Latest news with #JBBickerstaff
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Drawing Interest From The Pistons
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Drawing Interest From The Pistons originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is one of the league's most underrated players, but he is quickly drawing interest around the league. He is getting closer to an exit, especially with Naz Reid signing a long-term extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Advertisement Since Julius Randle is set to sign an extension, Alexander-Walker is set for an exit. Randle can opt for a pay cut for the Timberwolves to re-sign Alexander-Walker, but that looks very unlikely. Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images The Detroit Pistons are one of the teams who are intrigued with Alexander-Walker. He will be available as an unrestricted free agent, so the Timberwolves cannot block a move unless Alexander-Walker wants to stay. Playing for the Pistons is enticing for Alexander-Walker because he could be part of a backcourt with Cade Cunningham. Alexander-Walker is a good fit due to his defense, three-point shooting, and underrated ability to generate offense. Advertisement Related: Tim Connelly Announces He Wants To Retain Reid, Alexander-Walker, and Randle Alexander-Walker's Fit With The Pistons As a 3-and-D player, Alexander-Walker fits in with the Pistons and head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. He loves players like him, as Cunningham can dish out the right passes for threes. Malik Beasley capitalized on this, as he became one of the league's most prolific three-point shooters in the 2024-25 season. Alexander-Walker can improve as a shooter with the Pistons, and they could be surprise contenders in the Eastern Conference. At the same time, Alexander-Walker might not get the minutes he wants playing for the Pistons. They have Cunningham and Beasley, but they also have Jaden Ivey, who is set to return in the 2025-26 season. Advertisement The fit is natural, but Alexander-Walker will be a secondary backup. He still fits like a glove, but it might not be as good as his role for the Timberwolves or other teams. Alexander-Walker Returning Will Help The Timberwolves If Alexander-Walker re-signs with the Timberwolves, it would be a display of loyalty and belief in the project. Anthony Edwards is the team's superstar, and he is continuing on his path to greatness. Alexander-Walker could be part of that as the primary backup and a backcourt partner. Alexander-Walker has all the tools to become a long-term player for the Timberwolves as they continue to contend for a championship. The Oklahoma City Thunder might have beaten them in the Western Conference Finals, but Alexander-Walker found he could stand out in that kind of setting. He was often competing hard against his cousin Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, helping the Timberwolves stay alive. Advertisement Alexander-Walker staying is the most optimal thing to do, but if another offer is on the table from the Pistons or even the Orlando Magic, he might consider leaving. Related: Timberwolves Poised for Big Move After Naz Reid Extension This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Times
26-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Who could Pistons target in second round? Maxime Raynaud leads NBA Draft wish list
The Detroit Pistons have become synonymous with the NBA Draft Lottery since 2010. They've had a top-14 pick for 11 of the last 15 years. Since 2020, the Pistons have had at least a top-seven selection in each draft. But Wednesday night's first round concluded without Detroit drafting a player for the first time since 2018. In that 2018 season, the Pistons chose Bruce Brown at No. 42 with their lone pick. Now, Detroit owns the 37th pick after watching a night full of prospects go off the board to opposing teams. Advertisement So, who should the Pistons be eyeing on night two of the draft? While Trajan Langdon, Detroit's president of basketball operations, said earlier this week the Pistons wanted the best available player, he was sure to mention 'size for position is important.' Here are seven available prospects who fit that mold. As the draft was approaching, Raynaud was a player whose name picked up a lot of steam, so I wasn't sure he'd make it to the second round. Raynaud offers length no one on Detroit's roster currently possesses, was a legitimate 3-point shooter last season and is arguably the most versatile offensive player on this list given his size. For as versatile as Raynaud is, the Pistons aren't drafting for a starter with pick No. 37. He'd likely have time to develop his game while trying to earn a spot in J.B. Bickerstaff's rotation. While Raynaud's 7-foot frame offers plenty of benefits on the hardwood, that same size leads to natural drawbacks as well. At his size, Raynaud would likely have difficulty guarding the perimeter if he were switched onto a smaller player, and he isn't the most athletic. Two traits that are common for someone of his height, while also weighing 250 pounds. Raynaud is the most intriguing prospect Detroit may have a chance of snagging, but don't be surprised if Raynaud doesn't make it to No. 37 as well. Of all the players listed, Fleming has the most unique body type. Although he's 6-8 barefoot, he has a massive 7-foot-5 wingspan. While Fleming was primarily utilized as more of a big at Saint Joseph's, he shot nearly 40 percent on just about five 3-point attempts per game, which shows he can spread the floor. For as much offensive potential as Fleming has, the focus Bickerstaff requires on the defensive end could foster growth that leads to Fleming becoming a formidable defender as well. Advertisement Fleming is still a raw talent who hasn't shown a ton of shot creation ability for himself or others. But, if he's in the right system with the right coaches around him, Fleming seems to be a player who could also find his way into an NBA rotation within the next few seasons. Kalkbrenner joins Raynaud as the only other player on this list at least 7-feet tall. Where Kalkbrenner varies from Raynaud most is the defensive side of the ball, where Kalkbrenner blocked the third-most shots of any player in Division I basketball last season. Kalkbrenner can occasionally step out and knock down triples like Raynaud, but he's usually more tethered to the paint. It should also be noted that Kalkbrenner averaged the second-most points on this list on the best efficiency by a wide margin. He could eventually serve as a solid rotational big for Detroit who offers more rim protection than any Piston not named Isaiah Stewart. While Kalkbrenner could be a nice fit for Detroit, he's another player I wouldn't be surprised to see taken before the Pistons' pick comes around. Not only is Marković the only international player on the list, but he's also the youngest. He's still only 19, although he'll be turning 20 on July 12. Which means Marković offers a blend of height and youthfulness that Raynaud and Kalkbrenner don't. Marković also differs from Ryanaud and Kalkbrenner thanks to his ability to put the ball on the floor. While Raynaud and Kalkbrenner can both occasionally handle if need be, Marković is a legit forward as opposed to a big like the other two. The biggest challenge for Marković at the next level will be his weight and strength. Though he's nearly a 7-footer, he only weighs 190 pounds. Which means while Marković might offer a different playstyle than Raynaud and Kalkbrenner, both players outweigh Marković by about 60 pounds. Marković possesses intriguing tools, especially offensively, but he'll need to add weight and gain strength in a hurry to be effective. Advertisement Of the guards remaining, Jones has the potential to be the best fit long term. He's a lefty guard who has a real feel for the game, and he's progressed in each of his seasons at Marquette. Jones has a knack for getting to the basket and is a crafty finisher around the rim, although he isn't much of a high flyer. Jones had the worst 3-point shooting season of his career last year, although he still made about 31 percent on just over six attempts per game. While that may not be the best on paper, he's a 36.6 career shooter from long range and he's had two seasons at Marquette shooting at least 39 percent from deep. If he's available, he could be a respectable option for the Pistons as a backup guard. Dixon is the oldest player on this list. I know the older a prospect is, the less attractive they become based on potential. But Dixon, to me, is an older prospect worthy of serious consideration. He's shooting over 40 percent from deep on over seven attempts this season, and has been hovering around 35 percent from long range over his last three seasons. Defensively, Dixon could face challenges at the next level due to his lack of athleticism and lateral quickness. Dixon was listed at 265 while at Villanova, so trimming weight could bode well for his overall athleticism. Dixon is one of the more risky picks given his age and not being a clear-cut position in the NBA, but he's worth at least taking a hard look at. Not only is Brea the best shooter on this list, but he was arguably one of the best 3-point shooters in the nation last season. Though he averaged only 11.6 points, he did so on 47/43.5/91.4 shooting splits — not far off from the ever-so-coveted 50/40/90 shooting splits the league's best shooters desire. Advertisement Brea has a 6-foot-6 frame without shoes and a skill set, although relatively limited, that's always sought out in the association. He's also not the most athletic and doesn't have great lateral quickness, so Brea will see a learning curve on the defensive end next season. But Brea's ability to shoot the ball is so lethal, he might find that skill buys him time to improve defensively.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pistons' JB Bickerstaff Reveals What NBA Coaches Have To Do To Not Be Fired
Pistons' JB Bickerstaff Reveals What NBA Coaches Have To Do To Not Be Fired originally appeared on Athlon Sports. In the NBA, head coaches rarely retire. Usually, they are fired, and, more often than not, hired by a new team before being fired again. Advertisement This season, Mike Brown, Michael Malone, and Taylor Jenkins were all fired before the season even ended, and Tom Thibodeau followed after the season ended. JB Bickerstaff seems to have some job security as the head coach of the Detroit Pistons, although he has been fired twice before, by the Memphis Grizzlies and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He recently revealed what is expected from an NBA coach. Detroit Pistons head coach JB. Bickerstaff yells instructions to his team against the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Horwedel-Imagn Images In 2023, Dwane Casey stepped down as head coach of the Pistons and took on a front office role. He was replaced by Monty Williams, who was fired after one season. Bickerstaff is by no means on the hot seat, although he knows better than anyone that the tides can change. Advertisement "It is not an easy job," Bickerstaff said on Wednesday. "Every year, we sit down with our front office, and we lay out a plan on what a successful season looks have to do more. We have to overachieve in order to progress and move forward." Seemingly every year, coaches have to build on the successes from the season prior. Thibodeau led the New York Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years and seemingly had the franchise moving in the right direction for the first time in decades, although the Knicks decided to part ways with him. Being a head coach in the NBA is never a permanent position, although finding new employment, it would seem, is easy. Advertisement Check out the All Pistons homepage for more news, analysis, and must-read articles. Related: Detroit Pistons To Test Free Agent Waters With Two Elite Centers Related: Surprise East Team Could Emerge as Potential Trade Suitor For Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ex-NBA Star Kendrick Perkins Sends Brutal Message to Donovan Mitchell on Playoff Struggles
Ex-NBA Star Kendrick Perkins Sends Brutal Message to Donovan Mitchell on Playoff Struggles originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Cleveland Cavaliers hitched their wagon to Donovan Mitchell last season when they fired head coach J.B. Bickerstaff for him. Advertisement They hired Kenny Atkinson to replace him in hopes of convincing the former Utah Jazz star to sign an extension. He eventually re-upped with Cleveland and they clearly believed he was the guy who could lead them to the promised land. Less than a year later, the Cavs suffered another disappointing playoff exit and with such an expensive roster there aren't many additions that can be made. This means that unless the roster magically ascends to true championship contention, the only way forward is to retool or blow the team up and start over. May 9, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during game three of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Mitchell is statistically one of the best playoff performers to ever play basketball, so it's hard to blame him for his teams' shortcomings in the postseason. Advertisement However, he has put himself into unwanted company by becoming one of the longest tenured stars in NBA history to never reach the conference finals. Retired NBA star Kendrick Perkins ripped into Mitchell recently, saying, 'A Donovan Mitchell-led team has never been to the conference finals.' The six-time All-Star has reached the playoffs in every year of his playing career, but the second round is the furthest he's gotten. The past few seasons have seen the pressure ratchet up on Philadelphia 76ers' superstar Joel Embiid for not making the conference in his nine-year playing career and now Mitchell is beginning to catch the same heat. Advertisement The only superstar with a longer streak is Chris Paul who finally reached the conference finals with the Houston Rockets in 2018, 13 years into his career. Some of the criticism is unfair, but when you are as great as Mitchell is and consistently have highly seeded teams, the expectation is to win on a grand scale. Until the Cavs finally break through, Mitchell will continue to be scrutinized. Related: Cavs Give Promising Update on Donovan Mitchell's Playoff Status This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tim Hardaway Jr. takes one question after Pistons lose to Knicks in Game 4
Cade Cunningham says he's 'confident' Pistons will 'be back' at MSG after win over Knicks Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Cade Cunningham discuss the Pistons Game 5 win over the Knicks, the MSG crowd, and their confidence level in winning Game 6.
