John Kuester is extremely appreciative of his opportunity to finally become a head coach in the NBA.

"I'm pinching myself that I've been in this league for 20 years," Kuester said last week. "Working with Larry Brown and Mike Brown, two guys that have been special. I learned something from all the people that I've worked for. People that have been assistants for a long period of time realize that we've got a great situation being assistant coaches. But having the opportunity to be a head coach is something I was looking forward to."

Kuester knew he was a long shot to get the job. If Avery Johnson and Joe Dumars could have agreed on money, then Johnson would be the current Detroit head coach.

"If that had happened, I would have been fine," Kuester said. "I had conversations with (Cavs general manager) Danny Ferry and Danny knew I wanted to become a head coach. He said 'John, just keep doing what you're doing and something good will happen.' And, lo and behold, it did. I didn't expect it to happen (so soon). Coming back to Detroit is very special to me."

Via NBA.com

Detroit Pistons

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