The 2003-2004 interval was a loopy time to be a Detroit Pistons fan, because the workforce handed up a number of future Corridor of Famers to pick out Darko Milicic with the second decide within the 2003 NBA draft, but in addition gained a championship the next season. Milicic is extensively regarded being one of many worst draft picks in NBA historical past, just like the Pistons selected to not choose Carmelo Anthonywho went on to change into one of many best goalscorers of all time.

But that 2003-04 Pistons workforce was one of the vital motivating tales to ever grace the NBA courtroom, and not too long ago a key member of that workforce, ahead Tayshaun Prince, revealed why he himself could have been a purpose why the workforce I selected to not characteristic Anthony, through The Knuckleheads Podcast.

“I feel administration checked out it like they discovered their future winger in me. They needed to take an opportunity on Darko, as a result of bear in mind (Mehmet) Okur, who was tremendous proficient, was going to lose him in free company, which occurred,” Prince mentioned. “After which clearly (Rasheed Wallace), so it was like in the event that they needed to name him that, we had been going to take an opportunity on Darko.”

A curler coaster season

Detroit Pistons forward (22) Tayshaun Prince against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center.
Photographs by Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn

With Milicic taking part in restricted as a backup whereas Anthony practically beat LeBron James for Rookie of the Yr honors in Denver, the Pistons had been capable of attain the NBA Finals after which pulled off one of many largest upsets in league historical past by beating the closely favored Los Angeles Lakers 4 video games to at least one.

Sadly, the franchise has been on a gradual downward trajectory over the subsequent 20 years, a trajectory which may have been at the least eased, if not reversed, had Anthony been round.

Nonetheless, the Prince doesn’t place the blame solely on Milicic.

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“We had been shocked, however I wish to say this about Darko. It’s important to bear in mind, I feel Darko was 17 once we drafted him, he simply turned 18 earlier than the season began, Larry Brown was his first coach, come on man,” Prince mentioned. “The No. 2 decide, it’s over, all people talks about it, no matter, however it wasn’t all about Darko.”

In fact, Carmelo Anthony would not precisely have a status as a full-fledged playoff participant, and it is price contemplating how his model of play could or could not have labored within the Pistons’ gritty system.

Regardless, Pistons followers will at all times bear in mind the 2004 championship, even when the group is at the moment not in its greatest form.

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