Overview
- Multiple outlets reported Tuesday that Oklahoma City’s Mark Daigneault, Detroit’s JB Bickerstaff and Gonzaga’s Mark Few are expected to join Erik Spoelstra as assistant coaches, with a formal announcement said to be likely within days.
- Mark Daigneault arrives fresh off an NBA championship and Coach of the Year recognition, JB Bickerstaff led the Pistons to a 60-win season, and Mark Few brings prior Team USA experience and recent Hall of Fame recognition.
- USA Basketball is assembling the staff to support August qualifiers and the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar as the main step toward building a roster for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
- ESPN insider Shams Charania first reported the expected hires, and USA TODAY and other outlets say formalities are being finalized and an official USA Basketball announcement may come on July 16.
- The new mix of NBA and college head coaches could shape player recruitment and roster choices by bringing coaches with direct ties to players such as Chet Holmgren and Cade Cunningham into the selection and preparation process.