DETROIT- When the Detroit Pistons fired coach Flip Saunders and hired assistant coach Michael Curry to replace him, my first reaction was "They're finally done"
Because I view this move as a downgrade, not an upgrade. Curry worked under Flip his entire three years with the Pistons, but that doesn't mean success. In my opinion, it won't.
Now, with a no-name head coach, I believe that the Pistons 6-year streak of making the conference finals is over. There are too many developing powers in the East right now for them to get back. Orlando, Cleveland, Washington, Toronto, and even Philadelphia are all on their ways to becoming great.
There are several easy things that I think the Pistons should do in the next week prior to the Draft. One, trade your first-round pick (#29) and Chauncey Billups to the Golden State Warriors for their first-round pick (#14). Then, with that draft pick, draft Georgetown center, Roy Hibbert to back-up Antonio McDyess for the first 20-30 games, then start him for the remainder of the season.
They might have a chance to make it back with these moves, but I doubt it. If the Pistons drop below the #2 seed in the East, they might have to play Boston before the conference finals, most likely ending their streak.
Here is how I think the 2008-2009 Eastern Conference Playoff seedings will look:
1. Boston Celtics 2. Orlando Magic 3. Cleveland Cavaliers 4. Detroit Pistons 5. Toronto Raptors 6. Atlanta Hawks 7. Washington Wizards 8. Philadelphia 76ers
According to these predictions, Detroit would have to play Toronto in the first round. The Raptors could definitely pull that off, but I would say the Pistons win that series.
Here are the rest of my predictions:
Boston over Philadelphia in first round Orlando over Washington in first round Cleveland over Atlanta in first round
So, the Celtics and Pistons would meet in th second round. Boston would win that in 5 or 6, thus ending the Eastern Conference Finals run.
It will end this coming season. Just watch.
If anyone cares, here are the rest of my Eastern Conference Playoff Predictions for 2008-2009.
Orlando over Cleveland in the second round. Boston over Orlando in the East Finals.
I’m hoping the Pistons beat the Celtics in round 2, because the Magic could beat the tar out of ‘em in the East Finals. GO MAGIC!!!
Greenspire
I think that Dumars has blundered with this move. But it'd appear that he'd prefer to go in-house rather than hire a retread or go for someone like Avery Johnson who definitely possessed what the Pistons needed. And that was a coach who could command the respect of the players and at the same time motivate them into doing better.
The same obviously couldn't be said of Saunders whose coaching tendencies were rarely adjustable. If anything he brought nothing with him from Minnesota other than an alleged good coaching record.
Avery was a perfect fit for the Pistons. He would not hesitate to get in the faces of the players who played lackadaisical. Nothing that Avery hated more.
Greenspire
Spurcse
How the hell is that someone like Vinny del Negro can end up landing a job with the Bulls ? But someone with Avery Johnson's proven abilities can't get a break much yet a fa*rt during a tornado.
But I guess that's why it's the NBA ?
Del Negro seen here as the Suns' assistant GM alongside Shaquille O'Neal.
Former coach Avery Johnson still looking for a coaching position within the NBA.
justan' aka tophatal ..........
Last edited by justanotherfan on June 12th at 1:44 PM.
I think you trust your knowledge about basketball more than Joe Dumars, who has assembled a team that won a championship and has made it to the ECF 6 years in a row. I garuntee Dumars knows 1000 times more about basketball than you.
After your trade, who starts at center? Wallace again? No way. Besides, I'd take Marreese Speights or JaVale McGee over Roy Hibbert any day.
You have not seen Michael Curry as a player Mike, so you would not realize how much leadership he has. At Detroit he was the one telling everyone (yes everyone) where they needed to be. And the other players listened. They didn't give him ####, and they respected him. That's something that could not be said for Flip Saunders.
Lupus G
And it was that same inspired thinking why he went with someone like Saunders who couldn't inspire a field mouse if he were given hand written instructions.
I'll say this though one way or another this team will be splintered before next season commences.
If Curry fails at this juncture then there'll be some tough decisions to be made.
And if as you say Curry was behind the lines as Saunders' surrogate then explain to us there what indeed went wrong ?
And with the players you've mentioned it's all about supposition and potential. No one really knows how these guys'll equate when it comes to NBA right off the bat.
justan' aka tophatal .........
Last edited by justanotherfan on June 12th at 2:22 PM.
justanotherfan (or tophatal, whichever you prefer)
The Saunders hiring is nothing like the Curry hiring. Dumars realized he went wrong with Saunders, so he went in a different direction with Michael Curry.
By "splintered" do you mean worse, or just different? I agree if you mean different, but Joe D. is not going to make a trade that worsens the Pistons.
Curry did not want to overstep and get on anyone's bad side. If you noticed, towards the end of the season, Curry started to be the one talking to the Pistons during timeouts, while Flip went off for an interview or just stood idly with his arms crossed, as he does about 98% of the time. During the playoffs, it was Flip talking to them, and they just weren't listening.
You're right about not knowing who will flourish in the NBA, but as it stands right now, Marreese Speights and JaVale McGee both look better than Roy Hibbert, they are both younger than Roy Hibbert, and they both have more potential than Roy Hibbert.
Lupus G is right on the money. Curry was a former Piston player who played with Prince, Billups and Rip. While he isnt a "big name" he is a motivator and he commands respect...something that Flip didnt and couldnt. With the vets on this team they need a motivator/leader and not necessarily an X and O's guy like in Flip
Joe D while looking to trade will not give away any of his starting five for less than they are worth...he wont do anything drastic here...as for tradin Billups for a big man that ridiculus, its a desperate move and Joe's not desperate yet... they have two young forwards in Amir Johnson and Maxiell that are deserving of more and more PT.
No matter what, this team is still more complete than the Magic, they have a huge gaping hole at SG and Lewis needs to step up his defense and his interior game. Howard IS a monster though
Your prediction blog might be a bit early...if the Pistons trades are questionable or the Magic fill a their holes things may change...(goes for every team) Im sure if you did this blog last year this time you wouldnt have the Celts in the Finals...I know I sure wouldnt have!
tophat- I have no idea. Avery should have been their man, but maybe they see something in Del Negro that nobody else sees. I hope so, for their sake. Something's got to change about the way that franchise has been run the past 4-5 years.
Lupus- I guarantee he knows what he's doing, but if they don't make it back to the ECF in 2008-2009, then who looks like the more knowledgeable one? Not Dumars, that's for sure.
Antonio starts for the first 20-30 games, which I stated in the blog, and after that Hibbert takes over.
Have you seen Michael Curry as a player? I doubt that he is as great as you make him out to be. He won't be able to lead a team like the Pistons back to the East finals.
Lupus- He realized that he went wrong? I doubt it. People were asking for a change, so he made it. The switch from Flip to Curry made them worse. I guarantee it.
DezzNutz- I don't think that they are great, but I'm just trying to hand some credit out. All Arenas is doing is opting out so he can sign for more money, even though he's not worth it.
Greenspire
I'll say this if the Bulls get off to a rotten start then don't be surprised if the fans in Chicago start beying for blood.
The problem there isn't necessarily a lack of coaching but a lack of character and heart on the team. They're too damn soft ! And it's there for everyone to see !
............
Lupus G
Dumars has said it himself that he's prepared to shake up the roster if need be. I for one take him at his word. As he doesn't suffer fools gladly . As to Curry if he's unable to right this ship then he too'll be following his predecessor right out the door.
Of that I can assure you !
tophatal ...........
Last edited by justanotherfan on June 13th at 9:51 AM.
srm- Who are they gonna get that will take them back to the playoffs in one year? They had 15 wins this year! Beasley won't make THAT big of a difference.
Greenspire-
If the Pistons start McDyess at Center, they're going to have a rocky start to next season. I still don't see why anyone would take Hibbert over Marreese Speights. Just because you've never heard of him doesn't mean he's good. Some new mock drafts have Speights going at #9 to the Bobcats, and Hibbert going #23, #24, or #25 to Utah, Seattle or Houston, based on who they like out of Hibbert and Robin Lopez.
If you assume Joe D. is knows less than you because they don't make it to the ECF in 2008-2009, than you are making a mistake. If Joe D. trades for youth, and they need time to develop, that doesn't matter at all? You do know there are seasons after 08-09 right?
He realized he made a mistake in hiring Flip after a 3rd straight ECF exit. That doesn't change just because the fans saw it too.
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tophatal-
Dumars will not make change for the sake of change. He is a smart GM, and he will only make a move if it betters the Pistons. Curry will get more than one season here, if you're suggesting otherwise, but if you mean he can't get it done after a few seasons, than yes he will be fired.
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I am Mike Greenspire and I am a sports blogger for FOX Sports and I love the NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, and NASCAR! I was born and raised in the city of Pittsburgh, PA, so naturally I am a die-hard fan of the Pens, Buccos, and Steelers. Since Pittsburgh basketball is long gone, my favorite team in the NBA is the Orlando Magic. Please leave a comment on my blog, I love feedback. My blog is fun, and I enjoy writing it, and I hope that you will enjoy reading it! Thanks!
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