Last July, the Detroit Pistons made JB Bickerstaff their official coach. Within a season, he has led them to a 6th seed and a playoff spot. Let’s not forget that the season before the Motor City had only 14 wins, and this season they have tripled that number. With 44 wins and a win percentage of 53, the Pistons look destined to bring back the glory days. But that took a hit during Game 1 of the playoffs against the Knicks, as some pointed out the coach’s flaw at the end. But Shaquille O’Neal, who has an indifferent stance on coaching personnel, came in support of the Detroit HC.
Just a recap of Game 1, as the Knicks went on a 21-0 run to come victorious after the 4th quarter. Usually, the coaches call for a timeout to settle their teams, the same question Ernie Johnson had on the recent broadcast of Inside the NBA. The question also becomes more prevalent since 5 of the 9 Pistons are making their playoff debut. Which includes star players Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Ausar Thompson.
“So are you surprised that Bickerstaff didn’t call in the course?” asked Ernie Johnson to Shaq. The Lakers legend did defend the coach by giving an example of his playing days under Zen Master Phil Jackson. “You know, it’s usually the coach’s decision. I’ve played for coaches like Phil Jackson said, ‘I’m not going to bail you out, figure it out,‘” said Shaquille O’Neal. A sentiment similar to what JB Bickerstaff said about his team.
“This is a learning experience for us to understand the importance of each and every possession. We have to go out, learn from it, and be better the next time.” Detroit had more turnovers than field goals in that fourth quarter, 7 FG and 8 turnovers. This prompted the players to perform better as “Cade Cunningham said JB Bickerstaff has a chip on his shoulder.” He is one of the three coaches running for COTY alongside Kenny Atkinson and Ime Udoka.
So, Shaq is backing the coach and expects more from the players. A stance he has shared previously, which Charles Barkley did not like.
Shaquille O’Neal and Chuck argue about the importance of coaching
In January this year, Barkley was upset about the Kings player and their ability to play. That’s when Shaq felt it was the right time to get one up on his TNT co-analyst. Soon the conversation shifted when O’Neal agreed with Barkley but presented his take on coaches vs. players. “Just like I’ve been saying the whole time, but you’re talking about, ‘Oh, you need a coach,’” Shaq said.
But Barkley was not having his take be misconstrued. He urged that coaching is important and doubled down on that take. “You say coaching don’t matter. Coaching does matter….Listen, man, quit saying coaching don’t matter.” Now, the ball was in Shaq’s court to clear his stance. “I never said coaching matters….I said you’re giving coaches too much credit.”
As per Shaquille O’Neal, he doesn’t think coaches aren’t important. However, he stated that he believes Chuck gives too much credit to the coaches. He wants players to use their own instincts and leadership to bring in the significant changes in the game. A thing he learned from Phil Jackson and used to defend JB Bickerstaff.
The post Despite Stance on Coaches, Shaquille O’Neal Saves JB Bickerstaff COTY Odds After Game 1 Blunder appeared first on EssentiallySports.