The Pistons have one final chance to correct their wrongs in the first round with a Game 7 against the Magic, and head coach JB Bickerstaff's job could be hanging in the balances. If the Pistons lose the game and fall to an 8-seed, Bickerstaff could be on his way out of Detroit despite being a Coach of the Year finalist two years running. The front office hasn't done him any favors with their flawed roster construction, but Bickerstaff could still be punished for the disappointment of a first-round loss.
There's a lot on the line for JB Bickerstaff
This is a story that Bickerstaff unfortunately knows all too well. In his last stop with the Cavaliers, he helped guide the team through a rebuild into a perennial playoff team. However, the Cavs continued to disappoint in the playoffs and Bickerstaff was eventually forced out despite the team's regular-season success. The Cavs had some similar issues as the Pistons with underperforming secondary stars, but chose to replace Bickerstaff first in an attempt to get over the playoff hump.
Although it's still early in his Detroit tenure, Bickerstaff could be staring down the same barrel if the Pistons have a disastrous early playoff exit. Even before the Pistons exceeded all expectations this year in the regular season, they were expected to win at least one playoff series. Finishing as the East's top seed should have only made that outcome easier, not put them into a 7-game dogfight with a Play-In team.
Again, it's not all Bickerstaff's fault but he could easily end up as a scapegoat in the worst-case scenario. Obviously, the Pistons roster needs an influx of more talent; after all, they still have a problem identifying multiple reliable scoring options outside of Cade Cunningham. Bickerstaff's own lack of offensive creativity earlier in the series only exacerbated those issues, but the game plan has been better in recent games.
Bickerstaff also has a chance to establish his Detroit legacy
However, there is a flip side to the equation where Bickerstaff cements himself as an all-time great Pistons coach. The Pistons have shown great grit to bounce back from a 3-1 deficit and force Game 7, relying on Bickerstaff's trademark defensive intensity in the process. If they can win Game 7 and continue on a deep playoff run, he can earn a long-term spot leading the organization.
The Pistons do have some good news in the East playoff bracket. The only team who looks secure in their play is the Knicks, who the Pistons have dominated all season. If Detroit can take care of business in Game 7, everything else is breaking right for a successful postseason and JB Bickerstaff's job security.
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