Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff earned a lofty designation today
In addition to leading the top team in the Eastern Conference, J.B. Bickerstaff is going to lead the National Basketball Coaches Association once Pacers coach Rick Carlisle steps down from that role at the end of December.
Bickerstaff, who has the Pistons in first place of the East with a 22-6 record, is a vocal proponent for the game to be conducted in a fair manner, and he’s not shy about sharing his opinion. These qualities will allow for Bickerstaff to advocate for coaches– and teams– across the league in his new role.
"J.B. is not only a trusted friend of mine and many, many coaches, he's proven to be a great leader," Carlisle told the Associated Press. “The job he did in Cleveland, taking that team from the lottery to winning in the playoffs was phenomenal. The job he's done in Detroit the last year and a half speaks for itself. He's a great leader and passionate guy for coaches."
Carlisle was quite complimentary of the job that Bickerstaff has done of late, and that’s emblematic of the respect that the veteran coach has earned across the league. Through his 20-plus years in the NBA, Bickerstaff has been around the block a time or two, which only serves to make his straight-forward, direct approach even more effective.
At the moment, Bickerstaff is also in line to coach the Eastern Conference in the All-Star game this season. If the mid-year break occurred today, Bickerstaff would be on the sidelines as the head coach of the top team in his respective conference, a position that the Pistons have held for six consecutive weeks now.
Carlisle began his role with the NBCA back in 2005, so he’s had a near 20-year run, meaning Bickerstaff has some large shoes to replace. However, both Carlisle and Bickerstaff are very respected across the league, so the soon-to-be president should acclimate quickly to the role.
In the meantime, Bickerstaff is going to guide the Pistons through a West coast road swing for the remainder of the calendar year. Tonight, the Pistons travel to Portland for a game against the Trail Blazers, and Detroit will have four more consecutive road games out West before the new year begins.
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