There’s no denying that new Detroit Pistons head coach Lawrence Frank has a tough road ahead of himself trying to resuscitate a once proud NBA franchise that has won 3 titles, including the legendary “Bad Boy” back-to-back champions from the late 80’s.
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been nearly 8 seasons since the Larry Brown coached squad last brought home a title to Motown, back in 2004. In fact, the Pistons haven’t had a winning record since the ’07-’08 campaign, under current Wizards head coach Flip Saunders.
Long gone are the constant distractions from a disgruntled Allen Iverson, a pouting Richard Hamilton, the media attention given to an over the hill Tracy McGrady, and an all out mutiny against former coach Jon Kuester.
It’s a new era in Detroit, led by new owner Tom Gores, a new head coach and staff, lower ticket prices, and a bevy of young talent like former University of Kentucky standout Brandon Knight, Georgetown big man Greg Monroe, international man of mystery Jonas Jerebko, and the ever improving match-up nightmare Austin Daye.
Although the new look Pistons have stumbled (1-3) out of the gate in this shortened season, they are definitely on the right track going forward. Even if the Pistons falter through yet another horrific season, they should get plenty of help on the way through a loaded 2012 NBA Draft pool.
Check out their awesome intro video shown on the Jumbo-tron at their home opener this past week. They feature some sweet montages of downtown Detroit, a choral ensemble singing to Eminem’s “Lose Yourself”, and the PA announcer introducing this year’s players in “And1Mixtape” style.
Some of my personal favorite nicknames from the PA announcer include Greg “The Moose” Monroe, Brandon “In the Piston Light” Knight, and Austin “All” Daye…
2011-2012 Detroit Pistons Player Introductions:
Allen Moll has been a lifelong NBA and NCAA College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously, and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen has also provided content to Bleacherreport.com, Upperdeckblog.com, Cleveland.com, CSN Philly.com, Buckets Magazine, in addition to being a tenured NBA and NCAA columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com.
