Pistons' J.B. Bickerstaff named coach of the year by NBCA
J. B. Bickerstaff has directed one of the most impressive turnarounds in NBA history with the Detroit Pistons.
His peers have acknowledged his work. The Pistons' head coach was named the winner of the 2026 Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award , the National Basketball Coaches Association announced on Friday, April 17.
The honor comes after the Pistons' 60-22 overall season, which clinched the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. “I’m extremely honored to receive this recognition from my coaching peers,” Bickerstaff said in a press release.
“None of this is possible without the many people I’ve been blessed with along my journey, beginning with my dad, who has always been my inspiration for wanting to get into this profession, and my family for their love and support. I also owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to all the coaches I’ve worked with and learned from throughout my career. MORE: Cade Cunningham wins appeal, eligible for NBA awards despite injuries In 2026, Bickerstaff led the Pistons to a 16-win improvement over their 44-38 finish in 2024-25 – a season that represented an even larger leap forward from their 14-68 collapse in 2023-24.
They are the second-best defensive team in the league behind only the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, embracing a physical, relentless brand that's clicked with roster personnel and the fan base. All 30 NBA coaches are voters for the NBCA award, which goes to the coach viewed as the best leader of their team both on-and-off the court. “J.