NBA: Pistons give coach J.B. Bickerstaff contract extension

The Detroit Pistons announced on Monday that they have extended the contract of head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Terms of the extension were not disclosed by the team.

Detroit enjoyed a breakthrough season under Bickerstaff, finishing 60-22 to secure the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Pistons also made history in the first round, becoming the 15th team to overcome a 3-1 deficit after defeating the Orlando Magic in Game 7. The victory marked the franchise’s first playoff series win since 2008.

Bickerstaff’s strong season earned him recognition across the league. In April, he was named the 2026 Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year by the National Basketball Coaches Association. He is also a finalist for NBA Coach of the Year honors after finishing second in the voting for the 2024-25 season, when he led Detroit to a 44-38 record and a return to the playoffs.

Since taking over the Pistons, Bickerstaff has compiled a 104-60 record over two seasons. He holds a career coaching mark of 359-350, having previously served as head coach for the Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Detroit now turns its attention to the next challenge, hosting fourth-seeded Cleveland on Tuesday in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. -Field Level Media/Reuters