Pistons
Detroit hired J.B. Bickerstaff when the club owned the NBA’s worst record. Two seasons later, the Pistons are back in the Eastern Conference discussion, thanks in large part to Cade Cunningham’s emergence as an MVP candidate and a locker-room culture players say reflects Bickerstaff’s influence.
“Everybody feels like they can call him about anything,” Cunningham said, describing the coach as both supportive on the court and invested in players’ personal lives.
Bickerstaff, who coached Cleveland before moving to Detroit, noted that facing several former Cavaliers gives him some familiarity but downplayed any added advantage.
Lakers
Los Angeles continues to exercise patience with Luka Doncic as the All-Star guard works back from a hamstring injury. Doncic told reporters he previously rushed returns and intends to avoid repeating that mistake.
“It’s the first time I’ve had a hamstring injury,” he said. “You have to be very careful.” The Lakers have indicated they will allow him whatever time is required for a full recovery.
Bulls
Change is officially underway in Chicago. During the introductory news conference for new head of basketball operations Bryson Graham, Bulls CEO Michael Reinsdorf apologized to fans for recent results and said responsibility “flows up to me.”
Reinsdorf added that he quickly determined Graham was the right hire. Graham, meanwhile, cautioned against expectations of rapid fixes.
“I’m not going to say we’re close if we just add a couple pieces, because that’s not the case,” he said, labeling the current stage a rebuilding phase until the roster adds more talent and a clearer identity.
Source: Hoops Wire
