Pistons finalise extension for coach Dwane Casey

Despite owning the second-worst record in the NBA, the Detroit Pistons finalised a contract extension for coach Dwane Casey on Wednesday.

Casey had two seasons remaining on his five-year, $35 million deal, and that pact was extended through the 2023-24 campaign.

The Pistons are 20-50 this season with two games remaining.

"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 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."

Overall, Casey has an 81-137 record in three seasons with Detroit. He went 41-41 and guided the team into the playoffs during the 2018-19 season before the club went 20-46 last season.

Casey is well regarded by Gores and general manager Troy Weaver. Turning free agent-signee Jerami Grant into an offensive force -- Grant's production of 22.3 points per game is more than double his career average -- is another development that earned him respect with upper management.

Casey, 64, has a career NBA coaching record of 454-444. His previous stints include 1 1/2 seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves and seven seasons with the Toronto Raptors.

Casey led Toronto to the playoffs in five straight seasons before being dismissed following the 2017-18 campaign. He was named Coach of the Year that season after leading the Raptors to a franchise-best 59-23 regular-season record in 2017-18.