NBA rumors: Pistons to interview Brian Shaw

According to Tom Leyden at WXYZ Channel 7, the Detroit Pistons have contacted Brian Shaw about an interview. The Pacers, as you know, are in the midst of a playoff run right now and none of their coaches are allowed to interview for other jobs during such, but the Pacers' assistant coach is expected to ultimately have a formal interview for the Pistons' vacancy.

Shaw has plenty of ties to Phil Jackson, who is consulting the Pistons on how to fill the position. If we're worried about Shaw's inexperience as a head coach, maybe we shouldn't be. Shaw could very well be the most qualified assistant in the NBA.

Shaw played with the three-peat Lakers coached by Jackson from 1999-2002 and was an assistant coach under Jackson during two other championships. Shaquille O'Neal once said Shaw was the teammate he most respected, and legend Larry Bird thought highly enough of Shaw to give him a courtesy interview in 2007 to help get his name out there. Shaw was considered for the Lakers gig following Jackson in 2011 and was offered -- before smartly turning down -- the Bobcats position last year. He's now in his second season helping the rising, defensive-minded Pacers.

The resume is definitely intriguing and a seal of approval from the Zen Master may be too hard to ignore.

What say you?