Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff was arguably snubbed of the Coach of the Year award last season, but is on track to avenge that loss in the 2026 awards ballot. Without major offseason upgrades, the Pistons have taken a huge jump in the standings thanks to internal growth and Bickerstaff's excellent coaching. They've been one of the NBA's most surprising success stories and that should get JB lots of love from awards voters.
JB Bickerstaff is proving himself as a top-tier coach
Bickerstaff's COTY case last season rested on his role in orchestrating a historic turnaround for the Pistons.