Sorry, I didn't mean "fire", I meant "fine" (by the NBA).

What if a team sent their best player to go scout the NCAA tourney while they were trying to tank? That would surely be a fine.

I still like my penalty better.... GRIN

This raises the question - is it better as a fan for your team to be a contender every year over a five year period (but never get that ring), or for your team to break the bank to be the champion one year followed by a few years of mediocrity?

if we had never had a championship.... as in none i'd say sell your soul to get the one... but as i tasted a championship with the bad boys, i would rather be in contention ever year with a chance to win it and be in the hunt then to win it one year and have pathetic hard to watch teams for the 5 years.... add to that this team has a ring in this 5 year run... no way would i trade places with miami for the last 3 years.

I like the Redwings and the recent Pistons model. Just be in serious contention every year. While we are sceptical about the Pistons, I think that most everyone here believes they have a shot at it. It's just that there are some other really good teams and we are realistic about the notion that our team will have to "peak" at the right time to bring it home-- like we did in '04. That is the way that it should be though in a league with some parity. That is what makes MLB and NFL so much fun. Your team is playing the undefeated Patiots who are on the verge of being annointed the best team in history, and your team peaks and man handles them.

If you told me right now that the Pistons have a 20% chance of winning the title, then I'll agree with that and be happy with it.

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"I’ll just say this: We’re not talking to teams about their second- or third-best players." Joe Dumars talking about his plan to get other teams' 4th best players.

See I agree with that, but I wonder how much of it is due to the fact that the Pistons have won rings during my tenure as a fan.

how spoiled are we in detroit.... forget those dumb lions..... but between now and nov... we have real shot to win 3 prof titles.

Remember back when Dumars took over, his goal for the team was to be in the mix every year.... he mentioned that winning it all takes a bit of luck and no matter how much some of us think he could do this better or that better he's ton a great job... he never does something today that risks our chances of being good tommorrow. look at our team today... longest streak of 50 wins seasons ever. you'd think with a run like that you would be about to fall off, but we have youth coming in... be it slower then most folks want..

That's what I meant. The Wings and Pistons model seems to be to be in SERIOUS contention every year, which results in our share of ships. Being in pseudo contention every year sucks- like the Suns. Fool's gold stuff with no defense = regular season contender, post season pretender.

But now you're talking about a select, lucky few: Pistons and Spurs for sure, but do you count the Mavs (they made the Finals once) and Cavs (ditto)? The Mavs choked big-time last year and the Cavs run is done if LBJ ever leaves.

I think the only way we continue to be in serious contention every year is to trade one or more of the starters at some time in the near future. It will be impossible to replace them with draft picks and bargain FA signings. It will be Dumars's willingness to do this that will determine how long the run lasts.

he has in the past and my guess will do it in the future.... he makes the hard calls... he traded stackhouse for an unproven player in rip, he let ben go when lots of folks thought that was a mistake... he seems to keep his head and not do the impulse moves that alot of gms made at the trade deadline this year.... dallas sold there soul and looks to hurt them short term and long term.