Even after some playoff disappointments, the Pistons' regular season success couldn't be denied and they expected some awards love as a result. Unfortunately, the Pistons have lost out on their best chance at an individual award when Boston's Joe Mazzulla was announced as the NBA's Coach of the Year. The decision comes as a slap in the face for JB Bickerstaff, but it just confirms the Motor City's motto: Detroit vs Everybody.
JB Bickerstaff was robbed for the second straight year
Bickerstaff finished second in Coach of the Year voting for a second consecutive season. Last year, he somehow missed out despite leading the Pistons on a historic turnaround from 14 wins before his arrival to 44 in his first season. However, he lost to his replacement in Cleveland as the Cavaliers improved to East's first seed and had a dominant regular season.
This year, Bickerstaff accomplished the exact same feat as Kenny Atkinson last season but lost out once again. Keep in mind that Bickerstaff led the Pistons to 60 wins even without impressive offensive talent. Instead, the team relied on its defensive system and intensity, both implemented in Detroit by Bickerstaff.
Obviously there was an argument for Mazzulla leading the Celtics to a surprising second seed in a year without star Jayson Tatum for most of the season. Boston was predicted for a mid-tier finish in the East during the preaseason. Mazzulla got the most of his roster and empowered Jaylen Brown to a career-best season. But Bickerstaff did the same with his team, while getting shocking development from Jalen Duren.
The Pistons will need to win even more to get awards recognition
Both of Bickerstaff's close losses in the awards race since arriving in Detroit are defensible on their own. But having the same result in back-to-back years brings an extra sting. It's become clear to Detroit fans that their team must be absolutely undeniable to get any love on awards ballots.
Fortunately, the Pistons' dominant regular season did garner some recognition for individual players. Cade Cunningham finished on the First Team All-NBA for his two-way brilliance and leadership of the Pistons offense. Even Jalen Duren got some love as a Third Team All-NBA selection for the way he controlled the paint on both ends and took huge scoring leaps.
Sadly for Bickerstaff, his best opportunities to win Coach of the Year may now be behind him. After winning 60 games this season, success will be expected every year for the Pistons and it will be hard for him to stand out. This is an award often determined by surprising success, which will become increasingly hard for the Pistons to find in coming years.
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