Even after a few playoff letdowns, the Pistons’ strong regular-season performance was impossible to ignore, and they hoped for some recognition in the awards. Unfortunately, their best shot at an individual honor slipped away when Boston’s Joe Mazzulla was named NBA Coach of the Year. The decision stings for JB Bickerstaff and feels like a slight yet it only reinforces Detroit’s us-against-the-world mentality.
JB Bickerstaff Got Snubbed for the Second Year in a Row
For the second straight season, Bickerstaff finished as runner-up for Coach of the Year. Last year, he surprisingly lost despite engineering a historic turnaround taking the Pistons from 14 wins before his arrival to 44 in his first season. He was beaten by his own successor in Cleveland, as the Cavaliers claimed the East’s top seed with a dominant regular season.
This year, Bickerstaff pulled off the same feat Kenny Atkinson did last season, yet came up short once more. Consider that Bickerstaff guided Detroit to 60 wins without a wealth of offensive firepower. Instead, the team thrived on the defensive system and intensity he instilled.
Of course, there was a strong case for Mazzulla, who led the Celtics to a surprising second-place finish in the East despite missing star Jayson Tatum for most of the season. Boston was projected as a mid-tier team in the preseason, but Mazzulla maximized his roster and helped Jaylen Brown deliver a career year. Still, Bickerstaff did the same with his squad while also coaxing unexpected growth out of Jalen Duren.
The Pistons Will Need Even More Dominance to Earn Awards Respect
Each of Bickerstaff’s narrow losses in the Coach of the Year race since coming to Detroit can be justified on its own. But seeing the same outcome two years in a row adds an extra layer of frustration. Detroit fans now realize that their team has to be absolutely undeniable to get any awards love.
On the bright side, the Pistons’ stellar regular season did earn some individual recognition. Cade Cunningham made the All-NBA First Team thanks to his two-way brilliance and leadership of Detroit’s offense. Even Jalen Duren got a nod on the All-NBA Third Team for controlling the paint on both ends and making major scoring leaps.
Unfortunately for Bickerstaff, his best chance to win Coach of the Year may have already passed. After a 60-win season, success will be expected from the Pistons every year, making it harder for him to stand out. This award often hinges on unexpected success something Detroit will find increasingly difficult to deliver in the seasons ahead.
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