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Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who was an assistant in Minnesota from 2007-11, also shared his thoughts with reporters Sunday. “I have a bunch of friends that still live there, and they talk about how it doesn’t feel real,” he said. “People are highly emotional. The answers, I think, are kind of cloudy. So it’s disappointing to see it get to the point that it’s at, right? The purpose of all of this stuff we do, and that we’re all in, is humanity and to treat each other a certain way. And when people cross that line, no matter who they are, they should be held to the same standard as everybody else. We’ll see everything that comes out of it, but my heart goes out to people who are losing family members recklessly. To me, that’s what those things appear to be.”
Omari Sankofa: "I think J.B. really came in and galvanized not just a roster, but the franchise as a whole. He came in... and from a personality standpoint, I think he's just really best with this group. The way he fires guys up... but behind the scenes, I think he just really, really clicked with guys like Duren, like Isaiah Stewart, like Cade Cunningham... It's reflected in just the approach the team has on the floor. The no-nonsense approach that they have now with J.B., that just shows just how much better of a fit he's been."
Omari Sankofa II: JB on Cade’s wrist injury: “It’s not easy what he’s going through. Wrist on your shooting hand makes things a little more difficult … it’s one of those things where we’re hopefully it just takes time.” Said Cade’s gutting it out right now and it’s just rest and treatment.
After a Nov. 14 win over the Philadelphia 76ers without Cunningham, Duren, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey and Marcus Sasser, Bickerstaff referred to his bunch as a group of “nasty dogs.” The nastiness they play with is fueled by the passion he paces the sideline with on a nightly basis. Isaiah Stewart, who could not hide his grin in the locker room after the win, gave Bickerstaff his credit for “being a dog, too.” “Having him, with his system, it fits Detroit basketball perfectly,” Stewart said.
NBA Communications: Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the @DetroitPistons has earned a spot as a head coach in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, set for Sunday, Feb. 15 at 5 PM ET on @NBAonNBC. Bickerstaff will coach one of the three teams in the new U.S. vs. World format.
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Tony East: “It’s a heck of an accomplishment to say the least,” JB Bickerstaff says of Rick Carlisle getting 1k wins. “It just speaks volumes about his ability to teach the game.” On coaches association Prez: “The assistants here and my kids give me more respect now,” he jokes. “It’s an honor.”
Omari Sankofa II: Asked JB and Ivey learning how to be impactful off the bench: "We know he’s a weapon. We can use him so many different ways and we’re thankful to have a guy who had to adjust to a new role and still has to contribute … I think he’s done a great job with that."
Omari Sankofa II: JB on Stewart scoring 31: "It's his willingness to do what's right by the team and accept any role. He's done everything for us this season."
Omari Sankofa II: JB on defense sparking their 3rd quarter run: "That’s the spark for us all the time. Tonight it was kinda ugly and uncomfortable offensively, we couldn’t really catch a rhythm. But we knew if we could get stops and get out in transition, we could find a way."
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Omari Sankofa II: JB on Jenkins' ability to read coverages: "Daniss was well-coached in college. He sees the game. Chaz too, he put in five years of college ... It’s easier for them to see those things developing because they have so much basketball experience … being coached in college matters.
Omari Sankofa II: JB on the team performing in a playoff atmosphere: "No matter what the situation is, they do a great job of staying present and staying in the moment. They raced through yesterday and got to today, and did what they did … to hold that team to 90 points is a hell of a job."
Omari Sankofa II: Asked JB about the Stewart-Reed starting frontcourt: “It allows Stew to roam the paint … while P Reed is capable of defending the perimeter and dealing with bigger guys there.” Acknowledged it has some spacing issues to figure out, but he liked their defensive intensity.
Detroit has built on last season’s success and has been the No. 1 team in the East for most of the season, despite not making any big-name trades or free-agent signings in several years. The Pistons have thrived as their high draft picks have matured and general manager Trajan Langdon has filled out the roster around them with capable, role-playing veterans. “I believe, right now, he’s one of the frontrunners for Coach of the Year,” Mike Brown said of JB Bickerstaff. “The first people who come to mind are him and (Celtics head coach) Joe Mazzulla. Those two have done something with teams people thought didn’t have a chance, and they’re right there despite missing pieces. “It doesn’t surprise me about what he’s doing in Detroit, because I know how passionate he is, how hard he works, and he’s extremely intelligent.”