams’ defense on First Take:

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I wanted to go on this rant about how they should fire Monty Williams... but that's not going to happen. They just paid him $78 million this past off-season... I was on the ball club [Boston Celtics, 2008] that lost 18 games in a row before I won an NBA championship... the fans were yelling fire Doc Rivers... they're [The Detroit Pistons] facing a lot right now.
Kendrick Perkins via First Take

Perkins’ reference to Doc Rivers is particularly noteworthy. Rivers, now celebrated for his coaching achievements, faced similar challenges early in his career with the Boston Celtics, enduring an 18-game losing streak before leading the team to an NBA championship. This parallel serves as a reminder that success in the NBA can be a journey fraught with initial setbacks.

The Pistons, led by promising young talent like Cade Cunningham, are in a rebuilding phase. Perkins believes that despite the current hardships, the Pistons are laying the foundation for future success. He also stresses that a knee-jerk reaction like firing Williams is the solution the Pistons need.

The rebuilding process: A test of patience and strategy for Monty Williams

The Pistons’ situation is not unique in the history of the NBA. Teams like the early 2000s Celtics have shown that perseverance and strategic planning can eventually lead to success. Perkins’ comparison to Doc Rivers’ situation underscores this point, suggesting that the Pistons might be better served by staying the course with Williams.

Kendrick Perkins and the Boston Celtics lost 18 straight games in the 2006-07 season, longest in franchise history. They also won the championship that same season
Kendrick Perkins and the Boston Celtics lost 18 straight games in the 2006-07 season, the longest in franchise history. They also won the championship that same season (GQ)

Despite the mounting losses, there are signs of potential within the Pistons’ roster. Young players like Cunningham show promise, and Perkins highlights the importance of developing this talent, rather than hastily overhauling the team’s leadership.

While the pressure mounts, Perkins’ insights offer a different narrative – one that advocates for patience and trust in the process, much like the patience shown to Doc Rivers before his eventual triumph.

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