Detroit Pistons hire former Cavaliers coach instead of Dallas Mavericks assistant

The Detroit Pistons have their new head coach. After rumors of interviewing assistant coaches, the Pistons settled on former Cleveland Cavaliers coach JB Bickerstaff, who also coached the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets in the past.

Following the hiring, reports surfaced that Bickerstaff was one of two final candidates. The other? Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Sean Sweeney, according to Yahoo! Sports’ Vincent Goodwill. Jason Kidd and the Mavs will be able to retain their top assistant coach for at least one more season.

READ MORE: Dallas Mavericks have a good chance of signing Klay Thompson from the Golden State Warriors

The Pistons just hired Dennis Lindsey from the Mavericks’ front office and there was some speculation that he could influence the organization to hire Sweeney, who was on Dwane Casey’s staff in Detroit for three seasons before his stint in Dallas .

Sweeney is currently assisting Luka Doncic on the Slovenian national team in their attempt to qualify for the Olympics. His relationship with the superstar is important and Dallas will be happy to have him back.

Detroit is entering its sixth year of rebuilding and fired Monty Williams after just one season despite signing him to a massive contract. They have restructured their front office under new president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon. Their hiring of Bickerstaff shows they want to turn things around quickly.

Bickerstaff was fired by the Cleveland Cavaliers despite reaching the second round of the playoffs this season. There were rumors of tension between Bickerstaff, management and the players, so the organization decided to go ahead and hire Kenny Atkinson.

READ MORE: San Antonio Spurs rookie makes surprising revelation about his hometown Dallas Mavericks

Keeping with Mavericks game day for more FREE Dallas Mavericks coverage throughout the NBA offseason

Follow MavericksGameday on Twitter and Austin Veazey in Twitter