Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Monty Williams has reportedly reached a five-year deal with the Phoenix Suns to become the team's next head coach. Williams, now the 20th head coach in Suns history, was a highly sought after candidate for a number of vacant head coaching positions, including the Los Angeles Lakers.
Williams, 47, served as the head coach of the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans from 2010-15. This was his first year coaching alongside Brett Brown in Philadelphia.
The Suns finished the year at 19-63, tied for second-worst in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers. As a result, Phoenix will have a 14% chance of landing the #1 overall pick (aka Zion Williamson) in the 2019 NBA Draft, as will the Cavs and New York Knicks. Williams and co. will find out exactly where they'll pick at the Draft Lottery taking place on May 14.
Of course, the Sixers could very likely still be competing in the NBA playoffs when that date rolls around in less than two weeks - but Monty will surely be keeping a close eye on those ping pong balls. The Suns have a 52.1% chance of securing a Top-4 pick and can fall no further than seventh in the draft (after losing a tiebreaker with the Cavs, who can drop no lower than sixth).
The Sixers, coming off a dominant win against the Raptors on Thursday night, hold a 2-1 series lead heading into Game 4 at Wells Fargo Center this Sunday.
Worth noting: Today's move by the Suns paves the way for LA to sign LeBron's "preferred" choice, Tyronn Lue.