Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has transformed the franchise into becoming one of the toughest teams to play in the NBA.
The Eastern Conference side holds a 27-26 record and are sitting sixth in the NBA, which is sensational considering they finished last season with the worst record in the league.
Led by All-Star Cade Cunningham, the Pistons have some of the best young players in the league, but the trade deadline saw the side bring in a seasoned veteran.
As part of the Jimmy Butler trade, the Detroit Pistons got Dennis Schroder– who according to J.B. Bickerstaff is going to have a big role to play in the season ahead.
Bickerstaff has led the young Detroit team well, but the arrival of Dennis Schroder should help the side massively.
“His competitive nature, his ability to play two ends of the floor, But you know he’s got a killer instinct in him also.
“He’s not afraid of the moment. He’s not afraid to take big shots,” said Bickerstaff before the Friday night win against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The German made his debut for the Pistons in the Sunday game against the Charlotte Hornets, adding five points and three assists in 14:37 minutes of action.
In his short stint, players have already appreciated his veteran presence.
“He’s making things really comfortable, we know what kind of player that he is,” said Ron Holland II during an on-court interview while the Pistons were playing the Hornets. “He compliments everyone’s game.”
It was a wild deadline for Schroder, who complained about the ruthless nature of the NBA market, before being traded to the Utah Jazz, and then the Pistons.
The Detroit Pistons last made the NBA playoffs in 2019 and their last playoff win came all the way back in 2008.
However, J.B. Bickerstaff’s men have given the city hope of it all changing this season.
Currently with a 27-26 record, the team are on track to at least grab a play-in spot, but the addition of Schroder and the presence of their young stars could help them finish with enough to get a direct entry into the playoffs.
Their improvement from last season is for everyone to see and while a lot of it is due to Cade Cunningham’s all-star season, others have also stepped up in helping Pistons get back to form.
They have been playing fearlessly, but in some games have gotten a little too out of hand, which is why Schroder’s recruitment could be the turning point for them.
He has been in the league for a long time and knows what’s it like to play at the highest level.
His leadership could help the young team unlock their full potential and propel the Pistons to one of the best seasons in the last decade.
