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<\/a><\/p>\nCLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 29: Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Cleveland Cavaliers yells to his players during the first quarter against the LA Clippers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 29, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n
But if you\u2019re talking about the best coaching job this year, it\u2019s hard to argue against J. B. Bickerstaff.<\/p>\n
Monday night in Oklahoma City was a perfect example. The Detroit Pistons were without five of their top six players in total minutes and still nearly stole a game on the road against one of the league\u2019s elite teams who were at full strength.<\/p>\n
What stands out most is identity. No matter who\u2019s available, Detroit plays the same physical, disciplined and defensively driven brand of basketball. That doesn\u2019t happen by accident.<\/p>\n
Ironically, Bickerstaff may be a year too late. Last season\u2019s leap from irrelevance to playoff contention set the stage, but this year\u2019s rise to the top has still been met with some skepticism. It\u2019s hard to pinpoint why – but it\u2019s something this team will embrace going into postseason play. And in the end, that will matter more than any award.<\/p>\n
2. Success without Cunningham<\/p>\n
There\u2019s no way around it – the news of Cade Cunningham\u2019s collapsed lung was a tough blow.<\/p>\n
Beyond the team impact, it\u2019s frustrating on an individual level. Cunningham had firmly positioned himself for All-NBA honors, and missing time now could cost him that recognition. He remains in recovery and is set to be re-evaluated this week.<\/p>\n
Short term, though, Detroit has shown something important: their system travels.<\/p>\n
Even without their star, the Pistons have found ways to stay competitive, with players stepping into larger roles – most notably Dannis Jenkins, who continues to prove he belongs.<\/p>\n
The biggest potential silver lining? Jalen Duren. The all-star big man has averaged 24.4 point and 10.7 rebounds in his last ten games, seven of which were without Cunningham.<\/p>\n
He may not be a traditional No. 2 option, but his ability to dominate the paint has already been a cornerstone of Detroit\u2019s success. With Cunningham sidelined, he\u2019s had an opportunity to take on more offensive responsibility and further establish himself as a reliable secondary force. Long term, that development could be crucial \u2014 especially when Cade returns and inevitably draws even more defensive attention.<\/p>\n
Depth has been one of Detroit\u2019s defining strengths all season. Currently, they have 11 players averaging over 17 minutes per game, a rarity for a team at the top of the standings.<\/p>\n
But the playoffs are different.<\/p>\n
Rotations tighten. Roles become more defined. And not everyone plays.<\/p>\n
Some pieces feel locked in. Isaiah Stewart, Ron Holland II, and Dannis Jenkins have carved out roles that should translate to postseason basketball.<\/p>\n
That leaves a group of veteran wings – Kevin Huerter, Caris LeVert, and Javonte Green – competing for minutes. Early in a series, it wouldn\u2019t be surprising to see all three get opportunities before the coaching staff settles on a tighter rotation.<\/p>\n