New NBA Rumors on J.B. Bickerstaff's Hot Seat After Pistons Lose to Cavs as No. 1 Seed in Game 7
Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff's job is reportedly safe despite the team's 31-point loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Sunday night.
The Athletic's Hunter Patterson reported that the Pistons front office's confidence in Bickerstaff "hasn't wavered" following the disappointing end to an impressive season that included earning the No. 1 seed in the East.
"The Pistons view him as the coach of the future, and the expectation, per league sources, is for Bickerstaff to be around long term," Patterson stated. "He's established meaningful relationships throughout the locker room and has cultivated a culture that the organization believes is sustainable, given the team's youth."
Detroit announced earlier this month that Bickerstaff signed a contract extension after leading the franchise to its first playoff series victory since 2008. The Pistons overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Orlando Magic in seven games in the first round. He has a 104-60 regular-season record in two years at the helm, including a 60-22 finish this year.
Under Bickerstaff's guidance, Detroit has established itself as a perennial playoff contender in the East. The Pistons will try to continue building off their recent success this offseason in hopes of reaching even greater heights next year.
