The “Going to Work” Pistons have hung up their hard hats. The Pistons seemed to do everything they could to stay out of the Playoffs and just go quietly into the sunset. This first round series felt more like a mercy killing than series. Actually, I take that back, King James and the Cavs showed very little mercy on the team that ruled over the East for the better part of a decade.
It’s a shame that the team got a twilight zone type send off where they were in their own Palace but surrounded by enemy troops who made the trek to see their team’s legacy being born while ours died right there on the same hardwood that seen so many triumphant fireworks and confetti showers.
“It was embarrassing, just to hear the fans and all the people against us in our own arena,” -Dyess (mlive)
They didn’t deserve that, McDyess least of all. In some respect you can understand some fans not wanting to see what may have seemed like a public execution.
In all honesty though the real end to this era was marked by the trade on November 3rd. Even though it wasn’t presented as such that was Joe throwing in the towel on the current core. He traded away the patriarch of the family for a guy who had about as much red, white, and Pistons’ blue in his DNA as the fans chanting M-V-P yesterday. Without the trade the death probably would have been a little longer and more drawn out. This way there’s a better chance to keep our team from doormat status for years on end while we go through a complete engine rebuild.
It would have been nice if Tayshaun, Rip, and Rasheed would have had great games and could of been sent off like the hoop heroes they’ve been to this city but the fairy tale didn’t end that way.
Regardless of what jersey these guys pull over heads next season they’ll always be Pistons. You can’t accomplish what they accomplished together and not be endeared. Same goes for Chauncey. Just like for Isiah, Joe and co. the banners will still count.
Before we look ahead to the most consequential offseason since this thing began there’ll be enough time to reflect on some pretty good times that featured a 2004 championship at the heart of it all.
We were spoiled guys. Teams don’t stay together these days like our Pistons did. They don’t win like our Pistons did. They defied the odds from the jump. Sure, were set backs but they were far out numbered with achievements.
For that we owe these Pistons a great big thank you for the memories, winning, and proud representation of us as a fan base.
It’ll be a numbing feeling for awhile. We’ve had our collective chests pushed out for long enough to where there’s not much need to hang our heads. I’d like to think we’re a resilient fan nation. We’ll be back. Stay tuned.
GO PISTONS!
