DETROIT >> J.B. Bickerstaff has several reasons to feel optimistic entering his first season as coach of the Detroit Pistons. They finished their five-game preseason with a 3-2 record, and several players displayed their individual growth, headlined by Jaden Ivey, who shot 52.9% on 3-pointers.

Bickerstaff was pleased with the Pistons’ preseason production but found his most pleasant satisfaction in the team’s defense.

“I think we did a really good job on the defensive end of the floor, understanding what we’re trying to do, how we’re going to protect the paint,” Bickerstaff said on Friday. “I think defensively, we played some really good teams, some really good offensive teams and showed some good signs.

“It’s what we do first every single day — it’s what we prioritize. We hold each other accountable. We hold each other to a standard.”

Bickerstaff has been impressed by how quickly the Pistons have grasped his defensive scheme and feels they did a great job executing the game plan. He doesn’t ask for his players to be perfect. However, a player’s effort is the blueprint behind his defensive strategy. But Bickerstaff has one rule: if a player doesn’t show effort on the defensive end, they will not play.

The Pistons had the third-best defensive rating during the preseason and held their opponents under 100 points in each of their three victories. Although impressed by the whole team, Bickerstaff Detroit’s defensive growth to Ivey — another testament to his ongoing development ahead of his third season.

Last season, the Pistons were one of the worst defensive teams in the league. Detroit ranked 25th in defensive rating while giving up an average of 119 points to their opponents. The Pistons finished the season with a franchise-worst 14-68 record.

Klintman injury update

In addition to the ongoing absence of Ausar Thompson, rookie forward Bobi Klintman was also inactive during the Pistons’ five-game preseason schedule. He sustained a calf strain during the first week of training camp and has been sidelined the previous two weeks.

Bickerstaff revealed that Klintman has not been cleared for full-contact practice and added that it will take a “little bit of time” before his potential return. While out, Klintman has participated in film study and other non-contact activities.

Klintman was a standout for the Pistons during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. He averaged 11.2 points on 42% shooting from the field, 41.9% on 3-point shooting, and 7.2 rebounds in five games.

Rocking the vote

The Pistons are one of several organizations that will partner with Rock the Vote and Detroit Votes to host Pistonsland: What Up D.O.E. on Saturday. The event is a free outdoor concert and festival for Pistons fans and all Detroiters to celebrate the team ahead of the 2024-25 season with local food, culture and music.

However, the event’s purpose is to tip off early voting in Detroit. Pistonsland will take place on West Grand Blvd. between Third Ave. and Cass Ave. from noon to 7 p.m. The Pistons will also be joined by the Detroit City Clerk and the Detroit Department of Elections (D.O.E.). Pistonsland will feature performances by national and local artists, headlined by Grammy Award-winning rapper Lil Baby.

Tickets to the event are free and can be claimed at Pistons Land site today.