The Detroit Pistons Made a Good Call with Their New Head Coach
I know that it riles people up when I get positive about the Detroit Pistons. It seems like we’re at a point in Detroit where we just want to keep it real and wallow in our tragedies and misfortune. But, I feel good about our new hire for the Detroit Pistons head coach, so be nice and let me be happy about the Pistons for once in my life.
The Detroit Pistons Made a Good Call with Their New Head Coach
Listen. I realize this could go either way. The Detroit Pistons have been in rebuild years for as long as I remember. But, I’m happy that they were able to get someone to come to Detroit with present day NBA experience.
Meet the new coach: J.B. Bickerstaff. He’s reportedly signing a five-year deal with a team option for the fifth season. So, like with previous coach Monty Williams’ contact, this is a long one. Bickerstaff is 45 and was just let go from being the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was with the Cavaliers from 2020-24 and got them to the first round of the playoffs in 2023 (51-31 record) and the second round this past season (48-34). He was let go in May, following the Cavaliers being eliminated from the playoffs by Boston in five games. Of course, Boston went on to win the whole thing, so now the loss shouldn’t sting as much. Last week, Cleveland hired Kenny Atkinson as their new head coach.
I’m glad that Bickerstaff wanted to come here. He could have looked at what happened with Monty Williams, who had a pretty good record before coming to Detroit, and decided to quit the game while he was going out at least with a decent record. But, Bickerstaff is coming to Detroit, and I’m grateful he’s willing to give us some much-needed guidance. If you read my stuff or listen to me on the radio, then you know that I liked Williams as a coach, but he wasn’t versed with helping young talent. This is different. Bickerstaff not only brings a winning track record but he also has been successful in player development, which is exactly what the Pistons need. We don’t have vets. Maybe we’ll get some during the offseason, but it’s going to be difficult to get winning vets to come here right now, so our best hope is to develop the young talent on our team. I believe, and hope, that Bickerstaff can do that. Welcome to Detroit, J.B. Contact me with your Pistons thoughts.
