I remember last year around this time, I wrote a post marking the end of the Detroit Pistons season after a game 6 Playoffs loss to eventual NBA Champion Miami Heat. In it I made a few remarks that I’d like to echo this year after another game 6 loss, this time to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Jesus Christ himself, Lebron James. Let’s go down the list: (last year, this year)

1. Congrats to the better team, the Miami Heat, 07: Congrats to the better team, the Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Seriously consider not re-signing Ben Wallace, 07: Definitely don’t re-sign Chris Webber.
3. Seriously consider not bringing back Flip Saunders, 07: Please don’t bring back Flip Saunders. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. (*cough*Larry Brown*cough*)
4. I think it’s time to break up the starting 5, 07: Maybe this was a bit dramatic last year, and I don’t feel that way this year. I think they should re-sign Chauncey. Rip and Tayshaun should stay. But Rasheed? Not so sure…
5. Flip, play some reserve, 07: Wasn’t as big of a factor this year, but Maxiell needs more playing time. He’s Ben Wallace 2.0
6. Pistons, check your egos, 07: Nah. Just get better guidance from a better coach.
7. Start backing up your words with some action, 07: Or just get a better coach.
8. How about trying to bring it, even if just for the fans (135+ straight sellouts?), 07: Again, effort wasn’t that big of a deal this year. They just need to be motivated and organized better, I think.
9. Hmm, let’s see, walking the ball up the court, having Rasheed and Tayshaun finally catch up to you with 12 seconds left in the shot clock, and you lose games. Gee, maybe it’s time to start running some fast break plays? Ever? Once in a damn series??? Flip??? Hello????, 07: yes, definitely need more fast break plays. But you need guys that aren’t 35 and can actually run to do that.
10. Get some rest. Heal up. Make some changes. Earn my attention next year. I’ll follow. I’ll support. But I won’t be as adamant, because I don’t feel like championing lackluster effort., 07: Again, a little harsh. I’ll definitely be watching next year, because things should be a little different. If they bring Flip Saunders back, I’ll be pissed and might not be very excited. But I’m hoping they don’t do that.

It’s just a sad day because unfortunately after two years I’ve finally realized that this isn’t the same team that won it all in 2004. And I’m realizing that the window of opportunity for another championship has most likely closed. Now Cleveland, Chicago and Miami are gunning for the top spot in the East. I still don’t understand how Detroit can dominate Chicago like it did, and then just ge trounced by a tam that’s not as good as them or the Bulls. I just hate not knowing what to expect from the Pistons. It really doesn’t matter if they’re horrible or great or just middle of the road, as long as I know there’s consistency there. Oh well.

Go Spurs (it better be a sweep,) and please bring back Larry Brown to the Pistons. See you next year.

Tags: annoyances, detroit, nba, pistons, sports