Comments on: By the way, the Pistons possibly did something no NBA team ever has last night

By: tarsier

tarsier — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 02:06:17 +0000

The problem is it is hard to imagine the Pistons drafting many more players of the same talent level as Monroe if they keep drafting at a similar position.

By: tarsier

tarsier — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:14:06 +0000

*a given

By: tarsier

tarsier — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:07:17 +0000

There always will be examples both ways. That’s a give and proves nothing. Although, quite frankly, I’m not expecting proof, or even very strong evidence, I just want to know what the basis for that line of reasoning is.

By: MNM

MNM — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 22:03:03 +0000

They have no examples…OKC is REALLY suffering arn’t they?!

By: tarsier

tarsier — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:27:01 +0000

“It breeds an incredibly negative culture”

This is perhaps the most common claim with regard to tanking. But nobody ever, ever backs it up. Yes, the year after most tanks, teams perform poorly. Because they usually don’t yet have that much talent. But once they have a good bit of talent, somehow this “losing culture” always evaporates. Yes, sometimes a 9th man sort of veteran from a contender is brought in and is credited with removing the losing culture. But even if that is accurate, if removing a losing culture is that easy, why is anyone worried about it?

I challenge people every time a “losing culture” is mentioned, but nobody ever responds. Could somebody please tell me why they believe in this? Is it a gut feeling? Is it based on a few cases of anecdotal evidence? Is ti because karma makes for a good narrative? Is it based on a real study with factual findings that I just haven’t seen?

By: Padden

Padden — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:14:21 +0000

I agree with Vic and would add that a lot of the “change” this year has been in the coaching. Frank seems more able to motivate this team. If we get more (substantial) pieces in the off season over the next couple of years it’s not that hard to imagine the Pistons being contenders.

By: DoctorDaveT

DoctorDaveT — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:36:48 +0000

Tanking is never good. It breeds an incredibly negative culture, starting with the Owner/GM/Coach that is giving the tacit impression that cheating is acceptable.
It’s great to see these guys play like this. Sure, I’d like to see a better draft position – but it’s way more important to build the right culture than it is draft 8 vs. 7. Or 6. Or the chance to draft higher.
Monroe/Knight have a real opportunity to be the building blocks of something special. Make them hungry to win – not teach them that losing is culturally OK.

By: vic

vic — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:59:24 +0000

an honest look at this team says that its just flat out getting better.

We barely lost to a championship contender, we smashed a tanking team with off the charts shooting percentages. We’ve got a coach that tightens lineups when needed. I’m glad the culture is changing.