…I’m not even mad

How could I be?

LeBron put on one of the best performances I’ve ever seen in Game 5. Daniel Gibson was a freakin’ stud in Game 6. These are the kind of underdog stories I absolutely love. The Pistons played too cocky, the team that was once so hungry, the team that once had such a chip on their shoulder, now plays like they deserve to win.

Honest to goodness, I think some wholesale changes need to be made for next year. The only players I’d keep is Rip, Tayshaun, Jason Maxiell, Amir Johnson, Alex Acker, and Carlos Delfino. That clears out three current starters. Who knows, maybe we actually could make a deal for Kobe. Although I still say that Joe Dumars has never done anything to make me believe he’d go out for a superstar player like Kobe.

And don’t even get me started on Flip Saunders. He is CLEARLY not the guy. Admittedly, the so-called “team,” didn’t really play like they were listening to any coach. I still put the blame on the coach though for losing the team. You think Larry Brown could ever possibly lose a team? I seriously doubt it. I can’t tell you how much I’d love to see the return of Larry Brown, even though he had his baggage of his own (failure to develop a bench). I just don’t think Flip is the guy.

Realistically, I haven’t the foggiest idea what’s going to happen in the off-season. I think it’s pretty clear we’re entering into a phase of the NBA Eastern Conference where Cleveland will rule, and their main competition should come from Chicago. I think that Joe Dumars recognizes this, and just may plan accordingly… perhaps blowing up the team now. But who knows, it’s not like Detroit is an awful team; they’ve just lost their way. Perhaps with some small changes they can remain competitive, and perhaps take the conference again next year — but I doubt it.

Nevertheless, at the very least I don’t think Chauncey, Chris Webber, and possibly even Rasheed will be back. Although with his performance in the Conference Finals, Chauncey has really hurt his chances on getting a max contract… so still, who knows what’s going to happen.