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J.B. Bickerstaff

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  • Head Coach of the Detroit Pistons
  • Runner-up for NBA Coach of the Year in first season with Detroit Pistons (2024-2025)
  • 300 Career Wins as NBA Head Coach
  • Orchestrated Pistons' historic turnaround with first playoff appearance in six seasons

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J.B. Bickerstaff is one of the NBA’s most respected turnaround leaders. As head coach of the Detroit Pistons, he led the franchise back to the playoffs for the first time since 2019, tripled the team’s win total from the previous season, and earned runner-up honors for NBA Coach of the Year. In 2025, he reached 300 career wins, becoming one of a small group of coaches in league history to hit the milestone and the first to do so alongside his father, Bernie Bickerstaff.

As a speaker, Bickerstaff talks honestly about earning trust in losing environments, making decisions when patience is thin, and leading people who are tired of hearing speeches. His message resonates with organizations looking for leaders who can move teams forward under real pressure.

 

J.B. Bickerstaff headshot
J.B. Bickerstaff talks Pistons' 13-game win streak, if this team was a movie & more | NBA Today - Get Sharable Link
Talks & Conversations with J.B. Bickerstaff
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Winner Mentality: Think Like a Winner on and Off the Court

In this short keynote or Q&A, Trailblazer NBA head coach J.B. BRICKERSTAFF shares his "think like a winner" mentality—a mindset he uses to tackle any challenge on and off the court. Drawing from his own experiences leading multiple NBA franchises and orchestrating one of the league's greatest si ...

In this short keynote or Q&A, Trailblazer NBA head coach J.B. BRICKERSTAFF shares his "think like a winner" mentality—a mindset he uses to tackle any challenge on and off the court. Drawing from his own experiences leading multiple NBA franchises and orchestrating one of the league's greatest single-season turnarounds, Bickerstaff reveals how cultivating a winner's mentality transforms individuals, teams, and entire organizations. This powerful talk offers actionable strategies for approaching obstacles with confidence, resilience, and the unwavering belief that success is possible.

Leading a Turnaround When the Pressure Is On

In this short keynote or Q&A session, NBA coach J.B. BRICKERSTAFF shares what it takes to change the trajectory of a struggling organization. Drawing from his work rebuilding NBA teams, he explores how leaders establish credibility, create momentum, and keep people aligned when results take time ...

In this short keynote or Q&A session, NBA coach J.B. BRICKERSTAFF shares what it takes to change the trajectory of a struggling organization. Drawing from his work rebuilding NBA teams, he explores how leaders establish credibility, create momentum, and keep people aligned when results take time.

Resilience as a Leadership Skill

From tough seasons to public scrutiny, former NBA Coach of the Year J.B. BRICKERSTAFF speaks about resilience as something leaders practice, not something they declare. This keynote of Q&A session offers practical insight into staying grounded and steady through uncertainty. ...

From tough seasons to public scrutiny, former NBA Coach of the Year J.B. BRICKERSTAFF speaks about resilience as something leaders practice, not something they declare. This keynote of Q&A session offers practical insight into staying grounded and steady through uncertainty.

Being a Voice for Change: Opening Doors and Creating Opportunities

At one point during his coaching journey, J.B. BRICKERSTAFF was one of only eight Black head coaches in the NBA. Drawing from his personal experience and journey through professional basketball, he shares his passion and advocacy for opening doors for more minorities—not only in sports but within in ...

At one point during his coaching journey, J.B. BRICKERSTAFF was one of only eight Black head coaches in the NBA. Drawing from his personal experience and journey through professional basketball, he shares his passion and advocacy for opening doors for more minorities—not only in sports but within industries that lack diversity. In this inspiring keynote or Q&A session, Bickerstaff discusses the responsibility of leadership to create pathways for others and the courage it takes to be a voice for change. His message will empower audiences to champion diversity and inclusion within their own organizations.

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Biography

J.B. Bickerstaff is one of the NBA's hottest young coaches and a rising star, having orchestrated one of the league's most remarkable turnarounds as head coach of the Detroit Pistons. After being named the 38th head coach in Pistons history on July 3, 2024, Bickerstaff immediately transformed the franchise, leading Detroit to their first playoff berth since 2019 and tripling their previous season's win total by December 2024. His extraordinary work earned him runner-up honors for NBA Coach of the Year in the 2024-25 season.

In October 2025, Bickerstaff reached the prestigious milestone of 300 career wins as an NBA head coach, becoming the 78th coach in league history to achieve this mark. Even more remarkably, he and his father, Bernie Bickerstaff, became the first father-son coaching duo in NBA history to both reach 300 wins—a testament to the family's basketball legacy and exceptional coaching acumen.

Before Detroit, Bickerstaff served as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers (2020-2024), leading them to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024. He also led the Memphis Grizzlies to the NBA's 3rd-best scoring defense in 2018-19 and guided the Houston Rockets to a playoff berth as interim head coach in 2015-16. With over 20 years of NBA coaching experience, Bickerstaff has built a reputation as a culture-builder, defensive tactician, and developer of young talent.

As a speaker, Bickerstaff offers powerful insights on leadership, resilience, building winning cultures, and the importance of diversity and inclusion. As one of the few Black head coaches in the NBA, he is a passionate advocate for opening doors and creating opportunities for underrepresented voices. His journey provides inspiring lessons for leaders seeking to transform organizations and make lasting impacts.

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