2 weeks Ago By Christian Alamodin, Hardwood Heroics
Few expected the Detroit Pistons to become one of the most captivating stories in the NBA when they brought J.B. Bickerstaff on board in the 2024 offseason.
The team’s new head coach came off a successful season with the Cleveland Cavaliers . However, his failure to lead the Cavs to the Eastern Conference Finals, despite having one of the most exciting players on the roster, cost him his job . However, the team turned their fortunes around as the players bought into their new head coach’s system.
Cade Cunningham was the biggest beneficiary of his leadership after enjoying his first taste of All-Star ball . As the Pistons are poised to make an automatic postseason appearance , the team’s head tactician gets real on how his first season helped the Pistons make their first postseason return in nearly a decade. J.
B. Bickerstaff praises the Detroit Pistons for making their first playoff appearance in six years Bickerstaff knows that making the playoffs is one step in his long-term goals for the team, but he acknowledges how big the moment is for the rest of the roster in a recent interview. Per ClutchPoints’ Eric Vincent : “It’s a big deal for the group.
We typically don’t take time to reflect on where we are, but this is an opportunity for this group to reflect on where it is, where it’s come from, and what it’s been able to accomplish together,” Bickerstaff stated via FanDuel Sports Network. “To turn it around the way that they have, to put themselves in this position to play in the postseason is a big deal. Their commitment to one another has been unmatched.
Finding the consistency, the belief of one another, it is a big deal for this group for sure.” Bickerstaff has done a marvelous job in leading Detroit, with at least seven players averaging double digits in scoring for the squad. Maximizing the use of Jaden Ivey, Malik Beasley, and Tobias Harris played huge roles in the win.
While his impact is most noticeable in Cade Cunningham’s play, Bickerstaff’s approach on defense also contributed to their rise. The team ranked 26th in defensive rating last season, and Bickerstaff immediately turned it around to ninth. How will the Pistons fare in the playoffs? If the playoffs were going to start today, the Detroit Pistons would have it rough against the Indiana Pacers .
Indy may not have made a convincing run to the Eastern Conference Final, but the team is more than capable of winning games. Their season series hasn’t been encouraging, either, with them winning only one of their four meetings this season. Bickerstaff and the rest of the Pistons must step their game up if they want to make it to the next round.
This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission..
