By George Eichorn
It is turn back the clock time at Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit. The Pistons are ready to honor their 2004 NBA World Championship team on the 20th anniversary.
St. Patrick’s Day will feature more than parades and Irish celebrations downtown. The Pistons battle the Miami Heat at 3 p.m. before an expected sell-out crowd. Pre-game, halftime and post-game events will salute Coach Larry Brown and his popular 2004 Pistons that won 54 games and defeated Milwaukee, Indiana, New Jersey and the Los Angeles Lakers en route to the team’s third NBA Championship.
General Manager Joe Dumars – himself a two-time NBA champ with the Pistons in 1989 and 1990 – was the architect of team owner Bill Davidson’s squad that went 20-6 in the team’s final 26 regular-season games.
The roster included Chauncey Billups, a finalist for this year’s Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class; Richard “Rip” Hamilton, Ben Wallace, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace, Corliss Williamson, Lindsey Hunter, Mehmet Okur, Mike James, Elden Campbell, Darvin Ham, Darko Milicic and Tremaine Fowlkes. The assistant coaches included Herb Brown, Larry’s brother, who also coached the Pistons at the former Cobo Arena, 1975-78.
Colleague Scott Morganroth of the South Florida Tribune and this writer were fortunate to cover the Pistons championship run 20 years ago. The Palace of Auburn Hills was sold out game after game during that title season.
Highlights on March 17 include a special pregame “Walk of Champions” on the LCA’s concourse, a halftime center court ceremony with video tributes, in-game player interviews and other highlights of that magical season are planned.
The Pistons will sell a special edition red satin Starter Jacket designed by Ty Mopkins to commemorate the 20th anniversary. These will be sold at team stores at LCA and the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center in the New Center District. Or visit Pistons313Shop.com.
The Detroit Historical Museum is showcasing all things Pistons. An exhibit celebrates and recognizes both the 2004 NBA Champions and the 35th anniversary of the back-to-back 1989-1990 champions. Titled Thirty Five / 20, the exhibition runs through June 23, and is on the second floor of the museum, 5401 Woodward Avenue at Kirby Street.
Oddly enough the Pistons finished 7 games behind Central Division champion Indiana yet Detroit peaked at the right time and this “Going to Work” crew was determined to win another Lawrence O’Brien trophy for all the sports world to see. Let the fun begin anew!
Reach George Eichorn at geichorn@yahoo.com or @Sandgsports99 on X (formerly Twitter).
Detroit’s Sports Broadcasters: On the Air: Eichorn, George B, Introduction Harwell, Ernie.
