Stephen Silas will become the top assistant to Monty Williams with the Pistons, tweets ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Silas had served in the same role with the Mavericks, Hornets and Warriors before being hired as the Rockets’ head coach in 2020.
Silas compiled a 59-177 record with Houston, which switched into rebuilding mode when James Harden requested a trade early in Silas’ first season. The Rockets dismissed Silas in April, turning down a team option on the final year of his contract.
Silas had been rumored as a strong candidate to join Joe Mazzulla’s staff with the Celtics and made an appearance at a first-round playoff game in Boston. Word leaked on Sunday that the Celtics will hire Sam Cassell as an assistant, which may have affected Silas’ decision.
In Detroit, Silas will join a young team similar to the one he left in Houston. The Pistons have been stockpiling young talent, and they hold the No. 5 pick in this year’s draft. Like the Rockets, they are hoping to move out of the rebuilding stage and contend for a play-in spot next season.