J.B. Bickerstaff has been hired by the Detroit Pistons as their new head coach, replacing Monty Williams. Bickerstaff was recently fired by the Cavaliers after guiding them to two straight playoff appearances, but he wasted no time in securing a new job. He has a coaching record of 170-159 in his five years with Cleveland.
This move marks the first significant decision made by Trajan Langdon, the Pistons’ new president of basketball operations, who took on the role after five years as the general manager of the New Orleans Pelicans. Together with Bickerstaff, they will be tasked with revitalizing the Pistons following a challenging 14-68 season, the worst in franchise history.
Bickerstaff steps into a challenging situation as Detroit’s third coach in as many seasons. The team struggled under Williams, who led them to only 14 wins last season, the lowest in the NBA. Expectations were high after Williams signed a lucrative coaching contract, but the team endured a humiliating 28-game losing streak, setting a league record.
While Bickerstaff has the opportunity to improve upon Williams’ performance, he will face tough competition from other teams that won more than 21 games last season. With only 20 NBA teams achieving this feat, Bickerstaff will have to lead Detroit out of their current slump and deliver more success than his predecessor if he wants to steer them on the path to improvement and contend for playoff spots once again.
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