As often in recent years, the “Coach of the Year” trophy was very disputed and several technicians deserved it. If it was Kenny Atkinson who won the precious sesame this season, his dolphin, JB Bickerstaffwould have had more than the profile to add his name to the charts.
It should be remembered that with 44 victories on the clock when, last season, the pistons had only won 14 painful matches, the coach profoundly transformed and advances the de Franchise de Detroit. It is now carried by a new breath.
Just like the coach, by the company of this group, because, after his departure from Cleveland, he had planned to enjoy a sabbatical year, in the sun, in California. Far from Michigan therefore. Trajan Langdon, who had just been appointed head of pistons, took his phone to convince him to come and settle on the bench of the weak pistons.
“They gave me a taste for the profession”assure JB Bickerstaff. “I am lucky to be part of this team, this franchise and to have seen them revitalize the fans. We went on, from where we were at the start of the season to what we are now. I am immensely proud of these guys, for what they managed to do. »»
The owner of the pistons was able to sleep quietly
The continuation is known: 44 successes therefore in the regular season and a very exciting first playoffs against the Knicks, lost 4-2. After such a season, the promises are beautiful in Detroit and the coach completely succeeded in his bet.
-“JB Bickerstaff is huge for us. I told everyone: it is like an uncle for us. It looks like the cool uncle that we want to listen to and, in training, he is always listening to us. He’s a great coach “assure Malik Beasley. “It was incredible”Cades Cunningham continues. “With its systems and by putting us in good position, by playing on our strengths, we were able to do the season we have done. »»
The all-star of the pistons also indicates that it has “Never knew something like that” When he talks about how to direct the players used by the former Cleveland coach. “He wants us to play hard every night. We couldn’t ask for better than that, than a coach that grows in us and pushes us all the time. »»
The owner of the franchise, Tom Gores, sums up this marriage by two simple formulas. The first is to say that “JB, it’s a gift for us”Who “Was able to find the happy medium between energy, emotions and discipline. He invested himself very early in this team and in each individual. I am very impressed ”.
And the second formula? “I’m going to say one thing: I haven’t lost sleep this year knowing that JB was on the bench. I have probably lost sleep by worrying about seeing him lose sleep. It is a rewarding feeling. »»
