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USA Today via Reuters
Nov 21, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant (9) celebrates with guard Cade Cunningham (2) after making a three point shot during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-11-22T002538Z_429401977_MT1USATODAY17209184_RTRMADP_3_NBA-LOS-ANGELES-LAKERS-AT-DETROIT-PISTONS.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 21, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant (9) celebrates with guard Cade Cunningham (2) after making a three point shot during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Despite the heavy paycheck and flamboyant lifestyle that the NBA offers, most of the players and coaching staff pick love, respect, and a family to go home to. A 51-year-old NBA veteran, who recently signed a massive deal with the Detroit Pistons, did so only after some positive news about his wife who had been in a difficult situation. After the news spread across the NBA world, thousands of fans united to express their empathy for the couple.
The Pistons had a very disappointing season with a poor 17-65 record in the Eastern Conference. While the franchise was in dire need to make major changes before the upcoming season, they seem to have struck the right chord in the form of this successful NBA coach.
Former NBA Coach of the Year had to make sure of his wife’s condition
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Former Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams shocked the NBA world when he opened up about his wife, Lisa, who was diagnosed with breast cancer. Williams brought this tragic news during his inaugural press meet as Pistons head coach. He further clarified that he shared about his wife’s condition to spread awareness. He added, “We found it early, and that may have saved my wife’s life.”
Monty Williams' wife was diagnosed with breast cancer during the playoffs.
He didn't take the Pistons' coaching position until after his family received positive news about her diagnosis thanks to early detection 🙏 pic.twitter.com/RJr6yHpVDl
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 13, 2023
Furthermore, Williams revealed his hesitation to take up the role when he learned about his wife’s condition. However, the Pistons’ management gave Williams assurances by offering private jet access and additional health benefits for his wife. Subsequently, he signed a six-year contract for $78.5 million with the team.
Williams had a rough journey all along, as he also lost his first wife, Ingrid Williams, to a car crash in 2016. Besides the tragic event, he took the Suns to three consecutive playoffs.
In response to the news, thousands of fans flooded social media expressing their empathy for Williams. One user said, “I do pray for this man really. Damn his story is tragic.”
Fans stood in solidarity with Williams
Fans swarmed a comments section of a tweet that shared the details about Williams’ wife’s condition with prayers and support. One user said, “Respect, prayers to his wife.” Here are some reactions from the NBA world.
Respect, prayers to his wife https://t.co/WVNX09xdqK
— Sports With X (@sportswithx) June 14, 2023
I do pray for this man really. Damn his story is tragic https://t.co/oAURivRumq
— myafricancarteliswhite (@myafricancarte2) June 14, 2023
The Suns management fired Williams after their Western Conference semifinal loss to the Denver Nuggets. Another fan wrote, “Wow he been thru hell and back.”
Wow he been thru hell and back https://t.co/eKNLttMTax
— darren (@Brookwood408) June 14, 2023
Man prayers up first wife dying in a car accident and now this just so unfortunate 🙏
— Old NBA Tweets (@oldnbatweetz) June 13, 2023
Damn, this brother is the definition of perseverance.
— HeirJordan.eth (@HeirJ0rdan) June 13, 2023
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He’s a great Coach, prayers to his wife and family. Can’t wait to see how he switches things around in Detroit
— Tkles de latalay (@Klesca) June 13, 2023
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The Pistons fans are eagerly waiting for the start of the next season with the inclusion of the former Suns coach as they strive for the franchise’s first championship in over two decades. Will Monty Williams work his trick with the Detroit Pistons? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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