NBA Notes: Pistons, JB Bickerstaff, Lakers, Luka Doncic, Bulls

Pistons

The Pistons were at the bottom of the league when they hired J.B. Bickerstaff. Two seasons later, they are a factor in the Eastern Conference and have positioned themselves as a legitimate postseason threat.

Much of that rise starts with Cade Cunningham, who has entered the MVP conversation. But those around the team say Bickerstaff’s voice and approach have helped shape everything, as Hunter Patterson of The Athletic detailed.

“Everybody feels like they can call him to talk about if they have problems with their girlfriend or if they need something for their kids,” Cunningham said. “He’s just a very selfless and supportive person. Having somebody like that who cares about you on the court and wants you to be great on the court, but then also actually cares about your life and your well-being off the court is huge.”

Bickerstaff, formerly of the Cavaliers, said familiarity with his old players can help, though he downplayed it, via Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.

“I just spent a lot of time with those guys,” he said, smiling.

Lakers

The Lakers continue to wait on Luka Doncic, and the message from both player and team has been consistent. Patience.

Doncic acknowledged he has pushed too hard in the past while returning from injuries. This time, he is taking a different approach, per Melissa Rohlin of the California Post.

“It’s a tough one for me because I came back from injuries before too soon, and it wasn’t the best result,” Doncic said, via Rohlin. “But like I say, this is the first time I have the hamstring injury. It’s not the same like other injuries. You have to be very careful.”

The Lakers appear willing to give him that time.

Bulls

The Bulls are no longer sidestepping reality. Change has arrived in Chicago, and leadership is owning what came before it.

At the introductory news conference for new head of basketball operations Bryson Graham, CEO Michael Reinsdorf addressed fans directly, via Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.

“First I’ll start with our fans,” Reinsdorf said. “I want to, actually I need to, say I’m sorry because the results obviously haven’t been there. It’s not something I’m proud of and it’s something I want to get right. Ultimately it flows up to me and I take responsibility. I do feel that Wednesday is a step in the right direction and it’s an important step.”

Reinsdorf said he knew quickly Graham was the right choice, via Jon Greenberg of The Athletic.

Graham, for his part, did not offer shortcuts or quick fixes, as he told reporters, including ESPN’s Jamal Collier.

“I’m not going to be up here and mince words and say we’re further along if we just add a couple of pieces,” Graham said. “Because that’s not the case.”

He made it clear the organization is entering a new phase.

“Most rebuild situations is when you don’t have star-caliber players,” Graham said. “Right now, not to say we don’t have anyone on this roster that can get there, but until we continue to draft well, add to this mix, and add overall talent and team identity, yeah, we’re in a rebuilding phase.”