The NBA's two highest-paid coaches have the worst records

The Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs have the worst records in the NBA. Both teams are in a rebuilding phase and are focused on developing the young talent at their disposal. However, it shouldn't be ignored that those same two teams employ the highest-paid coaches in the league.

Monty Williams earns a reported $13 million per year. He has guided the Pistons to two wins in 24 attempts. The Pistons supposed to be further along in their rebuild than where they currently are. Cade Cunningham is an exceptionally talented guard, and Jalen Duren had a fantastic rookie season. Yet, for whatever reason, Williams is failing to get a tune out of his young and upcoming team. 

Gregg Popovich earns $16 million per year but faces similar issues. Victor Wembanyama entered the NBA with an incredible amount of fanfare. He was seen as the best prospect since LeBron James. Yet, his impact has been minimal, with the Spurs currently on an 18-game losing streak. Popovich recently began experimenting with new ball-handlers and moving Wembanyama into the center position rather than playing him as a forward. Those changes are yet to yield results. 

Given the situations Williams and Popovich find themselves in, it's unfair to blame them for their team's current struggles. Nevertheless, as the two highest-paid coaches in the league, they are not immune to criticism. Spurs fans will be more understanding, as they're aware of the significant job Popovich has on his hands. 

Whereas the Pistons fans have begun to question Williams' suitability for the role. The veteran coach isn't known to be a player development specialist. He's also made some questionable decisions with the team's rotations this season. 

With three-quarters of the season left to go, both Williams and Popovich have plenty of opportunity to turn their teams around. However, given the lack of experience within their rosters, a genuine resurgence looks unlikely for either team.

This season, their salaries will be earned by improving the players at their disposal. Judging either team on their win totals would be disingenuous. Still, there's a lesson to be learned when looking at the Pistons' and Spurs' struggles, and that's how spending big on a head coach doesn't guarantee you immediate success. Nor does it promise that players will develop the way you want them to. 

For now, the Pistons and Spurs will be dreaming of another high draft pick, but that likely wasn't the goal heading into the new season.