JB Bickerstaff Makes Statement on Winning NBA Award

Every month, the NBA crowns two head coaches for being the best for games played during that 28-31-day span. With February in the rearview, Detroit Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff was acknowledged as the top coach of the Eastern Conference after the team found plenty of success through 12 games.

Ahead of the Pistons’ Monday night matchup against the Utah Jazz, Bickerstaff discussed his first NBA honor since taking over as the head coach of the Pistons, giving credit to his entire staff and roster for making it happen.

“I don’t see it as an individual award,” Bickerstaff told reporters in Utah.

“I don’t see it as an individual award…This award is about the group. It's about the guys. It’s about the assistant coaches.”

Bickerstaff speaks on what it means to receive Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for February, where the #Pistons put together a 9-3 record. pic.twitter.com/ZibjFODpmr
— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) March 4, 2025

“I see it as a collection of all of the things that everybody that’s worked with these guys and then the work that the guys have done, it’s a representation of that. This isn’t just about one person at any point in time. Everything that we do is about the collective. If the collective doesn’t do the job, individuals don’t get recognized. So, this award—whatever you want to call it—is about the group. It’s about the guys, it’s about the assistant coaches and the work that they put in with the guys. Medical, the work that they put in to get the guys on the floor. Strength coaches. Like, it’s all a part of that. Once the collective does its job, then the recognition comes.”

The Pistons went 9-3 through February. Leading up to last Friday’s game against the Denver Nuggets, the Pistons were in the midst of an eight-game winning streak, which tied with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the longest-active string of wins. The Nuggets managed to put an end to it, giving the Cavs the crown.

JB Bickerstaf — Feb 9, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons newly acquired guard, Dennis Schroder (17), talks with Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff in the second quarter of their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Still, Bickerstaff and the Pistons’ success surely did not go unnoticed through February. As many wondered if the Pistons could make it through the All-Star break and maintain their position as potential playoff contenders, Bickerstaff, and his team continue to prove they could be a threat in the postseason.

Heading into Utah on Monday, the Pistons held a 34-27 record on the year, which placed them comfortably in the playoff picture as they sat sixth in the Eastern Conference. For that, Bickerstaff is gaining recognition for having a hand in turning a 14-68 team into a team with a ticket to the playoffs, barring a late-season collapse.

More Pistons on SI

Cade Cunningham Speaks on Major Goals

Pistons Star Lands High Praise From Detroit Legend

Malik Beasley Reacts to Throwback Photo With Pistons

Pistons Guard on Pace to Join Steph Curry in Exclusive Group

Cade Cunningham Joins Rare Stat Group