While they are on the verge of the worst season in their history, the Pistons paid tribute to their last crowned team. It was in 2004, against the Lakers. So, at halftime of the game against Miami, the veterans were on the floor.
We saw Chauncey Billups (2004 Finals MVP), Ben Wallace, Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Darvin Ham, Mehmet Okur, Elden Campbell, Mike James, Lindsey Hunter and Tremaine Fowlkes. Among those who played in the playoffs, they were missing Rasheed Wallace, Darko Milicic, Corliss Williamson and Elden Campbell.
The coach, Larry Brown (83 years old), and the president at the time, Joe Dumars, were also absent from this small ceremony. But the atmosphere was obviously as good as in 2003/04.
“When we're together and we hear Lindsey Hunter talking and joking, and saying the same jokes that we did twenty years ago, it takes us back to the locker room like back then.”, highlighted Rip Hamilton. “If we talk about the players, especially the retired ones who now have their own lives, they always say that what is missing is the locker room. Having a laugh with these guys again is incredible. »
A unique title and group
What binds these players is therefore this title won in 2004, as well as the context. The Pistons were not favorites against the Lakers of Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone and Gary Payton, with the only All-Star in the group Ben Wallace (Rasheed had not been among the stars since 2001, Billups and Hamilton will be in 2006).
“We didn’t have any superstars and we were proud of that,” recalls the MVP of the 2004 Finals, current coach of the Blazers. “We had All-Stars, but superstars are not the same and most teams that win the title have one or two. We did it without it. We had players who could dominate night after night, but who were not considered that way. It didn't bother us. I wasn't offended by that. We didn't have superstars, but All-Stars and a great team. »
This coronation of “blue-collar workers”, facing the rhinestones and glitter of a Los Angeles team at the end of the cycle, therefore left its mark. The Pistons then missed the double, in 2005, against the Spurs of Tim Duncan and Tony Parker.
“He will never die. What we did will never be forgotten.” announces Chauncey Billups. “We had success. We only won one title and we have the feeling that we could have won more, but we won this one. I always say that with this way – the players, the talent, the salary cap and everything else – it will not be done again one day. And we love it. We talk about it all the time and we're proud of it. »
