Post by jayborne on Sept 15, 2006 11:04:32 GMT -5
Pistons GM Tells Team, "Ring or Bust"
Can the backcourt of Rip and Billups lead the Pistons back to the Finals?
Can the backcourt of Rip and Billups lead the Pistons back to the Finals?
(Detroit) - Gone are the days of the "New" Bad Boys. Gone are the days where the Pistons ruled the East. Gone are the days where "Going to Work" was more than a motto, it was a way of life. That time has come and gone and Pistons GM, Jayborne, has taken notice. In an interview with Espn's Tim Legler, he revealed that this team may be undergoing a significant change after the season. The following is a transcript of what exactly was said.
Tim Legler: The Pistons underwent a huge change this past season with the departure of Ben Wallace. The focus went from interior defense to a high scoring offense. What is your plan for the team this year?
Jayborne: A Championship. Anything less is unacceptable. We have had the same core of guys around for about 5 years now and have 1 trophy to show for it. We currently have a great group of guys, but if they can't win it for us then we need to make some serious changes. It's ring or bust.
It is no coincidence that this is also a contract year for star guard, Chauncey Billups. Pistons management undoubtably still has a sour taste in its mouth from the sudden departure of Ben Wallace. The circumstances around Billups may be different (age mainly) but the Pistons seem to be already seeking ways of damage control if Billups decides to play elsewhere. The irony of the situation is that Billups' own injury may be the reason for the sudden panic in Detroit. His leg injury that occured only 2 weeks previous to the playoffs put an end to any championship aspirations the Pistons had, as seen by the 0-4 showing against just a decent Washington team.
Don't be surprised if they jump the gun and make a significant move during the season. While it didn't come up in the interview, actions do speak loader than words. The Pistons reportedly have been working the phones, and names such as Lamar Odom and Michael Redd have been rumored. It is no secret that the Pistons are looking for a change. What is certain, is that Richard Hamilton isn't going anywhere. The Pistons were reportedly offered a high draft pick in exchange for Rip, but choose not to explore the offer. Hamilton was the teams leading scorer last season, averaging career highs in points (22.3) and rebounds (5.1). His ability to hit the mid range jumper is a rare comodity in today's athletism driven league.
The breakup may have occured this offseason if it wasn't for a questionable deal by Pistons management that sent Amir Johnson and their pick to Toronto in exchange for Al Harrington. Harrington will have this season to prove his worth as the rest of the Pistons PF core ages. He, Billups, and Garnett have been spotted running pickup games in Orlando.
Laimbeer Hired as Assistant
Bill Laimbeer was hired today to be the assistant coach of the Detroit Pistons. Coming off his 3rd championship with the WNBA's Shock, Laimbeer decided that it was time that he try to get into the NBA's coaching ranks. After the departure of Larry Brown, Laimbeer was rumored to both the Knick and Piston coaching jobs. After Flip Saunders was hired to run the Pistons, Laimbeer decided to stay in the WNBA. Many think he will be the successor to Saunders. After the press conference to announce his new job, Laimbeer was seen brainstorming with Rasheed Wallace on new ways to complain to the refs.
