Pistons, coach Dwane Casey agree to contract extension through 2024

This season has been solid evidence that the Pistons’ rebuild is in high gear.

Head coach Dwane Casey has been one of the main engineers of the development behind the rebuild — and he’ll be there for a couple more years.

Casey and the Pistons agreed to a contract extension that will keep him with the team through 2024, the team announced Wednesday. Casey has been an integral piece of general manager Troy Weaver’s restoring of the franchise and his work with the young players, especially the rookie class, has inspired hope for a revival.

The extension is an additional year for Casey, who was hired in 2018 on a five-year deal to replace Stan Van Gundy, who was in a dual role as team president and head coach. Casey, who was the NBA coach of the year with the Toronto Raptors before the two sides parted ways, helped the Pistons to a playoff appearance in his first season.

“I am truly excited for the continued opportunity to work for (team owner Tom Gores), alongside (general manager Troy Weaver) and (vice chairman Arn Tellem) as we continue to build the Pistons franchise,” Casey, 64, said in a team statement.

“The young players that Troy has brought to the organization are solid pieces that we will build the foundation upon as the Pistons return to being legitimate contenders in the NBA for years to come. I feel both honored and blessed that Tom continues to entrust this team to my leadership.”

The Pistons have fallen on hard times since, with a 20-46 record last season. This year, Weaver’s first, they have rebounded and though their record (20-50) hasn’t improved, Casey has worked with the three first-round picks, along with a slew of young prospects, to create a solid nucleus for the Pistons and hope heading into the summer.

“Dwane’s leadership and experience is a perfect fit for where we are and where we’re headed as an organization,” general manager Troy Weaver said in a team statement. “He has instilled a culture based on hard work and competitiveness, he’s an excellent teacher and communicator, and his offensive and defensive principles fit today’s NBA game.  I’m excited to continue our process for restoring this franchise together.”

Casey was a longtime assistant coach with the Seattle SuperSonics beginning in 1994 and got his first opportunity as a head coach with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2005. He also was on the staff that won a championship with the Dallas Mavericks before moving on to the Raptors in 2011.

In his time with the Pistons, Casey has a record of 81-137, following thee success in Toronto where he was 320-238.

“Dwane’s ability to adapt and lead us through a challenging but very exciting year of growth and development has further established his place as one of the most highly respected coaches in the NBA,” Pistons team owner Tom Gores said in a statement. “He is fully committed to the restoration of the Pistons where his competitiveness, teaching ability and developmental acumen can be seen in the growth of our young players.

“I eagerly anticipate watching the future of this team and the upward trajectory of the franchise under his continued leadership as we strive to compete for championships.”

Rod.Beard@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @detnewsRodBeard