Until last year, the Pistons had turned into somewhat of a laughing stock in the hoop community. They had not won a playoff series since 2008 and been to the postseason only twice since then. Tying the Sixers’ record for the longest losing streak in league history, with last season’s 28 straight losses didn’t help their image either. It was clear that drastic changes needed to be made. Enter JB Bickerstaff.
After Pistons fired Monty Williams last summer following the abysmal campaign, Bickerstaff took over as head coach and turned the franchise around right away. He led last season’s lowest seeded East team to the sixth seed, ending their five-year playoff drought. Now, he is trying his best to lead them to their first Conference Semis since 2008. But this pursuit can sometimes take Bickerstaff’s passion overboard. Like it did tonight.
As the Pistons fought to avoid elimination against Jalen Brunson and Co., Bickerstaff was seen constantly getting into official Tony Brothers’ ear, likely discussing how the game was being officiated. Although every coach does this at some point, especially during the playoffs, Bickerstaff’s interaction seemed non-stop. It got to a point when announcer Mike Breen was forced to point it out on the Knicks MSG broadcast, “JB Bickerstaff just will not stop. This is now going on live. He’s back out on the court again. This guy is a heck of a coach and what he did this year is miraculous. This is at the end of the timeout. It was non-stop. I’ve been doing this over 30 years, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a coach argue this much non-stop from the opening tip till now.”
Mike Breen on the Knicks MSG broadcast: “J. B. Bickerstaff just will not stop… I’ve been doing this over 30 years; I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a coach argue this much, nonstop from the opening tip ’til now.” #NBAPlayoffs #NBA pic.twitter.com/GnGUwvvQvn
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 2, 2025
Although Breen commended JB’s passion for his team, he also warned him of a potential punishment because of his concerning behavior, “He’s fighting for it like the players but there comes a point when Tony Brothers is gonna say ‘Another technical, you’re gone.’ It’s non-stop, it’s continuous.” Yes, you never know when an official will get ticked off and take strict action against you. While its understandable that Bickerstaff wants the game to be officiated a certain way, constantly chirping into Brothers’ ear could land him a tech or maybe even an ejection, as Breen remarked.
(Developing Story)
The post Knicks Broadcaster Wants Punishment for Pistons HC JB Bickerstaff After Behavior Concerns vs. Jalen Brunson And Co. appeared first on EssentiallySports.