Need4Sheed Guest Writer:
Rashid S. Umar
As the 2009 playoffs get underway, it seems as if no one is giving the Pistons any chance of competing with the mighty (at least record wise) Cleveland Cavaliers. Whether the series plays out to be as predicted, or if the boys from the “D” pull off the monumental upset, we need to show passionate support.
The one thing that I’ve enjoyed as a sports fan is proudly proclaiming that I am Pistons Fan. No matter how great the team has performed or how terrible, being a Pistons fan has been a joy and privilege for the last 25 years and counting.
It’s more than just being a fan of the team, for me it’s being a fan of the HOME team. Growing up in the inner city of Detroit, a place that has never had a great reputation for as long as I was there, team championships helped put us on the map. When the Pistons made their first finals appearance in 1988, the city felt electric. I neglect to mention, that years earlier that the Tigers won the ’84 World Series, but this was different—at least for me. The summer of ’88 felt like uncharted waters, with a team that had never been to the mountaintop. Seeing CBS Sports trucks and nationwide coverage in our city was exciting. Winning the title in 1989 and again in 1990 made me feel proud to not just be a fan of the red, white, and blue; but also a proud Detroiter. I also learned that sports could unite a community a lot better than tragedy.
Even through the lean years, the erosion of the post- bad boy era, the dreaded Sean Elliot 62-loss season, and the mediocre “horse-head teal” days, I held my head up high despite what seemed like everyone else jumped ship to root for the Bulls (I’m still bitter about that) I was proud to have MY team.
My point is that although the team posted its worse season in eight years, I’m not jumping ship. Even if the series goes as predicted, I’ll still be here with my Pistons jersey rooting for the good guys. I’ll still be hardcore with mine because that’s what we do!
I’ve read message boards sites (and I hate reading message boards) of opposing fans that are extremely joyful about this Pistons season, even some of our so-called fans who’d rather complain than rally. I know it’s not what we’re used to but come on gang!
It’s the playoffs! Let’s get behind these guys for support! If not to beat Cleveland, than to celebrate eight straight playoff appearances or that they are one of only two teams in American professional sports to win at least one title in each of the last three decades — bet you didn’t realize that huh? Well that’s why I’m here.
Let’s go Pistons Nation! I implore you join me in showing the world we can be the best fans under any circumstance!
April 17, 2009 at 5:17 pm
and yes, even to DARKO!!!!
April 17, 2009 at 5:47 pm
People are crazy. How can anybody say that the Pistons will get swept? Yeah, we are the underdogs, but so where the Hawks last year and they took Boston to a game 7. They don’t think we can win one game at least? C’mon, you are better than this…
So we will shock the world if we win one game? Are they serious?
The playoffs are totally different than the regular season as we all know. If we had a great defensive strategist instead of Curry we would make the Cavaliers work hard for every point…yeah, they are a better team, but still not good enough to win without LeBron doing everything…
April 17, 2009 at 5:48 pm
pistons nation rise!
April 17, 2009 at 6:04 pm
to yellowjackets and prospectors! to spartans and wolverines! to red wings, tigers, and lions! pistons nation rise!
April 17, 2009 at 6:15 pm
to rodney pete to andre ware to erik kramer to joey harrington to matt stafford…pistons nation rise!
April 17, 2009 at 6:20 pm
tear down that wall! pistons nation rise!
April 17, 2009 at 6:27 pm
to mateen cleaves to rodney white to Andreas Gliniadakis to the Serbian Gangsta to delfino to ricky paulding to sammy meijia to deron washington and dj white…pistons nation rise!
April 17, 2009 at 6:31 pm
to the smelters…pistons nation rise!
April 17, 2009 at 7:22 pm
to generalmotorsfordchrysler…pistons nation rise!
April 17, 2009 at 7:25 pm
You’re dam right Rashid and I’m sick that people don’t believe me when I tell them that the Pistons might suprise a lot of people in these playoffs. So screw all the infidels , DEEEEEEEETROIIIT BASKETBALL!!!
April 17, 2009 at 7:59 pm
amen AMEN
April 17, 2009 at 9:00 pm
i’m just a single mom who loves my boys. pistons nation rise!
April 17, 2009 at 9:36 pm
THANK GOD!FINALLY a sensible article…..WE BELIEVE…..GOOOOOO PISTONS!!!!
April 17, 2009 at 10:09 pm
I love my pistons and I have faith that they will play hard and give the cavaliers a series. whoever said the pistons will get blown out by 20 points or more is crazy, the pistins will not go out as any scared punks.
April 17, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Nobody thought we could do it in 04 either. it’s on again. Deeeeeeetroit Baaaaasketball!!
April 18, 2009 at 1:55 am
As a Cavs fan, I just want to say….enjoy the a$$ beating.
April 18, 2009 at 1:57 am
no way for piston to win,,MC still there… sorry.
April 18, 2009 at 11:44 am
Behold! The great Willamino! Let me look into my crystal balls…
ah, yes! Pistons/Cavs… A monumental clash of titans!
great crystal balls, how will this series unfold in favor of the Pistons?
(my crystal balls rumble and shake, and a series of images appear. Stuckey to the hoop. Rip is on fire. Sheed is dancing. Tay is soaring. Dyess rises!)
Then game by game, my crystal balls reveal the truth:
game #:
1) Detroit punches Cleveland in the mouth for a victory and shocks the conventional world.
2) Pistons/Cavs scrap and claw to a close finish.
3) Inspired by loud love from fans the Pistons rise to challenge.
4) Cleveland feels a seed of doubt, but Detroit shelves the fear.
5) Detroit seizes the opportunity.
6) The Pistons believe.
7) Which way does the basketball bounce?
today, we shall see if my crystal balls are true…
April 19, 2009 at 12:46 pm
I live in Germany (lived in Detroit) and I always try to defend My Pistons. I hold my head high whenever others think the Pistons are one of the worst teams. I even get mad, and want to punch them in the face (I normaly never feel that way).
Even if the Pistons would be at 1-81 and make the playoffs, I would still be rooting for them, thinking they can go all the way.
My point is, wheter or not they’re playing well or bad, I’ll always be proud, to say that I’m a fan of this team.
We all know how good this team can be, let’s just hope they do, too.