Pistons moving on after trading Prince
by Drew Sharp, USA TODAY Sports
There’s a graphic montage of the 2004 NBA champion Detroit Pistons in their practice facility, honoring all the contributions from that blue-collar, superstar-devoid anomaly. The image of Tayshaun Prince captures his lanky arm swooping up from behind an unsuspecting Reggie Miller, swiping away what should have been a game-clinching lay-up for Indiana in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals in Indianapolis.
“The Block” shifted momentum in the Pistons’ favor.
It was fitting that Prince’s long career as a Piston ended Wednesday at the site of his signature moment.
The Pistons parted with Prince and Austin Daye in deal with Memphis and Toronto that landed them point guard Jose Calderon — and more important, his expiring $10.5-million contract.
Prince represents the last link of the “Goin’ to Work” Pistons era highlighted by the 2004 championship as well as six consecutive trips to the conference finals. It’s always a difficult decision parting with someone so deeply intertwined with an identity that paid many dividends.
But it was a move that was long overdue.
The Pistons finally have closed the chapter on that period.
In the Pistons’ locker room following their loss to the Pacers, Prince expressed his surprise over the trade but acknowledged that he was ready to take “the next step” in his career.
The Pistons also are taking that necessary next step with this deal. Prince can contribute more to a veteran team that believes it’s capable of a long playoff run. The Pistons likely weren’t going to extend a qualifying offer to Daye, a first-round pick in 2009 who never developed the consistency required of a top-nine rotation player.
Calderon gives the Pistons a true point guard, taking some of the pressure off second-year man Brandon Knight, who at times looks more comfortable playing off the ball at the No. 2 spot. But Calderon’s true value is another expiring contract. The Pistons will have $35 million coming off the books this summer, giving them sufficient salary-cap space to pursue at least one top drawer unrestricted free agent — such as Dwight Howard, Chris Paul or Atlanta’s Josh Smith — or become a valuable trading accomplice for teams … [For more on Pistons moving on after trading Prince, click here.]
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