No LeBron, AD as Lakers take on Rockets in LA

Monty Williams’ wife was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly before the Detroit Pistons initially reached out about the team’s open head coach role, revealed Williams at his introductory press conference.

“I had a situation, personally, in my family that needed attention. I talked to my wife today about whether or not we should talk about that publicly, but that was a huge part of my decision-making. The patience that Troy and Mr. Gores (Pistons owner Tom Gores) had with me as we navigated that told me a lot,” said Williams on Tuesday.

Williams was given access to a health and welfare fund to help with medical expenses not covered by insurance.

Williams also has access to a private jet to travel to Phoenix, where his wife’s doctor resides.

Williams signed a six-year, $72 million deal with the Pistons.