July 19, 2024 | Articles Homepage News The Pistons
New Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff on owner Tom Gores: ‘Someone who has your back’
DETROIT – J.B. Bickerstaff has many reasons for joining the Detroit Pistons.
Introduced as the franchise’s new head coach at a new conference helmed by Pistons President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon, Bickerstaff cited the franchise’s storied past, which includes three NBA championships and many Hall of Famers, as a primary reason for taking the position.
He also cited the $137 million Henry Ford-Pistons Performance Center as an example of the resources provided by team owner Tom Gores.
“These are first-class resources,” Bickerstaff told Detroit media members in early July. “There’s nothing that we could ask for that we don’t have here. (These resources) … are going to help our guys get better and are going to help make us a better basketball team.
“My conversations with Trajan about other things that we can add, there hasn’t been (any pushback) to those additions as long as it’s something that’s going to help us competitively and make us a better basketball team. When you have those resources and you have someone who has your back and lends that support, you give yourself a chance to reach your potential, and reach the pinnacle that we’re ultimately looking for.”
Bickerstaff, 45, comes to Detroit with 20 years of NBA coaching experience. He most recently
served as head coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2020-24, compiling a 170-159 (.517) regular season record over four-plus seasons. His teams reached the playoffs each of the past two seasons. The Cavs advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals this past season. He finished top-five in NBA Coach of the Year voting in 2021-22 and 2022-23.
“I am pleased to have J.B. joining our franchise and commend our front office team on leading an extensive search,” Gores said when Bickerstaff’s hiring was announced. “This is a pivotal time, and we need a leader who can immediately instill a culture of growth, development and inspiration.
“After spending time with J.B., it’s clear he is a passionate teacher with a competitive spirit who knows what it takes to win in today’s NBA. He’s also a strong communicator, which provides great synergy with Trajan and the front office team we have assembled. He will be an outstanding partner in helping our players maximize their potential and compete consistently.”
Langdon noted that Bickerstaff brings a leadership style and work ethic that is complementary to those he has already brought to Detroit in building out the basketball front office.
“I’m excited to welcome J.B. Bickerstaff as our head coach,” Langdon said. “I am confident that he is going to create an environment for our players that will prioritize development while building a highly competitive atmosphere. J.B. is a winner, a great communicator and will put systems in place to put our players in position to reach their potential. I look forward to partnering with him in executing our vision.”