Bad news Pistons fans:

“The Pistons say forward Tayshaun Prince will be out of the lineup indefinitely due to a small rupture of a disc in his lower back.

The team said Saturday that the injury was confirmed following an MRI exam and evaluation by team doctors this week. The Pistons say Prince will continue to receive treatment for the injury.” Via ESPN

I’m not going to try to put a bigger cloud on this than there already is, but I know from first hand experience that ruptured discs are nothing to sneeze at (literally a sneeze can take you down).  Now it all depends on how serious it is, and if there are nerves involved, but trust me when I say Tayshaun isn’t gong to be on the court for some time.

Best case scenario is rest and some Arnie physical therapy, and worst case is surgery. Only time and more evaluations will tell, but it looks like Jonas Jerebko and Austin Day will probably be more important draft picks than we could have ever imagined.

This is so NOT Tayriffic.

Get well soon Tayshaun.

As you know I pass my offseason days by watching old Pistons videos whether they be epic playoff battles, championship glory or simple videos.  Today I was reminded of painful memories as a Pistons fan, something I care not get into on this beautiful day in Michigan.  Then I came across this video in my vault and if brought out joy and pain.

Despite the fact that this video was put together pretty recently, it seems like lifetime ago.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Video courtesy of The Detroit Pistons and myTV20 Detroit

I would like to get your take on the matter…does it put a smile on your face or cause you pain over what was, and maybe what could have been if things didn’t go the way they did last season?

It’s not uncommon for children to follow in their parents footsteps career wise.  Seriously how many NBA, NFL and MLB sons are in the league right now?

It’s also not uncommon for parents to want their kids to be something they never were and maybe push them that way.

What am I getting at?  Well I just noticed something the other day…I think Jason Maxiell’s parents were hoping he would be a male model because I had no idea that Jason’s middle name was not “baby eater” but it DIOR.

Yes Dior, Jason Dior Maxiell….  If Jason went that rout he would look a little something like this.

Click on Image to Enlarge

Not bad huh?

Then I really thought about it, the Pistons would make great models.   Austin Day and Tayshaun Prince have that this wiry frame that fashion designers like Prada love and Charlie Villanueva just has that “look.”

And Rip…well he likes to be up on his game and considers himself a fash0nista …especially with the furs.

Will Tayshaun Prince play in Game Three tonight?

“I will give whatever I can give,” he said. “It felt better today (Thursday), but at the same time, I didn’t go at game speed. I am not the type of person to give excuses about injuries because I know both Rasheed and Rip (Hamilton) played hurt for us this season.

“But this is the pivotal game, so if I am not getting anything going early, I will let Arron (Afflalo) and those guys take the load.” Via The Detroit News

Read into this if you will, especially considering all that’s been going around regarding Prince’s playoff non production.

He’s not injured enough to not start (remember the streak), but if he’s not productive he will let Afflalo play (injury or not). Sounds a bit like an excuse is already in play for Prince.

I don’t know about you, but I would love for Tayshaun to have  huge game, we need him to, but with the injury and how he’s been playing lately I wouldn’t mind Afflalo and Herrmann for that matter to try to see what they can do.

Could Tayshaun be worried about being moved in the offseason? He may not be untouchable anymore.

Before the Playoffs began Tayshaun Prince was confident that Detroit’s experience would help them in the Cavs series. I wonder how he feels after game one?

Curry on Stopping LeBron:

“Our initial pressure on the ball wasn’t good enough, so we got to do a better job of that,” Curry said. “Who’s ever on Delonte or LeBron, they got to get up the court so we don’t allow them to flow easy into their offense. Whatever we are trying to take away, we have to be more aggressive taking it away,” Curry said of James. “When we trap him, we got to aggressively trap him. When we contain him and try to make him shoot contested jumpers, we got to do that.” Via The Detroit Free Press

Sounds simple right, tell that to the guys trying to guard LeBron.

“Knuckling up,” the Piston center said. “Bottom line. There are no tricks we’re going to add. Just straighten on up.” Via The Detroit Free Press

The good that came out of the bad Sunday afternoon.

• Arron Afflalo putting up 16 points on 7-for-10 shooting in 25 minutes and doing a hell of a job on the defensive end helping Detroit claw back (unsuccessfully) after being down by 29 in New York.
• This Tayshaun Prince drive and dunk that had George and Greg roaring. Prince led the Pistons with 23 points and a nice Highlight Reel. Make sure you take notice of the stuff on Thomas.

Video Courtesy of The NBA, The Detroit Pistons and FSN

• If you want a quick recap of the game, FSN did a nice recap by quarter for your enjoyment to rub salt in your wounds.
• And don’t forget Mr. Curry’s post game comments.
• Tomorrow….We roll with DYESS.

Though we didn’t get to see much of Tayshaun Prince as our favorite NBA players represented the USA in the Olympic Opening Ceremonies, it was nice to see how excited they looked to be there.

Just one question: Are Carlos Boozer and Dwight Howard too cool to wear the official USA sanctioned Ralph Lauren head wear during their ceremonial walk? Everyone else seemed to be just fine with it. What’s the deal?

USA’S first game is against China Sunday August 10th at 10:15 a.m. ET.

For more info check out Team USA’S Home Page.

No changes need to be made.

“I know he’s looking at several opportunities to see what’s out there. But … this is a team where I’ve been there six years and I’ve been to the Eastern Conference finals or better every year of my career. A lot of people don’t get the opportunity to say that. A lot of people don’t get the opportunity to experience winning an NBA championship, getting to the finals. Those type of things don’t come without hard work. I thought my whole team did a good job of that throughout my career there. Like I said, I think we should stand pat because the coach that we have (Michael Curry), he’s a very experienced guy even though this is his first year of coaching. He’s a very experienced guy. He’s been with us. He’s played with us – our core group of guys – and I think it would help out tremendously by having him as our coach, knowing what to expect from him. He knows what to expect from us.” Via Kentucky.com

I think Pistons faithful would have to disagree Mr. Prince. I’ll give you a vote that I predict will be quite lopsided.

Tayshaun will be going for gold this Summer, but did you know that Mr. Prince has NEVER had a losing season in his basketball career? Here is a great video highlighting his winning ways.

I don’t know if Stuart Scott should be talking about looks, I’m pretty sure he’s not even allowed to buy GQ. Isn’t that the whole pot-kettle thing?

Wondering how Tayshaun’s recent playoff domination stacks up against the Pistons all time Playoff performances? Well wait no longer, the Pistons put together a Top 10 List.

I have a soft spot for #6 myself.

Now that the Pistons are on their way to the Eastern Conference Finals Bennie and Jeff talk about Tayshaun Prince’s performance in the playoffs as well as posing the question “Boston or Cleveland?”

Don’t forget you can e-mail Bennie and Jeff at gameday@woodradio.com or as always you can leave them your thoughts in the comments.
Team Need4Sheed Podcast #17

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