Re: Interview with Pistons' Owner, Bill Davidson <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Davidson WDFN notes: Pistons had peaked with BenPistons owner Bill Davidson tells WDFN (click to listen) says the Pistons starters had become bored playing with each other because they had peaked as a unit. With new players they can reenergize, and Ben Wallace moving to Chicago was a win-win situation.All notes are paraphrased.Q: Can you talk about the way the whole Ben Wallace thing ended for you? Was it disappointing?A: No, it wasn't disappointing. What you saw with Ben was like the bell curve. Ben had a peak and these five players played together longer than any five players ever had, but there are pluses and minuses to that. I think they all got a little bit bored with each other. So we were kind of on the downside of that curve with Ben and we needed to shake things up. I think we're going to see a new spirit with the other four guys. It's not that there was anything wrong with Ben, it's just that the team got too used to each other.Q: Do you think something internally snapped, maybe after the Cleveland series?A: I think the team just started to wear on each other. Familiarity with each other and with the same plays left them without a challenge like there had been in years past.Q: When you put so much into a guy over the years and he comes to represent the team, is there any sense of disloyalty with him leaving the team?A: No absolutely not. We're really pleased that Ben got the kind of contract that he did. He's happy, his wife is happy and we're happy. The situation really was win-win even though it may not appear that way.Q: Do you think it was really just about the money?A: No, I don't think it was just about the money, but I think it was the major factor. Q: Joe says expectations in this organization do not change; you still intend on competing for the championship. I imagine that starts form you on down?A: Absolutely. Joe is able to put together the right people at hopefully the right time. What you saw in the press conference today was pretty honest. These are players that fit our four All-Stars and will make a difference. They're also the type of players that will begin to allow Flip Saunders to put his imprint on the team. Q: For the last three years this team has expected to compete for the championship. Would you say the same thing about your team this year?A: Absolutely. I think we are in better position, than we were last year.Q: Why do you say that?A: The bell curve with Ben and the overall boredom. It was subtle, but it was there. Q: Does that surprise you when you say boredom? This team had a chance to win a championship, certainly there's nothing boring about winning championships right?A: Absolutely not, but sometimes the situation just splits at the wrong time and that's what happened. We got off to a fantastic start and it just happened to hit at the wrong time during the playoffs.Q: There is a perception that no Piston player will ever be offered a max contract. Is that just a false perception?A: That is absolutely a false perception. If we are getting value, we are more than happy to pay a player. But how many players do we think qualify for that in the league? Not many.Q: On you current roster how many might qualify?A: I wouldn't like to answer that.Q: Does what happened in New York between Larry and Isiah surprise you at all?A: Absolutely not. I haven't talked to Larry yet, but I've talked to Isiah relatively consistently, about once or twice a month, and it was pretty clear what was going to happen. Q: Did Isiah express his frustration about what was going on there?A: He was happy to have Larry in front of him, but now he has to be the number one guy taking the flack.</div> Pretty interesting read. I guess he thinks that it was time for their team to shake things up a bit. I agree, but I dont think they will be better then they were last season.
Re: Interview with Pistons' Owner, Bill Davidson I like Bill Davidson. He has a strong head on his shoulders. He knows exactly what he wants for his team, and that is something that a fan of the franchise should like.
Re: Interview with Pistons' Owner, Bill Davidson I agree that the team may have been too comfortable with their roles, and it gave too much power to the players over their coach. Their five-headed superstar seemed to clash with the new coach. The only upside to the Pistons losing Wallace is this: it's a stark example that anyone can go at any time, and if the Pistons keep contending, then it's all good. We'll move on. But I still doubt, and will until I see them play together this season, if the Pistons are still contenders for a World Championship.
Re: Interview with Pistons' Owner, Bill Davidson I like Bill Davidson as well. He always seems to say the right things to make you believe in his team or his decisions, you know?
Re: Interview with Pistons' Owner, Bill Davidson Bill Davidson is hilarious. I love that guy. He has so much ca$h that he says what ever he wants and doesn't have to worry about kissing nobodies a$$.
