Key Points:
Stan Van Gundy spoke to Zach Lowe
He revealed an excruciating draft misfire
He says he’d still be coaching if not for the mistake
The Detroit Pistons are first in the Eastern Conference with a 17-5 record headed into tomorrow night’s home tilt with the Portland Trail Blazers, a classic nemesis.
The Pistons are coached by J.B. Bickerstaff, who has far surpassed the results of the team’s last coach, Monty Williams.
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The Pistons have had 37 head coaches in franchise history, with former Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy serving in the position from 2014-2018, recording a 152-176 record for a .463 winning percentage.
Van Gundy also served as the team’s president of basketball operations during the timeframe, which placed in charge of player personnel and led to the haunting draft miscue.
Dec 7, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; TNT broadcaster Stan Van Gundy during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics at Staples Center. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Van Gundy Shares Biggest Mistake
Van Gundy spoke to Lowe about the mistake he made during the 2015 NBA Draft when the Pistons chose former Arizona Wildcats forward Stanley Johnson with the eighth overall pick.
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Johnson never averaged more than 10 points with the Pistons but was chosen ahead of multiple future NBA stars.
“If I had drafted (Booker) in Detroit, I might still be coaching,” Van Gundy said to the podcast host.
“Every time Devin Booker has a great game, I kick myself — physically kick myself — just to make sure I feel that pain,” he added.
“I have great respect for him,” Van Gundy added.
“I passed on Devin Booker and Donovan Mitchell and that’s why I’m, uh, broadcasting now,” the former Pistons coach and president said.
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Fans React to Van Gundy Comments
Fans reacted to the admission on X.
“Crazy fam I can’t even mentally place who Stanley Johnson is,” one person said about the former Pistons and Spurs forward who left the NBA in 2023.
“I love how Van Gundy talks about his past and takes accountability every time for his mistakes, gotta respect it bro,” another said.
Another reminded fans of the 2017 draft when Van Gundy took Luke Kennard over future high profile players Bam Adebayo, O.G. Anunoby, Kyle Kuzma and others.
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“Stan Van Gasbag ruined the Pistons for nearly a decade with his drafting malpractice,” another said.
“Stanley Johnson was sooo hyped but had the most broke jumper ever,” another said.
“He missed Donovan Mitchell (which SO CLEARLY should have been the pick that year),” another said, “and Devin Booker.”
“SVG is right where he belongs. Cast into the abyss lol,” another said.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 5, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.