The Detroit Pistons are on a 20-game losing streak. Their last win was against the Chicago Bulls 118-102 on October 28th. Remember when basketball analysts were talking optimistically about the Pistons’ season? Those days have passed, and they aren’t returning this season. Somebody had to be honest with this team, So let me do it. Nothing they’ve done has given me the slightest optimism about writing. In the interest of fairness (shoutout to Vince McMahon,) I’ll try to assemble something.
Detroit Pistons: It was cool to watch Pistons Basketball
I don’t remember the Pistons being this bad in my 20+ years watching basketball and my 6+ years covering basketball. They would lose games, but I have never seen them go on a double-digit streak of losses. It was a time back in the mid-2000s to be a Pistons fan. The Pistons used to sell out every home game, and their presence on national television was felt every season. It was a nationally televised game where Ben Wallace became one of the most popular players. March 24, 2002, Pistons vs. Celtics, Ben Wallace had 13 points, 28 rebounds and six blocks. Seeing my all-time favorite basketball player get his recognition on a national stage was incredible. So imagine seven months later playing on the same court my favorite player played on.
Detroit Pistons: Overcoming your limitations
The Pistons are one of the youngest teams in the NBA, with a new coaching staff. For some, a recent change of scenery is needed to be successful; for others, it takes a while to get used to. The Pistons have dealt with a bunch of injuries to key guys. They would be much better if Jaden Ivey started over Killian Hayes. The Pistons should’ve drafted Donovan Mitchell and Tyrese Haliburton and kept Khris Middleton and Spencer Dinwiddie.
You can make a million excuses for why the Pistons are bad, but only the players can change the conversation. So many times this season, I’ve seen this team fold and give up! So what if your opponent is better? Go out there and fight for 48 minutes. If you don’t like that you’re not starting, go out there and take a spot. If you were the player they selected or decided to keep over somebody killing it, make people eat their words. Stop making bone-headed plays if you don’t want to get booed off the court.
Success is what you make it. If you don’t do the work, you won’t be successful. If you let the negative comments and jokes get to you, you won’t be successful. Stop making excuses as to why, and do it!
Detroit Pistons: In Conclusion
I don’t know what more to say. This 23-24 team lacks the desire to be successful. For weeks, I’ve tried to spin the narrative for the Pistons. Maybe I’m a part of the problem. There’s too much enabling from ownership down to the players. Who will lead and light a fire under this squad to stop this embarrassing basketball streak?
It’s time to show some pride. Draw strength within the city you play for. In 2013, Detroit was the largest city in history to file for bankruptcy. Ten years later, Detroit is one of the cities recommended to visit. Take inspiration from the man writing this piece. 2017, I stepped out on faith and started my own media journey. I could’ve stopped when I only got 10-15 downloads on episodes, but I didn’t. Today, I have an award nomination on my resume and work with multiple brands, lending my expertise to basketball and creating.
If you’re reading this and are a Pistons fan, take motivation from this article. Stop using excuses as to why you don’t do things and go after it. Stop taking advantage of your limitations and overcome them. You only go as far as you’re willing to do the work.
Check out my weekly NBA show, “10 On The Clock,” every Monday on your favorite podcasting app.
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