After months of rumors, the Pistons finally announced today that Terry Porter would be joining Flip Saunders' staff as an assistant coach. From Pistons.com:
"We are pleased to add Terry Porter to our coaching staff," said Dumars. "Terry was a fierce competitor during his playing days and he has excelled as both a head coach and assistant coach in this league. We feel his experience is a good fit for our team."
Porter enters his first season as an assistant coach with the Pistons after serving as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks for two seasons (2003-05). He led the Bucks to a 41-41 record in his first season (2003-04) and a first-round playoff berth. During his two seasons as head coach, the Bucks compiled a record of 71-93 and a 50-32 mark when playing at the Bradley Center.
"I’m excited about the opportunity that Joe Dumars and Flip Saunders have given me," said Porter. "The Pistons are a championship organization and I look forward to working with the players and coaching staff."
The Bucks fired Porter with a year left on his contract, and he spent much of the last year being linked to an effort to by the Portland Trailblazers.
Much like Ron Harper, Porter is a guy who was still playing in the NBA not too long ago. I have to imagine that counts for something with the players -- Dumars insisted back in June that the team would add someone who could command immediate respect. Unlike Harper, though, Porter has head coaching experience to fall back upon. Looks like a solid pickup for Detroit.
Terry Porter Named Assistant Coach [Pistons.com]
Previously on DBB:
Dumars on replacing Lowe and developing Delfino
Terry Porter: potential NBA owner or assistant coach?