Detroit is continuing to reshape its front office and coaching staff, with J.B. Bickerstaff set to become the Pistons’ new head coach under a confirmed five-year contract, featuring four years of guaranteed terms, according to a source familiar with the situation.
The Detroit Pistons are set to appoint J.B. Bickerstaff as their new head coach, according to sources. Bickerstaff, 45, has signed a five-year contract with four years guaranteed. He most recently coached the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he led them to a 170-159 record over four-plus seasons, including a 48-34 record this past season. His coaching tenure included playoff appearances in the last two years.
The Pistons had a rough season, finishing with the NBA’s worst record at 14-68 and enduring a record-tying 28-game losing streak. They swiftly parted ways with head coach Monty Williams, despite his lucrative six-year, $78 million contract, resulting in a $65 million payout. In May, they appointed Trajan Langdon as the new team president and made changes by replacing general manager Troy Weaver.
In the last month, Dennis Lindsey joined as the senior vice president of basketball operations, while Michael Blackstone and J.R. Holden took on important front-office roles. Additionally, renowned shooting coach Fred Vinson joined as an assistant coach.
Bickerstaff’s appointment as head coach is crucial due to his coaching background, leading rebuilds in various previous roles, and his expertise in player development. These qualities were highly sought after by team owner Tom Gores and Langdon when selecting a new head coach.
Tom emphasized the importance of leadership, stating, “Finding someone who can lead this team moving forward, aligning with both myself and my front office on our strategic vision for the organization, is crucial,” Langdon explained this month. “A strong communicator and collaborator is essential, not only with the front office but also with our performance teams, nutritionists, and mental skills coaches. Collaboration throughout the organization is key to maintaining alignment. Additionally, a commitment to player development is vital. Our young core shows promise, and we need someone patient yet passionate about their growth, willing to follow the necessary steps,” he added. The Pistons’ focus on developing young talent, including Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, and Isaiah Stewart, underscores the importance of this background in their future plans. Owner Gores echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for a coach who can develop players while aiming for long-term sustainability. He stressed the importance of setting high standards for the next coach and achieving both developmental milestones and competitive success. The upcoming free agency period and NBA Summer League add urgency to their coaching search and player development efforts.
