Pistons Fire Michael Curry, But Why Now?
by Packey on Jun 30, 2009 8:37 PM CDT
in News
12 comments
First of all, I'd like to thank Matt from Blog A Bull and Sean Yuille from Pride of Detroit for posting the news on Michael Curry's firing. I can't begin to describe how frustrating today has been for me as I was moving out of my apartment, my internet was disconnected, and my laptop was packed up. I was not a happy camper that I could not break the news to you as soon as I found out. I will say, the move probably went faster with me knowing I wanted to get on here and post for you as soon as possible. I was very fortunate to have loyal fellow SB Nation bloggers here to back me up to get the discussion rolling.
I digress.
The firing of Michael Curry came as somewhat of a shock to me. Not only was I mid-duck tape of a box, but I was getting pumped for free agency negotiations to begin tomorrow. The last thing I was expecting from the Pistons camp was the head coach being fired.
I was in the very small minority of people who were relatively excited when Michael Curry was hired last year. I thought maybe his hard work as a player, respect from peers as the president of the NBA Players Association, and knowledge of the game would translate nicely. After this season, I've been in the even smaller minority of people not calling for his head. I obviously don't think he did a great job, but I also don't think he had a fair chance as he was dealing with the same group of guys who haven't been able to get the job done (winning a championship) the past four seasons and who have seemingly run into a wall of complacency. I figured Dumars saw that too and would give him a second chance, one with fresh faces and a renewed attitude.
That appeared to be the case as Dumars announced in May that Curry was still his man. Dumars also admitted that Curry battled a lot of adversity in his first year as head coach, enough that it wouldn't be fair to fire him. However, something changed over the course of the past month and Dumars clearly changed his mind.
I understand the firing, but what I'm trying to comprehend is the timing. (No, I'm not wondering "why now?" just because I was moving today and couldn't read up on it as soon as it happened and post for you; I'd still be wondering the same thing.)
Recently, the press leaked, that Curry had no grasp of the locker room, which I'm sure came as no shock to Pistons fans. Players disrespected him by undermining his authority and ultimately, didn't lay it all on the line for him in games. It also surfaced that Curry notified Richard Hamilton of his mid-season benching in front of the whole team and that their relationship deteriorated from there with Rip often talking about how bad Curry was as a player (low blow and perhaps irrelevant), implying he didn't know what he was talking about as a coach. Curry also mentioned that the major reason the Pistons were so bad on Sundays dealt with what they were doing on Saturday nights, suggesting players stayed out late rather than being in their beds dreaming about winning the next day.
Dumars spoke at the draft on how he was going to put an end to all the drama that occurred this past season. With Dumars confirming that Curry would be back for a second season, the drama involving Hamilton and the team surfacing, and Dumars' comments on draft night anyone probably would have guessed that Rip and other players were as good as packing their bags this off-seaon. That's obviously not the case.
It makes me wonder a few things. Does the publicity of all the bad things that went on this year make Curry look bad to potential free agents, to the extent that they may not sign with the Pistons? Or did something drastic happen since Dumars comments in May that forced Dumars to change his mind? Perhaps Dumars meant what he said in May about Curry and was trying to get rid of Rip, but no teams were biting. Therefore, Dumars had to ultimately make a tough decision on Curry knowing Rip might be back again with the PIstons.
I have to believe that Dumars knew about all this so called drama before today, though. If Curry really didn't have a handle on things inside the locker room and within the huddle during time outs, how was this decision any different back in May, when he confirmed Curry would be back for a second season, from now, the day before negotiations can begin with free agents.
I agree that if Curry was going to make it tough for the Pistons to sign free agents or trade for players then Dumars had to part ways with him. However, wasn't this just as relevant in May after the season ended? I also believe that it might still be tough to convince free agents to come to Detroit when there's no coach currently in place. I agree that ultimately it may have been tougher with Curry than without him, but if the Pistons would have fired Curry back in May, a replacement coach would most likely already be in place and this would be a moot issue. There are a lot of reasons we could speculate on.
In the end, I understand the ultimate decision made by Dumars and I'm on board, but the timing still baffles me a little.
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Excellent Wrap Up of the Curry Situation
It comes as a surprise to me that players didn’t respect his authority mainly because the primary reason he was brought in was to keep players accountable. I’ll admit, the benching of Rip had me disgusted, why bench (arguably) the best player on your team for a rental? Iverson was most likely gone next season, he didn’t understand the system well, and he would’ve been much better as a spark off the bench like The Microwave. Curry didn’t recognize this and he bent to Ivo’s will, he needed to assert himself as the authority on the team and bench Iverson, whether he liked it or not. Rather, he benched Rip, whom he knew would be less likely to blow up. It was a severe mistreatment of one of the classiest players in the league, and the decision that ultimately caused the slow decline of trust between himself and his players.
We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne
by detpistons3 on Jun 30, 2009 9:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
LOL @ Joe D
He is turning my beloved Pistons into a Joke, they are a ship on troubled waters. I was fully against the Boozer signing and am relieved he did not opt out. But there is not significant players to be had in this crop of free agents. Sign Gordon, then do what with Stuckey, Hamilton (who you fired a coach for), and Prince? Are you going to pay a back up starters money? Give me a break. Joe has screwed this roster up, if Hamilton had been traded and Chauncey remained; adding a free agent SG would be a practical move. But here we are.
If he waits for the bumper crop of talent next year he wastes critical years of RIP’s, and Tay’s career. This is horrible. Firing MC today opens up critisizm, and questions in regards to his actual hold on this team. Right now it looks disheveled, and unorganized. This team is years from competeing. I would rather taken the chance in the ECF again than watch this junk for however long the drought will be.
He is riding the magic of the 2001 off season, ever since he has stumbled. It has just taken this long to catch up with him.
When angry, count four; when very angry, swear. ~Mark Twain, Pudd'nhead Wilson, 1894
by Leapin Lion on Jun 30, 2009 10:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You're Not Looking at the Bigger Picture
If we kept the core together and get knocked out in the ECF’s (again). Where are we left this season? Aged Chauncey, a Rip and Tay in their prime, and absolutely no big men. We wouldn’t have the cap to resign Sheed, unless he was willing to accept a massive paycut. Joe D took the best course of action he could to ensure the team wouldn’t have to go through the Teal Era again. With the shrewd AI trade (I’m one who actually liked the trade, had Chauncey not lead Denver so far, I guarantee most would agree), Joe gave us a chance at contention rather than one of rebuilding. I’d prefer the former, wouldnt you? You look at the free agent class and scoff, but free agents aren’t the only source of talent, there still remains the trade market. Teams are looking now, more than ever, to dump cap and are willing to take on a Tayshaun Prince for an Amare Stoudemire. Joe will pull off a trade nobody was expecting (similar to the Stack for Rip trade) that puts us in contention again. People criticize Joe for the AI to Chauncey trade, and now everybody thinks he’s a fluke. I’d like to see any other GM put together a Championship team after coming off a dysmal season (Boston doesn’t count, they stole KG for Al Jefferson and a bunch of nobodies) using nothing more than a keen eye for talent and some good midnight maneuvers (we still love you Sheed). Which brings me to my next point, Joe’s ability to sift through a seemingly weak Free Agent pool, and drag out some All Stars. Chauncey Billups was complete trash before Joe brought him in, Rip wasn’t nearly up to Stackhouse in terms of production, and Ben was an undrafted team hopper that barely made the Magic’s roster. Name me one other GM that pulled together a team like that, not by getting established names, but signing little known guys that turned into all stars. Sure a little luck was involved, but it wasn’t “magic” as you call it, it was these same shrewd moves that Joe will make again to ensure contention for years to come.
We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne
by detpistons3 on Jun 30, 2009 11:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't see anyone of great interest out there
Really, Doug Collins, Avery Johnson? I feel like they will grate on the players. Sam Mitchell? I’m not impressed by anything he has done.
I root for the Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings and yes, the Lions.
www.twitter.com/zajareich
by ReichardZ on Jun 30, 2009 10:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What's wrong with Avery and Collins?
They are both great basketball minds. Better than Curry anyway.
We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne
by detpistons3 on Jun 30, 2009 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ill give you an examle of Joe's magic.
Franchise players are once in a lifetime opportunity for a GM. Joe blew his load, on the Darko draft. What do you think would have happened if Memphis had been able to keep the 2nd overall pick? Do you think Jerry West would have drafted Darko, or Carmello?
And dont use the excuse that the Pistons were in a different position. If you see the opportunity to acquire a franchise player like Carmello/Wade/Bosh you dont pass on it. New England Patriots do not draft for need they take the best talent available. Why do they do that? Because they give themselves that luxury. Carmelo delivered a title to his college team as a freshman, he was domintae. You take that player. Pritchard in Portland will soon recieve the same criticizism for passing on Durant.
Joe has dropped the ball too often. You mention Chauncey, was trash. Really? He blew up in the playoffs for Minny, the only reason he wasnt resigned was b/c of Terrel Brandons huge contract. We werent the only team after Chauncey. We were the only one offering a starting spot. Look it up. Hamilton, for Stackhouse was a solid trade. But Joe was never in love with Stack, so it wasnt a shocker. He tried and failed to acquire AI, if it wasnt for Gieger we would never had RIP. I call that Luck. Ben Wallace? Your right, Joe demanded Ben because he wasnt going to give up his franchise player for nothing!! Keep dreaming, Joe had no idea Ben would turn into a stud. Thats magic, Joe has proven that he does not have an eye for talent. How many SF FA’s has he brought in and they have flammed out? Looking for a BU to Tay? I have listed his inability to draft talented players. Mcdyess was the last FA impact player he has picked up. Sheed? Given to us, if Ainge wasnt as big a douche bag as he is we would never had acquired him.
When angry, count four; when very angry, swear. ~Mark Twain, Pudd'nhead Wilson, 1894
by Leapin Lion on Jun 30, 2009 11:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's Been Said Before
Literally every GM was drooling at a chance to get Darko, a 7 ft guy who can score from the post and eventually shoot the three? Hell yeah we want him! He was supposed to be the second coming of Dirk Nowitski. And regardless of whether we draft Milicic or not, without him, we don’t win the ship I’m certain of it. Because without Darko, we don’t trade for Sheed, and everyone said without Sheed we don’t win the ‘ship in ’04. And then credit Dumars for turning Darko into Stuckey, by trading him to Orlando for their 1st. If that’s not crafty, I don’t know what is. Dumars has since admitted Darko as a mistake. Had Dumars drafted Bosh rather than Darko, he would’ve been roasted by the media nonstop. Had Lebron not been in that draft, Darko would’ve went first without a doubt. It’s unfortunate that Joe had to draft Darko, but don’t act as if Darko had no chance of being selected in the top 5 and Joe just made it so. Any GM in that position would jump at the opportunity to get the versatile 7 footer. You mention drafting Carmello and Wade, but those are not Joe Dumars type players, they were (emphasize were), selfish players. Joe was adamant he didn’t want superstars. Maybe that was a flaw on his point of view, but that’s the type of team he wanted. No way he’s drafting Bosh over Darko, so the 7 footer from Serbia and Montenegro was the only logical choice. Hindsight is 20/20 after all, but I recall the majority of Piston fans excited for the potential Darko had.
And yeah, Chauncey did blowup in the playoffs, but that was really his first breakout season, before that, what did he do? Many would describe him as trash, and a bust. He was described as a shooting guard in a point’s body. You mention an inability to draft talented players. For real? Tayshaun, Stuckey, Amir, Maxiell, Okur, Afflalo, and Delfino? Those are all picks made in 15th and later. Some in the 2nd round. That’s pretty substantial. Sure he’s had his busts, but what GM hasn’t? Joe D has a knack for turning his busts into good players. Trading Mateen Cleaves for great role player Jon Barry was a good move. Who remembers the one man comeback by Barry in the ECFs against the Pacers? Sure Barry wasn’t as good as some of the other picks that could’ve be had, but at least he didn’t sit on him and hope he got better. Fact is, Dumars is an executive genius, he’s the reason we have any success at all. With any other GM, we would probably have been stuck in the Teal Era during that remarkable 2004 season
We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne
by detpistons3 on Jul 1, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Joe's best chance to repuild this team
Is to start by signing Milsap, and Lee . Very likely since Okur, and Boozer stayed. Try to get Ariza and play with a gritty team this year. Next year trade Rip, and Tay to acquire a dominate scorer.
Amare isnt an option, Suns are discussing an extension at the moment. It will take more than Tay to bring in Amare. He and Nash are the only chips the Suns have left to rebuild. If I was Kerr i would ship him to GS for the package that has been listed. Save big money and acquire young talent in one stroke.
Coaching, i would like to see Avery Johnson come in. I was rooting for him last year. MC, another Joe D coaching screw up. didnt pan out. Shocker!!
When angry, count four; when very angry, swear. ~Mark Twain, Pudd'nhead Wilson, 1894
by Leapin Lion on Jul 1, 2009 12:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
I like Millsap and Lee, but I would like a little more size at the C position. Ariza would be nice, but with the Lakers having Odom and Ariza hitting free agency, I think they’ll be likely to keep Ariza, considering he’s an RFA.
Never say never with Amare, Kerr has been motivated by money recently, if we have to give up Austin Daye for him, so be it. The only concern of mine is the ability to sign him to an extension.
Avery is my first choice, he’s a good coach and he keep his players in line.
Don’t put all the blame on Curry, he was being asked alot. He got handed the reigns of a team he knew well, and a plan was set out for him. But, enter AI, and now you have to enter a dynamic scorer into a lineup you thought you knew. Only the great coaches in the league would’ve been able to insert AI, an unpredictable attitude, into an already stable lineup. It was tough for Curry, and he was set up for failure at the start. Had the AI trade never took place, I’m sure Curry would’ve done at least as good as Flip. His strategy was sound, when the complacency took place, bench em and put in the Zoo Crew. it might’ve worked had AI never stepped in.
We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne
by detpistons3 on Jul 1, 2009 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Terry Foster says it much better than I do.
and the Best part is Foster has solidly been behind Dumars.
When angry, count four; when very angry, swear. ~Mark Twain, Pudd'nhead Wilson, 1894
by Leapin Lion on Jul 1, 2009 2:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Free Agents
Try and sign Lee and Gordon—————Charlie V. plays no D and is a liability—that would be a waste of money. There is a reason Milwaukee let him go. Milsaps would be a nice addition as well.
Who cares whose fault it is or was? Let s move forward. Has anyone seen Bill Laimbeer?
by cary s on Jul 1, 2009 3:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Curry should not be a coach
First off, i hated Michael Curry as a player. Every time he was in the starting lineup i cringed. He couldn’t play offense and his defense was vastly overrated. How can the slowest guy on the court be a defensive stopper? He can’t!
They should have never hired him, he looked lost last year, and i hope the pistons find a credible replacement who gets the new breed of pistons on the right track.
by mikeywhy16 on Jul 1, 2009 5:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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