Coty Davis asks J.B. Bickerstaff about coming off the bench for first-place Pistons.
Coty Davis asks J.B. Bickerstaff about coming off the bench for first-place Pistons.
Detroit — The Detroit Pistons have spent significant time at the Henry Ford Pistons Performance Center since training camp began in October. It’s where the team trains and develops its on-court skills to get through an 82-game season.
But on Thursday, the practice court became a resource for several families. The Pistons hosted their annual Pistons Give Back event, distributing nearly 1,200 food items and other essential packages to families in Metro Detroit. The event coincided with the start of the team’s Season of Giving presented by Kroger, in collaboration with Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University.
“It just shows the nature of this organization and its priorities, which is to be a part of this community and give back to the community,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “Do whatever we can to help, especially this time of the year. This is a great opportunity to help others to make sure they get what they need.”
Pistons and Motor City Cruise players, coaches, staff and employees attended to distribute shelf-stable food and hygiene essentials to pre-selected families. With Thanksgiving on Nov. 27, some items featured frozen turkeys and gallons of milk donated by Kroger, along with giveaways from the organization’s partners.
The #Pistons have tipped off their Season of Giving presented by Kroger, and in collaboration with Henry Ford Health & Michigan State University.
The Pistons have provide food and essentials packages to nearly 1,200 metro Detroit families. pic.twitter.com/lLh8N9dTOv
— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) November 20, 2025
Before hosting the Give Back event, the Pistons spent the early part of the day distributing an additional 800 food and essentials packages to Matrix Human Services, Detroit Public School Community District Health Hubs and Lighthouse Outreach Center.
“To have this be our staple event is very impactful. When we moved down to Detroit, we wanted to make sure that we have our footprint here in the city, making sure we are a community hub,” Pistons senior director of community and social responsibility Chris Economeas said.
“It starts at the top from Tom (Gores) to vice chairman Arn Tellem, all the way down to the coaching staff and front office executives. We want to be known as a community hub. This is bigger than basketball, and it always will be. To have our players buy into and want to be a part of this, it is so important.”
Coaches and players enjoyed Thursday’s events, which served as reminders that their impact on the city goes beyond the X’s and O’s of basketball, even when the team is on an 11-game winning streak.
“It warms my heart to be able to do this, knowing that we are helping for a greater cause. It is always a blessing,” Isaiah Stewart said. “With the year that we are having so far, it makes it even more fun.”
Coty.Davis@detroitnews.com
@cotydavis_24