Pistons to hire J.B. Bickerstaff as new head coach

J.B. Bickerstaff has officially signed a five-year contract to take on the role of head coach for the Detroit Pistons, as confirmed by sources to ESPN on Sunday. Bickerstaff stood out among numerous contenders and secured the position under the new president of basketball operations, Trajan Langdon. During his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Bickerstaff successfully guided the team through a rebuilding phase, achieving 99 victories in the regular season over the last two years. He also steered Cleveland to the Eastern Conference playoffs for two consecutive seasons, culminating in a conference semifinals appearance this year. Following the conclusion of the season, the Cavaliers parted ways with Bickerstaff and brought in Kenny Atkinson as his replacement.

Bickerstaff is set to take on his fourth head-coaching role with the Pistons, having previously coached in Houston, Memphis, and Cleveland. Following a disappointing 14-68 season, Detroit parted ways with coach Monty Williams, who was in the first year of a six-year, $78.5 million contract. Additionally, the ownership made changes by replacing general manager Troy Weaver with Langdon, who has outlined a strategic rebuilding plan that aligns with Bickerstaff's background with the Cavaliers.

Langdon has been proactive in recruiting front office and coaching personnel in the past few weeks, bringing on board Mike Blackstone and Dennis Lindsey for his front office, and now making swift moves to secure Bickerstaff from a pool that included Dallas Mavericks assistant Sean Sweeney, who reportedly left a strong impression during the process, sources revealed.

The Pistons are aiming to secure a long-term contract for 2021 No. 1 draft pick Cade Cunningham on his rookie extension, and are focusing on utilizing their salary cap space to absorb veteran contracts that will be coupled with future draft picks.

Bickerstaff took over as interim coach in 2020 after John Beilein, and during his five seasons with the Cavaliers, he achieved a 170-159 (.517) record. This season, Cleveland secured the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 48-34 record and advanced to the playoffs by defeating the Orlando Magic in the opening round. However, the Cavs faced a setback in the conference semifinals, losing 4-1 to Boston, with center Jarrett Allen out and All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell missing the final two games due to a calf injury.