As with any NBA team, the head coach sets the tone from the top down and dictates the direction of the squad, but a team's coaching impact is not limited to just one man. That could not be any more true for the Pistons as Detroit head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has filled his staff with more than a couple notable NBA veterans.
Predominantly, Luke Walton was a 10-year forward in the association, and he's helped Bickerstaff deliver his main coaching points to the squad. Jarrett Jack was an impactful guard throughout his 16-year NBA run, so he comes with a treasure trove of experience and information to impart upon the Pistons' developing squad. Big man Vitaly Potapenko turned in an 11-year pro career, and he will flank Walton as one of the team's foremost coaches for the action down low. Finally, Sidney Lowe played four years in the NBA, including a short stint with the Pistons.
On the surface, it appears that Bickerstaff prefers to stock his coaching staff with ex-players, and the early returns on that choice are positive. Last season, the Pistons broke a five-year playoff draught with its first round matchup against the New York Knicks. And although Detroit was unable to topple the Knicks in the series, the Pistons players now have a reference point for what it takes to compete in the NBA postseason.
Are you in favor of this type of coaching staff? Would you also opt to bring in as many former players as possible when going through team-building activities? Let us know and share your input, and perhaps leave a couple suggestions on former NBA players who Bickerstaff would be well served by considering for a position on his staff.