First let me say I believe that the Pistons will win it all. I am not a bandwagon jumper, or fair weather fan.

Just for the sake of discussion what would happen if Detroit does not win it all, for any reason except injury of course.

I would say you would have to give Flip at least 1 more year, which seems to be Dumars custom to give his coach at least 2 years.

However, some changes would have to be made with player personnel. Cato and Dale Davis will probably be gone, and what will happen with Evans and Delfino?

Will there be a major trade or free agent pick up? Whatever happens Joe D is smart enough to keep this team competitive for a championship for years to come.

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"We are going to be really good offensively and definsively, we are going to be a team that can beat you 120-110, or beat you 80-70" Coach Michael Curry on the 2008-2009 Pistons.

Depends on how far we get and what the circumstances are. Another game 7 loss and I think you have to give the starting 5 another chance and try to improve the bench. Not getting to the Finals or losing by a wide margine due to injury and you just have to suck it up and hope the sports gods are more kind next season.

On the other hand? I would expect a trade or 2 and Flip investigated but ultimately at least be given another season. Its going to be very hard to fire him with not giving him at least 2 full seasons otherwise our environment given the Carlisle/LB firings will be considered too hostile to land any decent coach. But you never know.

I agree with Merc. It all depends on the details.

No matter what the outcome, this team should be in good shape for several more years to compete for a title. As long as Joe D doesn't go Pat Riley on us and blow up the roster.

Ship = mo gone, acker gone, LH or DELK gone (gotta pick one), cato gone, DD likely gone.
Finals loss = bench shuffles, a star signed on as SF/SG, maybe an allstar vet that wants to hitch a ride to a ring.
ECF loss = same, maybe dice gone
Anything else = At least 1 starter traded, Flip possibly gone. Dumars needs to start holding on to his coaches or they will never want to come here.

That was Max's comments (honest mistake)... I also agree that there are conditions to how much player movement happens... too big of a change could set the franchise back several years... that's a mistake most perenial losers make.... there's still room to improve within... with youth development and adding new wrinkles.

That said I don't think Joe can be very happy with the backup 5 or SG/SF situation.

We have some nice assets to as bargaining chips without blowing anything up:

D.D.'s expiring deal
Young players not yet reaching potential
Our pick or Orlando's
MLE
Evans (based on stats)

A combination of these assets should be able to adequately address any deficiencies with our reserves....
Our starters should remain one of the best units for at least two more years.

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DOH! Thats what I get for not quoting the actual post. Sorry fellas.

That is a good question if the Pistons don't win the title, but it will an even bigger question if they don't even get to the title game.

No worries really for the first round as we won't lose to the Bucs even if they stretch it out to six games. But what if a hot Labron or the threesome in DC take us out in a shocker. Or the overachieving Pacers finally figure out a way to get four victories in the EC championship
series?

Do you blame Rips injury, the Pistons arrogance, or Flips coaching??

Sounds preposteroius, but who would have thought that either the Lakers or Clippers will now be in the Western Conference finals and the Bulls and Kings would be able to win two games and were in a position to steal a victory in game 2 of their respective series in Miami and San Antonio.

Like somebody said, if the Lakers can beat the Suns with scrubs like Smush, Luke, Kwame etc, then Delfino should be able to get in and contribute more than just garbage time heroics. In other words, try him out and if he fails then maybe you bring in Rip to save the victory if it is close.

The Pistons do not need to let this 1st round series go more than 5 games. That means a win tomorrow and Wednesday and then they may not have to play again until next Monday if the Wiz and Cavs go seven. Plenty of time to get Rips ankle back to 100%

Dre even the thought of this makes me sick. I would more than likely have to relocate, or maybe commit a heinous crime because of harrasment and be profiled on AMW!

Any scenario other than the above would suffice......

If we don't win the championship one of the starters will be traded, guaranteed.

The bench will be totally retooled, I think Dice, Baby Ben and AJ will stay, everyone else is on the hot seat.

Why would you think acker would be gone if we win it all? I think Joe D. is going to keep the 3 rookies.