<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'></p> </p> The Pistons, like most NBA teams, inquired about Kobe Bryant's availability when he made it clear that he wanted out of Los Angeles. However Detroit's unwillingness to break up their core group, coupled with Bryant's desire to play somewhere other than Detroit, all but squashed any chances of a deal being worked out.</p> </p> "We would have to include two or three starters," Joe Dumars said. "I'm not ready to give up on my core guys."</p> </p> Dumars' blueprint for success has involved establishing a core group of players while developing a next wave of youthful talent that can contribute when given an opportunity. -- <font color="#000000">Booth Newspapers</font></p> </div></p>
