J.B. Bickerstaff has taken up a new coaching position with the Detroit Pistons. The third different coach in as many years, Bickerstaff will now be leading the team. An amount of $68m was spent on Monty Williams who left his job while having three more years under contract.
The search for a new Pistons’ leader became quick with newly appointed president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon at the helm. Among others, he was considered primarily because of his reputation of changing team’s culture; inspiring others and being a good communicator.
The four years stint with Cavaliers that Bickerstaff had, saw him restore their competitiveness, resulting in post-seasons two times. His tenure takes over from a line-up of Pistons that have struggled recently winning only 31 games in last two seasons, including an all-time low score 14 wins during 2023-24 season.
Previously, Bickerstaff’s career record stood at 170-159 with the Cavs and it was followed by playoffs where they went 6-11. This is a gradual improvement from play-in tournament to playoffs and finally conference semifinals throughout his time in the team
Nevertheless, after losing the second round series 4-1 against Boston Celtics that won NBA championship; Cleveland Cavaliers decided not to renew J.B. Bickerstaff’s contract. These games lacked Jarrett Allen who played as starting center and Donovan Mitchell who is among their star guards for two last matches. Change was thought as necessary due to seeking advice from new trainers on how to run a basketball organization effectively.
The Cavaliers didn’t waste time seeking Bickerstaff’s successor as they have interviewed more than ten coaching candidates in the past month. They finally hired Kenny Atkinson, who was officially announced as the new head coach on Friday. Atkinson will be introduced at a press conference on Monday afternoon.