Report: Monty Williams to return to basketball in a role with Spurs
Veteran coach looks to return to NBA life after the death of his wife
By
Matt Moore
•
2 min read
Monty Williams had such bigger things than basketball to deal with last year. Williams' wife, Ingrid, was killed in an auto accident while the veteran coach was with the Oklahoma City Thunder staff. The shock of the tragedy reverberated throughout the league, even as Williams gave a brave, inspired speech at his wife's funeral. Williams left the Thunder to grieve and care for his five children.
So it brought some smiles to the league this week to see Williams back on the court, helping coach Team USA as it prepares for the Olympics in Rio. And now, ESPN reports that Williams will get back into basketball next season, in either a front-office or coaching role for the San Antonio Spurs:
USA Basketball assistant coach Monty Williams has been told he has a job waiting for him with the San Antonio Spurs next season, and he is expected to accept, according to league sources.
Sources told ESPN that Williams -- who left the Oklahoma City Thunder's bench in February after the tragic death of his wife, Ingrid -- has been urged by Spurs coach Gregg Popovich to take as much of a role with the organization as he feels comfortable for the 2016-17 campaign.
The specifics of what role Williams would fill and how much time he could commit have not yet been determined, but sources say San Antonio has opened the door to either a coaching and player-development role or a front-office position (or a hybrid), depending on what he prefers.
Source: Monty Williams expected to join San Antonio Spurs' staff.
Williams' in-laws live in San Antonio, so they'll be able to help with the kids, the report states, as they are understandably Williams' top priority. But Williams also told ESPN that his children have urged him to return to the sideline, and he feels it's what his wife would want as well.
Williams is very popular in NBA circles; Ingrid Williams' funeral was attended by people from all over the league, mid-season. Anthony Davis, who Williams coached when he was head coach of the Pelicans, raves about him, as do members of the Thunder. His time with the Pelicans came with questions and struggles, but don't be surprised if eventually Williams takes a head coaching job in the future.
For now, the basketball community welcomes back a member it loves, as Williams and his family attempt to move on from an unspeakable tragedy. The Spurs would likely want Williams' expertise regardless as a valuable coach, but it also says something about the integrity of San Antonio (and several other teams ESPN reports made offers to Williams) that they are at the front of the line in wanting to help him get his career back on track, while wanting to help him balance what his family needs.
