Honors might come to J.B. Bickerstaff but Pistons seek ‘bigger award’
Detroit — When Cade Cunningham suffered a collapsed lung against the Washington Wizards on March 17, some analysts and fans believed the Detroit Pistons would falter without their star player. He had been at the forefront of the Pistons' success this year, catapulting him to MVP contention. Although losing Cunningham for an extended period was tough news , the Pistons have won all three games he has missed and are 8-2 without the star guard this season.
The latest win was Monday night, 113-110 over the Los Angeles Lakers at Little Caesars Arena. Daniss Jenkins took the helm as Detroit's lead guard, finishing with a career-best 30 points. While his performance illustrated the hard work he put in as an undrafted prospect in 2024, Jenkins' career also embodies the trust coach J.
B. Bickerstaff has instilled in his players during tough times. "When we get in these tight moments, it’s never panic.
We always have someone ready to attack, whatever it is that we have to do," Jenkins said. "(Bickerstaff’s) preparation, his play-calling, his defensive schemes – everything was on point, and it was perfect. " The Pistons' victory against the Lakers showcased why Bickerstaff is considered among the leading candidates for Coach of the Year honors this season.
He has not only guided the Pistons to the best record in the Eastern Conference (52-19), but also led a short-handed team to victory over a Lakers squad that had won nine consecutive games. In addition to playing without Cunningham, Bickerstaff also had to manage his team without Isaiah Stewart, who missed his fifth straight game due to a left calf strain. Bickerstaff's coaching against the Lakers also showed how his philosophy has evolved after his five-year tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers.