THE BAD BOYS

ESPN did a great job with its latest 30 for 30 documentary on the Detroit Pistons "Bad Boys" era.  Over the years the Pistons accomplishments have not been recognized in the same manner as the Chicago Bulls, the Los Angeles Lakers or the Boston Celtics.  Detroit played a nasty brand of basketball at a time when the NBA didn't even have flagrant foul rules.  In those days you got fined for fighting and that was pretty much it.

What made the Pistons back to back championship teams so special was their sacrifice.  When the "Bad Boys" are mentioned their reputation as dirty bullies often supersedes what made them true champions.  Vinnie Johnson could have been a perennial all-star on another team.  His performance during game 5 of the 1990 NBA Finals is indicative of his entire career.  Known as "The Microwave", Johnson would go on memorable scoring binges when the Pistons needed a spark off the bench.  Johnson along with Isaiah Thomas and Joe Dumars hounded opposing teams.  The trio is arguably the greatest three guard rotation in league history.  John Sally and James Edwards could of demanded starters minutes and shot attempts on another team.

Isaiah was the team leader on the court as well as behind closed doors.  The reason why "The Bad Boys" don't get the credit they deserve can be attributed to Isaiah's antics during his career.  Isaiah led and the troops followed.  He was the ring leader of the Michael Jordan all -star freeze out conspiracy, an accusation Isaiah Vehemently denies.  The entire Larry Bird just being another guy if he was black fiasco hurt Isaiah's shot at being named to the Dream Team.  The stigma of that statement follows Isaiah to this day.  Isaiah to this day still has not taken full responsibility for his words.  He instead attempts to divert the attention to Dennis Rodman.  Isaiah at times comes off as being someone who high tails it when the going gets tough off the court.

Isaiah Thomas is the greatest small guard to step foot on the NBA's hardwood.  Its a shame so much of his accomplishments are skewed due to a myriad of issues.  Don't waste your time trying to argue that statement.  Isaiah led his team to back to back titles in a big mans league, during the golden era of the NBA.

Joe Dumars is the only member of "The Bad Boys" that Michael Jordan respected during the teams heated rivalry during the late 80's and early 90's.  Dumars was different from his teammates.  He was a quiet, reserved individual.  He didn't get into the verbal disputes that signified his team.  However, Dumars was a pit bull of a defender.  He fit in perfectly with Chuck Daly's defensive system after being drafted out of McNeese State University in 1985.  Dumars is probably the most important player on this team outside of Isaiah.  Rodman was their most talented defender, but lacked the intuition to become a true leader.

The construction of "The Bad Boys" began in 1981 with Isaiah being taken with the second overall pick.  Over the next seven years Detroit constructed one of the best teams in league history by drafting and developing players.  The team became complete when the front office pulled off a block buster deal to bring in Mark Aguirre during the 1989 season.  Aguirre was the first pick in the 1981 NBA Draft.  In today's NBA championship teams aren't molded to perfection anymore.  The latest Boston Celtics championship and the Miami Heat's recent run have changed the way General Managers think.  Get me three core guys and they'll find a way to get it done is the route teams are taking more often than not.  How can your argue with this method when it actually works.

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