I have a HUGE problem with the Detroit Pistons players having to protest their coach by not showing up at a shoot around in Philadelphia this morning. I have a problem with everything that caused it. I have no clue what it is exactly. It could be that the coach is a terrible motivator. It could be that management did absolutely nothing before the trade deadline to change the lineup. It could be that the players have a problem with ownership. In any case, as a fan, it’s very embarrassing!
It was reported by many media sources that, on Friday morning, five Detroit Pistons players skipped practice in what a source close to the team called a "player protest" of Coach John Kuester.
Reportedly, Tracy McGrady, Tayshaun Prince, Richard Hamilton and Chris Wilcox did not show up for the shoot around. Center, Ben Wallace also did not attend, but has reportedly been dealing with a personal issue for several weeks.
Two other players, Austin Daye and Rodney Stuckey, showed up after the media was let in when the practice was ending.
First, I have a problem with any player who doesn’t show up for a practice. I am all about the team. If you are a player on a team, you show up for practice. You watch film, you show up for meetings, you do WHATEVER it is that you are required to do. You don’t have a tummy-ache, sleep in, or a headache and not show up. I don’t care if you can’t stand the coach, I don’t care if you can’t stand management or the owner. I don’t care if you don’t like the color of the jerseys! YOU SHOW UP! You are paid, under contract to practice, play to the best of you ability. That’s what you do!
The coach has to hold some accountability in all of this. The coach has to maintain control. The coach has to lead the team through good and bad. Players should be able to voice their opinions without skipping a shoot around though. You have to be able to communicate with your players. Communication CANNOT breakdown so much that the players feel that their only option is to stage some drama like skipping out on a practice.
Coach Kuester stated before the game started tonight that there were players who missed the practice and they were going with those who practiced. Apparently they are handling it within the organization.
Joe Dumars, Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations needs to have an Organization Meeting with everyone. Get everybody in a room and set the level of expectation. This cannot happen! It’s really ridiculous!
As of about 2 hours before this posting, according to rotoworld.com "ESPN's Marc Stein expects the Pistons to fire coach John Kuester within the next week."
I guess we'll see. Regardless of the outcome, this "player protest" was not the way to handle this.
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