Detroit Pistons. Sky Is The Limit.

SETTINGS:
Team: Detroit Pistons.
Game: NBA 2K9 (PC).
Season Lenght: 58 Games.
Quater Lenght: 9 minutes.
Sim-Quater Length: 10 minutes.
Playoffs: 3-3-3-5.
Sliders & rosters: My own. Rosters mainly up-to-date, with all major trades.










Detroit, July 26th.
It was late summer 2008 and Detroit Pistons morale was crushed. Team failed pre-season expectations and didn't managed to reach NBA Championship. Everybody in Mo-Town knew that new season had to bring some changes. It was a difficult time for Pistons owner, William Davidson, who had to decide what moves is he going to make...




Meanwhile, in Poland, young and talented polish coach, David Dulnik, was on holiday with his fiancee...
*phone ring*
- Uh, sorry baby, I've got to take it. It's my agent... Yeah, what's up?
- Hey man, I'll make it quick. You ready for a big challange?
- It depends, what do you mean?
- Well, you know I know some people from NBA, right?
- Uhm, yeah? And?
- You sittin'?
- Come on man, say it.
- Detroit Pistons owner want to see you.
- I'll rip you apart if you're lieing.
- I've already made a ticket reservation for a plane, it leaves tomorrow morning. We're going?
- Hell yeah we're going! Thanks man!
- You'll make it up to me. I wouldn't mind a bottle of good scotch, you know?



Next day, Detroit. Pistons owner office.
- Welcome mr. Dulnik. Please, have a seat.
- Thank you, mr. Davidson.
- Your agent is a close friend of mine, he told me that you're looking for a job and that your references are better than I could imagine. He's a man of his word, that's why I decided for this meeting. As you may know, we're in a tough situation right now, here in Detroit.
- I can see that, mr. Davidson. This team potential is way higher than it was shown last season. And not to mention this Franchise traditions.
- I like what you're saying, mr. Dulnik. There's just one thing missing. Championships. 2004 was a great year for us. I want this team to reach that goal once again. And that's why I'm speaking to you. I was told that you're very loyal and extremely talented GM. That's exaclly what this team needs. I can see a good manager when I see one.
- Thank you, mr. Davidson. I do my best.
- I know you do. What to you think about Joe [Dumars] as your assistant?
- It's fine by me, but will he agree for that kind of position?
- He already had. Now it's your time for a decision. You don't have to answer now, we can meet in few days and you'll give me your answer.
- It's not necessary, sir. I love challanges, I can't say no.
- That's great. You start next week.
- Would it be possible to start right now?
- Hah! Like I said... I can see a good manager when I see one.



Detroit, July 29th.
After long press conference Pistons owner, William Davidson, introduced new GM of his team - David Dulnik. It was a big sensation that such a responsible and honorable position was given to manager unknown in US.
"We need fresh blood in here. Someone with new ideas, new, fresh look at our team. David here is just the man for the job. We signed a two-year deal yesterday." Told Davidson in he's brief speach.
Dulnik was obviously excited about his new role. "I just can't put it in to words. If somebody would have told me few days ago that I will be in this position within a week I would call him crazy. And you know what? I would still do. This is crazy. I'm excited. I know I can put things into work, I'm confident that this team is capable of reaching really high goals. We spoke with mr. Davidson about our vision of this team and it's extactlly the same. We will make some changes and you might find them shocking but I can assure you... within two years I will bring here at least one Championship. You have my word on that."
New GM didn't want to tell anything more about he's plans as he answered with big smile : "If I would told you right now that would ruin the surprise, woulnd't it?"

Dulnik making moves. Old friends, new faces for Pistons.
Detroit was still dizzy after shocking news of Pistons signing unknown manager as new word spread through town. Eric Snow and Scott Pollard joined the team for veteran minimum!
In a brief message for papers Dulnik informed : "We're just getting it started. We had to get some solid role players. It's going to be a long and hard season, we have to got some players to rotate. Eric will give us solid point guard back-up and Scott will help us with rebounds. In my eyes they will help our team.





Next morning everybody was shocked with Detroit Pistons web page, which stated with big, black letters : Thank you Rip, you will be a Piston forever!.
Press conference begun in late morning hours.
As Davidson, coach Curry and GM Dulnik entered conference room everybody was already waiting... WHO DID THEY GET?
Davidson was sitting quietly with a little smile on his face while Dulnik announced : "Ladies and gentelman, please welcome new Pistons. Russell Westbrook and Desmond Mason!
People started to talking loudly with each other. 19 year old point guard and former star? For Rip?
That's when Davidson made his statement : First of all I want to thank Rip Hamilton for so many years in Piston uniform. We will always remember his wonderfull games and he will be always welcomed in our city. It's always hard to let go players of his talent and character but we have to think about future. That's why Russell is here with us today. He and Allen will be our starting guards. We belive in him, he shows a great potential. He's smart, he's athletic, he's a good defender. He's all we need. Rodney [Stuckey] will be moved to bench but he will still get plenty of time on court. Well... that's all I have to say, David will give you more details on that trade."
"We've sent Rip Hamilton, Amir Johnson, Walter Herrmann and this year 1st round pick to Oklahoma for Russell, Desmond and this year 1st round pick from Thunder." Dulnik said. "I find that trade good for both teams. We have to bring some fresh energy to our team and that's exactlly what Russell and Desmond bring us. I'm sure that they will show it to you in our first game this season with Houston. Michael?"
Coach Curry added shortly : "It's a new era in Detroit and I'm happy to be a head coach in this team."
Both Westbrook and Mason were extremelly happy with their team. "It's Pistons baby, what else do I have to say?" said Westbrook.
It seems that only person who was unhappy with that trade was Rip Hamilton. "It's hard leaving Mo-Town. I want to thank fans for their support and my teammates for all things that we went through together as Pistons. I can't wait to get back to Auburn Hills and hear those voices again. Oklahoma? We have some great talents here. Kevin, Shaun, Jeff, Thebo. We can really make this work."








As for now, team rotation looks like this :
PG - R. Westbrook / R. Stuckey / E. Snow
SG - A. Iverson / A. Afflalo / R. Stuckey
SF - T. Prince / D. Mason
PF - A. McDyess / J. Maxiell / K. Brown
C - R. Wallace / K. Brown / S. Pollard

IMO, i would have traded Iverson instead of Hamilton, but if you want cap space, Iverson is a lock