Pistons Showing Serious Signs Of Turning Corner Under New Coach JB Bickerstaff

Don’t look now, but the Pistons aren’t terrible. In fact, some may even tell you they’re a team on the rise.

At least, they are compared to last year. After back-to-back seasons at the bottom of the standings, they’re finally showing signs of a legitimate turnaround under new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Clearly, a fresh voice on the sidelines is bringing out something different in this squad — a confidence that was sorely lacking the last couple of years.

Detroit has already notched three wins, a milestone it didn’t reach until almost New Year’s Eve last season. Now, the Pistons have pulled out wins in three of their last four games — a level of success they experienced just once last year.

What’s noticeable is how these Pistons play — tough, resilient, and committed. Bickerstaff has his young roster locking in on defense and moving the ball with purpose. They’re not giving away possessions or letting teams off the hook defensively, and they’re battling through close games with poise. You can see the difference in the energy of guys like Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren. They’re playing with more buy-in, and it’s starting to reflect in the results.

It’s still early, sure. But a few things are clear: Bickerstaff’s style is resonating, and the team is buying in. That’s half the battle for a rebuilding team.

He did something similar as coach of the Cavaliers, guiding them from the play-in tournament … to the first round of the playoffs … to the second last season.

Just as the Cavs did under Bickerstaff, the Pistons are leaning on defense.

Basically, after two seasons spent racking up losses, the Pistons are finally looking like a squad that won’t be an easy win for anyone. There’s a buzz in the air in Detroit, and for the first time in a while, it feels real.

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