NBA Notes: Pistons, JB Bickerstaff, Cavs, De’Andre Hunter, Pacers

They are also riding a four-game winning streak, having secured back-to-back double-digit victories at Chicago on Tuesday and Wednesday. As a result, the Pistons currently hold a top-six playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

“We are pleased with what we have done,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said, per Cory Davis of the Detroit News. “From where we came from to where we are now, there have been a lot of tough lessons learned, and that has been the enjoyable part of this. … A lot of growth. We are pleased with it, but we have a lot more work to do.”

Basically, the Pistons’ improvement is a testament to their resilience and progress, but Bickerstaff emphasized that the team is not content with their current standing. Detroit will look to continue building momentum when it returns to action on Feb. 21.

CAVALIERS

• With the acquisition of De’Andre Hunter, the Cleveland Cavaliers now have a three-year championship window, according to Jason Lloyd of The Athletic. The core of the team is under contract through the 2026/27 season, and the Cavs may need to exceed the second tax apron to keep it together.
• If Evan Mobley earns an All-NBA selection this season, his max contract will increase, pushing the team above that tax level. Penalties for exceeding the second apron grow if a team remains over for two or more seasons.
• Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reports that Hunter may not necessarily be a starter. Max Strus has performed well in the starting small forward role, averaging 15.3 points and 3.8 assists over the past three games. Hunter, of course, was a Sixth Man of the Year candidate with the Hawks.

PACERS

Center Alex Len was reportedly set to sign with the Pacers after clearing waivers but instead chose to join the Lakers. In response, the Pacers signed veteran big man Jahlil Okafor to a 10-day contract.

Okafor had been playing for the Indiana Mad Ants in the G League.

“We’re taking care of our own here,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle told reporters, via Akeem Glaspie of the Indianapolis Star. “There were other options, but we elected to bring somebody on board that has been with us for the entirety of the Mad Ants season. That’s loyalty to show to someone who’s shown loyalty to us, which is great.”

• Aaron Nesmith, who began the season in the Pacers’ starting lineup, reclaimed his spot this week, with Bennedict Mathurin moving to the second unit.
• Carlisle noted that Nesmith offers a different dynamic to the starting five, saying, “It creates a better balance on our team,” per Joel Erickson of the Indianapolis Star. “Benn’s a scorer, and Benn needs to get shots, and we have (Tyrese Haliburton) and (Pascal Siakam) out there to start games. This just makes it work better from an offensive standpoint.”