Some NBA fans are critical of Monty Williams' recent comments about teacher pay in the United States. Williams, who's making around $13 million this season, reckons teachers should earn more than NBA coaches. The salary gap between teachers and NBA coaches is wide.
According to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic, the Detroit Pistons coach recently commented about the low teacher pay in the country. Williams believes ducators, who shape the future of everyone, should be earning much more than people like him.
CNBC reported last year that the median annual salary of a teacher in the United States is just around $61,000. It's one of the reasons why there's a teacher shortage, plus the added stress that comes with the job.
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NBA fans on social media began to dissect Monty Williams' comments about teacher pay. Some fans are angry at the government for not giving educators the salary they deserve, while others call out Williams, who has four wins as the Detroit Pistons coach this season.
It should be pointed out that NBA coaches have an average salary of $3.5 million per season. San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich earns an estimated $16 million per season, while the minimum salary is $2 million.
One fan told Williams to donate a part of his salary to teachers:
"Donate your money then."
One fan had the perfect explanation for why teachers can't earn millions:
"Schools aren't an organization that profits millions of dollars yearly."
Another took a different route and made a hilarious joke:
"My teachers don't have to deal whit Killian Hayes every day tho."
Here are other memes and reactions on X to Monty Williams' remarks about teacher salary:
What is Monty Williams' contract with the Detroit Pistons?
The Detroit Pistons wasted no time in finding their new coach last summer after removing Dwane Casey from the position and transferring him to the front office. The Pistons hired Monty Williams, who was dismissed by the Phoenix Suns under new ownership.
Williams signed a six-year, $78.5 million contract to take over a young Pistons team that had Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Jalen Durent. They also added Ausar Thompson in this year's NBA draft.
However, it has been a terrible season for Williams and the Pistons. They set the record for the longest losing streak in NBA history last month. They only have four wins this season, with Williams earning $13 million in the first year of his contract.
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