Pistons Trying New Strategy to Boost Struggling Veteran Guard

Detroit aims to get Caris LeVert into a consistent rhythm down the stretch of the season.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 10:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Caris LeVert's first season with the Detroit Pistons has been one of the toughest of his career, with injuries and illness resulting in him missing significant time. To help get LeVert contributing at a high level, the Pistons are altering his usage to involve longer runs on the court to help him catch his rhythm. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff believes this strategy will be key for LeVert and the team as they approach the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Pistons have been atop the Eastern Conference for most of the season, but LeVert's struggles have been a challenge. Getting the veteran guard on track could be crucial for the team's playoff push, as Bickerstaff sees LeVert as a difference-maker when he's feeling good.

The details

LeVert has missed games due to lower body injuries and a recent bout with vertigo symptoms. The Pistons have started giving him longer stretches on the court, rather than shorter bursts, to help him find a rhythm. In a recent game against the Knicks, LeVert played over 10 straight minutes in the first half, scoring 5 points and dishing 4 assists while the team was +18 with him on the court. The Pistons have tried this strategy a few times, with mixed results, but believe it will pay off for LeVert and the team down the stretch.

  • In late January, LeVert missed seven straight games while dealing with vertigo symptoms.
  • On February 6, LeVert played his first extended stint of over 10 minutes in the first half against the Knicks.

The players

Caris LeVert

A 10-year veteran guard who is in his first season with the Detroit Pistons. LeVert has struggled with injuries and illness this season, leading the Pistons to try a new strategy to get him more consistent playing time and find his rhythm.

J.B. Bickerstaff

The head coach of the Detroit Pistons, who has worked closely with LeVert to help him adapt to his new role and get him contributing at a high level for the team's playoff push.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Those longer stretches help him find a rhythm in-game. We're going to do all that we can because we know how important he's going to be for us down the stretch to make sure that he stays in that rhythm.”

— J.B. Bickerstaff, Head Coach, Detroit Pistons (mlive.com)

“Trying to find a rhythm throughout the chaos, it's been tough. It's a thing where I just got to keep working on my game outside of the games and trust that it's gonna pay dividends on the court.”

— Caris LeVert (mlive.com)

What’s next

The Pistons will continue to experiment with giving LeVert extended playing time to help him find a consistent rhythm, with the goal of having him fully integrated and contributing at a high level for the team's playoff push.

The takeaway

The Pistons' efforts to get Caris LeVert more consistent playing time and find his rhythm highlight the challenges of integrating a new veteran player, even for a team atop their conference. Their willingness to adapt their strategy shows the premium they place on having LeVert contribute at a high level down the stretch.