Pistons’ J.B. Bickerstaff Earns First All-Star Coaching Nod Amid Detroit’s Resurgence
Detroit basketball is officially back in the spotlight - and this time, it’s not just the players getting the recognition. Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has been named one of the head coaches for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, a well-earned nod as he guides one of the league’s most surprising and successful teams through the first half of the season.
Bickerstaff will coach one of the three squads in this year’s revamped All-Star format, which will pit two U.S. teams against one international team in a mini-tournament on Feb. 15 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. It’s a new twist on the midseason showcase, and Bickerstaff’s selection adds another layer to what’s becoming a landmark season in Detroit.
This marks the first All-Star coaching appearance of Bickerstaff’s career - and the first time a Pistons coach has earned the honor since Flip Saunders back in 2006. That’s a 20-year gap, and it speaks volumes about what Bickerstaff has built in Detroit.
The Pistons are currently sitting at 32-11 - their best record at this point in the season in two decades. For a franchise that’s spent years trying to claw its way back to relevance, this moment feels like a turning point. And Bickerstaff, known for his ability to connect with players and build cohesive defensive-minded teams, has clearly struck the right balance with this group.
He won’t be the only Piston on the All-Star stage, either. Cade Cunningham, the face of the franchise and the engine behind Detroit’s resurgence, has been named an Eastern Conference All-Star starter for the first time in his career.
That kind of recognition doesn’t come easy, especially in a conference loaded with guard talent. Cunningham will line up alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Maxey - a group that blends scoring, playmaking, and toughness.
On the Western side, the All-Star starting five is just as stacked: Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama. That’s a mix of established MVPs and rising phenoms, and it sets the stage for a fascinating clash in this year’s new All-Star format.
Instead of the traditional East vs. West or the recent captain-led draft format, this year’s event will feature three teams: two representing the United States and one international squad.
They’ll compete in a tournament-style setup, with four 12-minute games leading into a championship matchup between the top two teams. It’s a bold shift, and one that should inject fresh energy into a weekend that’s always been more about entertainment than intensity.
But for Bickerstaff and the Pistons, this All-Star break isn’t just about fun. It’s a reflection of how far they’ve come - and how seriously the rest of the league is starting to take them.
After years of rebuilding, Detroit is no longer a team looking toward the future. They’re making noise in the present.
The full list of All-Star reserves will be announced on Feb. 1, and with the way Detroit has been playing, it wouldn’t be a shock to see another Piston or two added to the mix.
For now, though, Bickerstaff and Cunningham will represent the Motor City on basketball’s biggest midseason stage. And based on the way this season is unfolding, it might not be the last time.