People often overlook coaching when discussing the difference between winning and losing in professional sports. When things go well, players receive praise. When things go wrong, coaching is the first target of criticism. Regardless of the outcome, being a coach at the professional level demands both mental and physical resilience.
In CBS’s latest ranking of NBA head coaches, Erik Spoelstra is named the best in the league, followed by Nick Nurse, Rick Carlisle, Steve Kerr, and Ty Lue in the top five. However, newly hired Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is ranked 23rd. Despite leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to the playoffs in three of five seasons, many still regard Bickerstaff as a lower-tier coach.
Do you think this ranking is justified? Where should Bickerstaff stand among his peers? Let’s dive into it.
Why Bickerstaff Lands at 23rd in NBA Coach Rankings
Life After The King
When LeBron James left for the Los Angeles Lakers, anyone stepping into the Cleveland Cavaliers’ coaching role was in for a rude awakening. Lue resigned after four straight NBA Finals appearances and one championship, and Larry Drew stepped in. Drew’s tenure was short-lived, as he led the Cavaliers to a 19-57 record before being replaced by John Beilein. The jump from college to the NBA proved too much for Beilein, who left after just 54 games, leaving Bickerstaff to take over on an interim basis.
In his first season as head coach, Bickerstaff led the Cavaliers to an eight-game improvement. While the offense struggled, ranking near the bottom of the league, the defense saw notable progress. They moved from 22nd in opponent points per game and 29th in defensive rating to 17th and 25th, respectively. Over the next three seasons, Bickerstaff turned Cleveland into a defensive powerhouse, ranking in the top 10 in both categories, always finishing at least 7th. With 179 wins, he holds the 5th most wins in Cavaliers franchise history.
Laying The Foundation
Bickerstaff was let go after the Boston Celtics eliminated the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the playoffs. The Detroit Pistons dismissed Monty Williams after just one year despite his six-year, $78-million contract. It didn’t take long for Bickerstaff and the Pistons to express mutual interest, eventually agreeing to a four-year deal.
This Pistons team shows immense potential on paper. Cade Cunningham remains the franchise cornerstone, with young talents like Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, Jaden Ivey, and Ausar Thompson providing a promising core. In the 2025 draft, they added Ron Holland and Bobi Klintman. Armed with over $60 million in cap space, Detroit bolstered their roster by signing veterans Tobias Harris and Malik Beasley, claiming Paul Reed off waivers, and re-signing Simone Fontecchio. Now, with a coach with something to prove and a defensive philosophy that turned the Cavaliers into playoff contenders, Bickerstaff has a chance to spark a similar resurgence in Detroit.
Is Bickerstaff’s Coach Ranking Justified?
The NBA boasts a wealth of elite coaching talent, making it difficult to argue that Bickerstaff deserves a ranking higher than 23rd. Despite his defensive prowess, Bickerstaff has struggled with fading late in seasons, and his offensive schemes have yet to complement his strong defense consistently. He must develop a balanced offensive system and sustain success throughout the season to climb into the top tier of NBA coaches. If he can do that, there’s no doubt he’ll move up the ranks in the coming years.
The Last Word
J.B. Bickerstaff’s ranking at 23rd among NBA head coaches reflects his achievements and the areas where he still needs to grow. His defensive success in Cleveland shows he can build a foundation, and Detroit’s young roster offers him potential. However, Bickerstaff must develop a more cohesive offensive system to move up the coaching hierarchy and maintain consistency throughout the season. If he finds that balance, his tenure with the Pistons could elevate him into the league’s top coach.
