The Pistons have fired coach Flip Saunders, despite three trips to the Eastern Conference finals in his three seasons.
In a statement released this morning, president of basketball operations Joe Dumars said: “Decisions like this are difficult to make, especially with the success we have had throughout the last three regular-seasons. However, at this time, I feel it is necessary to make a change. I thank Flip for his hard work and dedication, but it is time for a new voice to lead our team.”
Saunders had one year left on his contract. [Read]
June 3rd, 2008 at 10:42 am
Are you not cross posting these blogs in the forums anymore?
I don’t know what to make of this.
First, this year, there is a sense that this wasn’t Flip’s fault. Chauncey was very injured at a key time, and Rasheed Wallace is pretty much uncoachable. Plus, did Dumars REALLY think the Pistons would get past the Celtics?
Second, who out there is better than Flip?
Flip just had one year left on his contract. I feel like Joe could have looked to hire someone like Jeff Van Gundy or Avery Johnson as an assitant, and if Dumars is still discontent with Saunders, THEN he can replace him with someone Dumars auditioned and groomed.
I might have supported replacing Saunders 2 years ago, but this year it smacks of scape-goating, and I’ve lost respect for Dumars.
June 3rd, 2008 at 10:48 am
Tom,
I stopped cross posting them because I think it was, like you said, confusing.
As for Flip getting the boot, it was inevitable.
It was either him or Rasheed.
And although Rasheed is a lunatic, it’s tough to replace someone as talented as he is.
Who do you think is most qualified as Flip’s replacement?
June 3rd, 2008 at 12:05 pm
The problem is, I’m not convinced anyone out there is more qualified than Flip. I don’t think Flips is the best coach possible, I just wonder if it is the best coach available.
Jeff Van Gundy or Avery Johnson are probably the best options for that team, because they are the only coaching candidates that have reached the NBA Finals. I think that experience means more to a veteran that’s been to the Finals.
I think Flip Saunders improved the Pistons by giving them more offense and taking Tashan Prince out of the dungeon, but Flip never seemed to be a great playoff coach. He’s grown in that area though, and I don’t think (for example) Doc Rivers could have got the Pistons past the Celtics this year if Rivers were the Pistons coach.
Of Avery and and Jeff, I’d go with Jeff. I think sitting out a season or two on the sidelines helps a coach.
There is an interesting ESPN poll you guys should participate in.
http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/polling?event_id=3509
June 3rd, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Tom,
Although I’ve criticized Avery plenty over the past two seasons, I actually think he’s the best candidate for Detroit.
He’s not a strategist but he’s a motivator and I think that’s exactly what they need.