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.B. Bickerstaff, who turned a last-place Detroit Pistons team into a first-rate organization, was named the National Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year on Friday.
The Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award recognizes the dedication, commitment, and hard work of NBA head coaches. It is presented annually to a head coach who has helped guide his players to a higher level of on-court performance and demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to the community off the court, the organization said.
“I’m extremely honored to receive this recognition from my coaching peers,” said Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, 47, in a statement. “None of this is possible without the many people I’ve been blessed to have 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.”
“I’m grateful to my coaching staff for all they do to help prepare our team for every practice and game. Tom Gores, Trajan Langdon, the basketball front office, and the Pistons organization have provided us with all the resources to go out and be successful,” Bickerstaff said. “I’m thankful for their support and dedication to what we’re building here in Detroit.”
“I’ve been lucky to coach a special group of young men this season, and seeing their individual and collective growth has been gratifying. I’m truly thankful for their commitment, dedication, and willingness to allow me to coach them.”
The Pistons finished 60-22 and atop the Eastern Division this year.
In the 2023–24 season, before Bickerstaff came on board, the Pistons finished in last place with a 14-68 record. He was hired in July 2024 after the dismal season ended.
