The Milwaukee Bucks have granted the Detroit Pistons permission to interview assistant coach Charles Lee for their vacant head coaching position, according to ESPN. Lee has spent four seasons on Mike Budenholzer's staff in Milwaukee, including the 2021 championship run. The 38-year-old former Bucknell guard also coached under Budenholzer in Atlanta after a four-year playing career in Europe.
Neither the Bucks nor the Pistons immediately responded to requests for confirmation. ESPN also reports that the Bucks are expected to allow interviews with Toronto Raptors assistant Adrian Griffin and Miami Heat assistant Chris Quinn.
Detroit is searching for a new head coach after Dwane Casey stepped down following a 17-65 season, one of the worst in franchise history. Casey was hired in 2018 and led the team to a .500 record and playoff berth in his first season, but subsequent rebuilding efforts faltered due to unsuccessful trades and injuries to key players like Cade Cunningham.
The Pistons hope their poor season will improve their chances in the draft lottery, where they have a 14% chance of landing the first pick and selecting French prospect Victor Wembanyama. Young players Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren showed promise last season, averaging 16 points and five assists, and nine points and nine rebounds respectively. Cunningham, the 2021 first overall pick, played only 12 games due to shin surgery.
Veterans Bojan Bogdanovic, Isaiah Stewart, James Wiseman, and Marvin Bagley are expected to return, providing experience for the young core. Bagley expressed optimism, saying, 'We got guys that care and are not OK with losing.'
