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On Thursday of last week, ESPN.com revealed their Head Coach Rankings for the season (though it is not over yet). They then revealed their Executives Rankings on Friday (General Manager, President of Basketball Operations, etc.). And then finally today, they revealed their overall Front Office Rankings. Here's how the Pistons did.
| Ranking | Basis | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Coach | 17 | Stan Van Gundy | 6.17 |
| Executives | 19 | President: Stan Van Gundy | GM: Jeff Bower | 5.22 |
| Front Office | 19 | Head Coach, GM, President, Owner, etc. | 5.45 |
I am not seeing a previous ranking for either Head Coaches or for Executives. However, it does show that last year the Pistons were ranked 28th in overall Front Office. And while one may think that jumping nine spots might be a lot, it is only tied for the third highest jump with the Atlanta Hawks. The Cleveland Cavaliers jumped from 27th to 19th (or should we say LeBron jumped) and the Milwaukee Bucks jumped from 29th to 14th, the largest jump of any team.
Some notable coaches (based on name, team performance, etc.) that are listed below Van Gundy are David Blatt (they should have really just put LeBron James), Scott Brooks, Steve Clifford (a one time assistant to Stan), Lionel Hollins, Flip Saunders, and (whom I find a bit of a surprise) Randy Wittman. Some notable coaches who are listed above Van Gundy (that I think shouldn't be) are Brad Stevens and Frank Vogel. Now, I know these teams are doing the best they can with what they have, but I'd kind of argue that the Detroit Pistons team has been the team the most in flux this season (Philadelphia doesn't count, they aren't trying).
How do you feel about these Rankings? Are you encouraged at all? Let us know in the comments.