There was a time the Detroit Pistons sit atop the NBA as one of the greatest teams. Known for its excellent defense, gritty play, and a group of players that were virtually anonymous before 2004. The Non-Stop relentless defense and hustle plays served as an example of how to play basketball with heart. Detroit Basketball was a style of play that even the "And 1" crazed teenagers I coach in the Bronx could connect with. This Era i, however, has ended. Reading reviews of some of the earliers years, it becomes very clear that the Pistons aren't "Going to Work" this season. We were clearly not "Going to Work" at the end of last season and Dumars announced he would take it off of life support. Joe Dumars, perhaps in an attempt to sell season tickets for this year, strung the city along during the summer with talk of 'rebuilding on the fly" before making good on this promise, but it showed that the era was over. (In my opinion the era ended when Ben Wallace because Nazr Mohammad was a poor replacement and the pistons were too weak inside to let Rasheed play his game.) But Enough with the grim details. It was great, and it was too short, but now the Era is over. The pistons are now another rebuilding team hoping to make the playoffs. The young guys are getting good playoff experience because they will be the leaders of the team very soon. When the future comes these young players and the new players will start a new era, hopefully with the same spirit. But, make no doubts about it, the "Going to Work" Era is over. It has been since at least the beginning of the season, and we should respect its memory by not confusing this era with what happened during the 2008-2009 season.
Going to work was Ben Wallace, Jon Barry, Cliff Robinson, Corliss Williamson, Jerry Stackhouse, Chuckie Atkins, Michal Curry ( the player ) . Many of those guys were no longer around in 04. 05 was that "if it ain't rough it ain't right" deal. Don't have the talent anymore. We will get it back again.
The older guys are working to go, some of the younger guys might like to go to work, but don't really have any guidance. As bad as it is for this little era pistons, it should turn around soon, at least we didn't just watch allan houston leave.
screw "goin' to work" get rich quick scheme and shortcuts is what it's all about.. Look at Bostons.. Assemble a few good players, blow some wad and win a championship.
BOS also has 2nd round picks in Powe and Davis who have improved much more rapidly than Amir and Max. Rondo went from the achilles heal to vital cog in a year. I suppose there is still time for Stuckey to do this.
Those second round picks are huge. Young is another good one, if he can stay out of jail. If a great deal was to be had and it included Stuckey, I would do it in a heart-beat. Stuckey is not a point guard. He will be good, but he will never be exceptional and he will never be your back court leader. It might be wise to understand that a tremendous switch has occurred at the 1-2 spots over the last few years. Because they mature at an earlier age (sixth grade +) and there are better coaching techniques for them; one should see a plethora of 1-2 positions gaining advantage in meaningful rotations.
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him; The evil that men do lives after them, The good is oft interred with their bones, So let it be with Caesar ...
