Pistons Intend To Interview JB Bickerstaff, James Borrego For Coaching Job

The Detroit Pistons intend to interview former Cleveland Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff for their own opening, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

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

New Orleans Pelicans and former Charlotte Hornets coach James Borrego are also expected to interview with the Pistons, per Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press.

Borrego is believed to be among the leading candidates for the Cavs’ vacancy. Nori reportedly has also interviewed in Cleveland.

New head of basketball operations Trajan Langdon previously served as GM with New Orleans and worked with Borrego there.

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.

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. 

According to NBA insiders Shams Charania, Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd of The Athletic, Cavs star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell didn’t have great confidence in Bickerstaff. 

“League sources briefed on the Cavaliers’ mindset told The Athletic that Bickerstaff’s job is in serious jeopardy after five and a half years as head coach, following the team’s season-ending loss in Game 5 of the second round to the Celtics,” Charania, Vardon and Lloyd wrote. “Two league sources said the team is likely to take some time — multiple days — to make a decision. … Multiple league sources have said, for months, that Mitchell did not have great confidence in Bickerstaff, and he was not alone.

“Several players questioned Bickerstaff’s strategies, game management, practice habits and accountability measures, privately and publicly, throughout the season.”

Sources told Hoops Wire that the Cavs came close to firing Bickerstaff before the midway point of the regular season.