With training camp right around the corner, the Detroit Pistons have solidified their coaching staff in hopes of reclaiming prominence. Luke Walton steps into the lead assistant role, joined by a strong group including Sidney Lowe, Fred Vinson, Vitaly Potapenko, Kevin Burleson, Jerome Allen, and Josh Estes. Holdovers from Monty Williams’ staff, Jarrett Jack and Steve Scalzi, will also return. This announcement isn’t surprising, as head coaches often seek familiar faces when building a new staff. However, two hires stand out, bringing fresh perspectives and experience. Who are they, and how will they shape the team’s future? Let’s discuss.
Pistons’ Coaching Staff Finalized With 2 Surprising Names
Jerome Allen’s Addition To The Pistons Coaching Staff
Allen returns to the Pistons, where he served as an assistant coach under Dwane Casey from 2021 to 2023. Last season, Allen worked as a pro personnel scout for the Boston Celtics, but his ties to Detroit remained strong, with regular appearances at Little Caesars Arena. Now, he rejoins the Pistons alongside Lowe as a familiar face within the franchise’s coaching ranks.
A former player himself, Allen was the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 49th overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft and, until 2019, was the most recent Ivy League player drafted. His career spanned 117 NBA games with the Timberwolves, Pacers, and Nuggets before taking his talents overseas, where he competed in Europe, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Spain.
Allen’s coaching journey began at the University of Pennsylvania in 2009, where he took over as head coach in 2010. He then transitioned to the NBA, spending several seasons under Brad Stevens with the Celtics, becoming Stevens’ longest-tenured assistant.
Josh Estes Addition To The Pistons Coaching Staff
Josh Estes joins Bickerstaff’s staff in Detroit after serving as Cleveland’s coaching analyst and analytics coordinator from 2020 to 2024. His analytical approach was crucial in shaping the Cavaliers’ strategies, especially in player development, game preparation, and in-game adjustments. Estes is known for his data-driven methods, utilizing advanced analytics to improve team efficiency and identify critical matchups. This could be a significant asset for the Pistons as they work to elevate their young core.
Estes began his coaching career in 2019-20 as an assistant at Amherst College, where he helped guide the team to an 18-8 record and a semifinal berth in the New England Small College Athletic Conference Championship. Early in his career, he quickly adapted to different competition levels and turned analytics into effective coaching strategies.
His international experience with the Brampton Honey Badgers in the Canadian Elite Basketball League during the 2023 season further broadened his coaching credentials, exposing him to diverse playing styles and coaching philosophies. With this combination of experience in analytics, collegiate coaching, and international basketball, Estes brings a unique skill set to the Pistons that could help the franchise optimize its talent and approach the game from a more modern, analytical perspective.
The Last Word
With experienced coaches like Jerome Allen and rising talent like Josh Estes, the Pistons have built a well-rounded, promising staff. Combining familiarity, player development expertise, and analytical insight sets the stage for a fresh direction under J.B. Bickerstaff. As the Pistons enter the 2024-25 season, this coaching staff can unlock the roster’s potential and lead Detroit forward.
