I am really sorry, guys, but it appears that we have hijacked another thread and made it into a Darko one. But if I reply somewhere else, we wouldn't know where it is .

I am and have been a Piston fan, as I am sure bballjay is. I know he is, and I know I am. But for myself, when I am convinced that someone has gotten the shaft, not gotten a fair shake, got blamed for things that were not all his fault, and especially, being the subject of such low-life comments that were not warranted, I do have the tendency to come to the defense. Such is the case with Darko and to a much lesser extent, with Memo.

With all my heart, I hope Joe comes through but I am beginning to lose hope. He really had faith that DMC was in the future of this franchise, and me may still think that. But it seems that he hires people who do not.

As for Flip, he is winning and winning and people believe that he has it knocked, but he is not winning the right way, as the 'little ykw" didn't and it caught up with him. It will also catch up with Flip in the same way.

Just because we point out things like this does not mean that we are not Piston fans. The main problem I have with Flip is that he buys this stupid (in my way of thinking) idea that in spite of what the team needs or can definitely use, he has to win his little battle of "earning minutes' while not giving the player a chance to do so.

Just look at all the chances he give the other players who come in and mess up. Over and over again, they screw up and they keep getting back in.

While now, as in the last regime, we have a good talented 7 foot 20 year old who we have SEEN with our own eyes make plays, even if not on a consistent basis, that WE NEED. But because coach wants to make a point, we are deprived of this kid's services and are in danger of losing him for good.

I just cannot understand why only a few of us see this. I suppose it is the same with you other guys who can't understand why I have not given up on him, but how do you give up on a 20 year old 7 footer with such an array of skills, who has not been given a chance to show them on a consistent basis?

OK, OK, I will quit now, but when he comes back, I will still root for him, although I still want the Pistons to win in the end.

Sorry again, guys. Can't keep my mouth shut until you all agree with me .