Cade Cunningham Powers Pistons, JB Bickerstaff Named All Star Coach

Merlin sees J.B. Bickerstaff tapped to coach the 2026 NBA All-Star Game after the Detroit Pistons clinched the best record in the Eastern Conference through Feb. 1. The selection follows the league rule that the All-Star coach comes from the conference leader at the break, and in the West Mark Daigneault is ineligible to repeat after coaching in 2025, pushing the honor toward San Antonio and Mitch Johnson if standings hold. Merlin notes the story is more than a novelty. Bickerstaff has shepherded a rapid rebuild from a 31-133 two-year span into a 32-11 start, led by Cade Cunningham’s 25.3 points and a league-high 9.7 assists, plus elite team defense (most steals and blocks, 108.5 defensive rating). If Detroit keeps defending and Cunningham stays at this level, the Pistons are no longer a surprise; they are a real threat.