James Borrego Pulls Out Of Pistons Consideration; JB Bickerstaff Now Frontrunner?

New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego has been one of the hottest coaching candidates this summer — having been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers and most recently, the Detroit Pistons.

Well, it appears after all that, he’ll just be returning to the Pelicans.

Per Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, Borrego has pulled out of the Pistons’ coaching search. This despite the fact former Pelicans GM Trajan Langdon is now head of basketball operations in Detroit.

By the way, with Borrego out of the picture, the door may be wide open for former Cavs coach JB Bickerstaff. It’s been reported that Bickerstaff either will or has interviewed for the position and that he and the Pistons share a strong mutual interest.

Along with Bickerstaff, Detroit reportedly has received permission to meet with Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori and Dallas Mavericks assistant Sean Sweeney.

The Pistons, of course, need a new coach after firing Monty Williams after one season. They still owe Williams $65 million, so it makes you wonder if they may decide to go take the assistant (i.e. cheaper) route with their next hire.

Prior to joining coach Willie Green and the Pelicans, Borrego coached the Charlotte Hornets for four seasons, finishing 148-183 with a fairly undermanned roster. Still, the Hornets increased their win total by 10 in each of his final three seasons, from 23 in 2019-20 to 33 to 43. He also once served as interim coach of the Orlando Magic.

Bickerstaff spent five-and-a-half seasons with the Cavs and compiled a 170-159 record in the regular season and a 6-11 mark in the playoffs.