Lindsey Hunter admits that the Pistons aren’t merely trying to win a title but also cement their place in history:
“But we aren’t satisfied just to be here. We want the chance to win another NBA title. That’s the only reason we are here. This matchup is good for the league and it’s a historical battle and all of that. But we’re trying to make our own legacy. We are trying to get another title so we will be considered a dynasty.”
The Pistons have made six straight appearances in the Conference Finals — that’s an amazing streak that hasn’t been accomplished since the Showtime Lakers … but without another title, will anyone even remember? I’m sure Pistons fans wouldn’t forget (not for a while, at least) but I don’t think anyone can deny that this team needs at least one more title to really ensure history keeps their long streak of dominance in perspective.
As a fan, what would you rather take: a guaranteed title this year followed by six years of losing in the second round, or a loss to the Celtics this year followed by six more conference finals appearances that may or may not ever result in another title?
It’s a convoluted “bird in the hand, two in the bush” question. One scenario would cement a dynasty but cause its downfall; the other would prolong a Atlanta Braves/Buffalo Bills-type existence but with no guarantee of another payoff. I’m curious to hear your thoughts. I don’t want to influence anyone’s opinion, so I’ll weigh in at the end of the day.
Maybe I’m forgetting about how much the last 3 years have hurt but I think I’m gonna go with a guaranteed 6 more ECFs. That way we get atleast 2 more weeks of Pistons basketball and still have a chance to snap up a title (or two). I’m trying to approach this optimistically but I know not everyone here works in that mindset. I still want to punch a wall when I think about Horry’s 3, D-Wade taking a million FTs, and Lebron but 6 years of ECFs would provide plenty of opportunities for any young talent to shine.
I’d say that given the scenario you laid out, Matt, it’s not too hard of a decision.
Win the title. Period.
Given, that includes us making the playoffs for many more years and simply losing earlier. It would be frustrating, no doubt, but not nearly as frustrating as not making the playoffs. So a title and still making the playoffs every year and even advancing a round - that’s not a bad deal.
The title, of course! THAT you remember for many years to come! But 6 ECF’s or no, you won’t want remember your 2nd round (or 3rd round) loss to someone else!
Umm god, we don’t tlk too often but arrange a title for us?
Oh and if it’s not too much trouble can paul pierce get hurt (i mean reallllly hurt) by running into maxi or something?
thanks
The title. 100% of the time.
The best comparison would be the 97-03 Florida Marlins and the 97-03 Atlanta Braves. Would you rather win two titles and be terrible in between or be consistently good, but not good enough to win it all in that span?
Win the title now.
I’ll put it this way. Do you want to be compared to the New York Knicks of the 1970s (2 titles), or to the Atlanta Braves of the 1990s (1 title, perpetual contention)?
Bookend titles put the Pistons beyond everyone in this era except the Spurs. With 2 titles, the consistency gains added luster. Without 2 titles, you can’t silence the one-and-done ring whores like Miami (or, heaven forbid, Boston).
Darn you Juskimo, you beat me to it. But well said.
I’d take the 6 ECF appearances. What hope do you have as a fan knowing that you’re not going to make it past round 2 for the next 6 years? Yeah we’re good enough to get there, but who cares if we absolutely know we’re going to lose. On the other hand, if Dumars is able to retool and keep us competetive enough when the current 5 are almost all in their late 30’s, that probably means we’re going to continue to be good after that, and probably win a title or two. I take the very good team and the chance to win several over a title and then perpetual mediocrity.
Tough call, don’t know if I can really choose between the two. I can tell you this, it’d be interesting to know we’d be in the ECF for the next six years. Consider that in that 6th year, Rasheed and Chauncey will have retired, Rip likely as well, Tayshaun will likely be coming off the bench if he’s still with Detroit then.
In 4 years, we could have a Stuckey that looks like Tony Parker / Dwyane Wade, an Amir that looks like Jermaine O’Neal before the injuries, and a cast of players we may not even know yet.
If anything is true about Detroit, we have built a legacy in six straight Eastern Conference Finals appearances. Six more would mean we’d continue that legacy with a new cast. Also, it would all but guarantee Joe Dumars a 2nd Hall of Fame induction, this time as an Executive.
All I have to say is look at the Heat! They mortgaged their future to win and two years later they were THE laughing stock of the NBA!
Remaining competitive is the key. Sometimes you good breaks and sometimes you get bad breaks. What if you gamble and go for the title, get burned and then you suck for the next six years? That is more painful as fan, to me at least. And pathetic at the same time when the fan base says, “What if?” What if that call went that way, what if the shot didn’t rim out, so on and so forth.
If we continue to remain competitive, our bench and young guys gain valuable playoff experience. We will be an attractive destination for free agents. If we continue to win, players will want to play here and not make trade demands like Gasol, AI, etc. Creating a positive and successful culture is hard to do while perserving that culture is much easier.
I’ll take 6 ECF finals, gladly!
If I was a Heat fan (thank goodness I’m not), I would be fine with suffering this season (and the next few, perhaps) for a championship trophy.
I’d take the ’ship.
By the way, I’m also a Minnesota Vikings fan, so I know a little about contending without ever winning a championship.
title, no question
Count: In Matt’s example, the Pistons still make the 2nd round of the playoffs for the next six years; they don’t become perennially lottery bound. The answer for me is title, title, title. If Boston doesn’t win it this year, they don’t win a title with the storyline “The Big 3 changed everything”, because even if they win a title with those 3 it won’t be before some big changes to their roster (coaching staff too?) that take some of the luster out of “The Big 3″ legend. I’ll happily live with mediocrity (not basketball oblivion) for the next six years in exchange for a title this year. I really think it’s a way harder question if it goes from “6 years of second round exits” to “6 years of lottery appearances”.
Title, no question. That’s why the loss in ‘05 was infinitely more painful than the ‘04 title was pleasurable. I knew then that their legacy was at stake. Multiple titles solidifies them. If the ’90’s Rockets hadn’t repeated, I don’t think anyone would even remember them outside of Houston. Now their seen as an incredibly resilient team with a lot of heart (even if it wasn’t against the Bulls). The Buffalo Bills had a tremendous accomplishment in going to the Super Bowl 4 straight years (and I hated them with a passion), but their not held in particularly high regard. By the end of their run I was actually hoping they’d actually win one, just so they’d get the respect for getting their so many times. The same with the Atlanta Braves, even with a World Series win. The ‘83 Sixers are probably an exception to the likes of the ‘06 Heat.
Excuse me, but can I have my cake and eat it too?
Mmmmm cake.
I’d rather have this than the T-Wolves. But this isn’t good enough.