NBA

Midwest Kids

The former MVP Derrick Rose is in a perfect situation, and the Motor city is ready to embrace another Midwest kid, just like they did Isiah Thomas in 1982.

By Justin Nixon

October 3, 2019

Derrick Rose and Isiah Thomas | Photo: Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press/Jusballout Illustration

Growing up in the inner city of Detroit during the early 90s, every kid heard about the epic battles between the Pistons and Bulls. Hall of Famers Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan were the headlines of those battles. The grittiness of the Pistons earned them the name “Bad Boys”, which was a great representation of what the city of Detroit was all about. Thomas wore the Detroit uniform, but he was born and raised in Chicago. The two Midwest cities carry a sense of pride and toughness about themselves, and Thomas replicated those actions.

The much-publicized walk-off by the Pistons after losing to the Bulls in the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals symbolized the competitiveness between both teams. It was reported, then later confirmed, that Thomas and Bill Laimbeer organized the idea of walking off the court before the finals seconds expired. Many criticized the Pistons for their actions, but the rivalry was that deep. The Pistons were swept (4-0) convincingly, after beating up on the Bulls for 3 straight seasons (1988, 1989, 1990).

Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas | Photo: Bulls.com

After the 1991 ECF incident, the Pistons went through many seasons of mediocrity. Thomas retired in 1994 after suffering from a torn Achilles, and the Grant Hill era (1994-2000) was special, but the city of Detroit was not all in.

2004 Detroit Pistons | Photo: David P. Gilkey, Detroit Free Press

Former Bad Boys member Joe Dumars became the Pistons’ President of Basketball Operations prior to the 2000-01 season, and quickly turned the franchise around. From 2001-2008, the Pistons had the city of Detroit back on top. Everything about the team reciprocated Detroit. The general Chauncey Billups led, Richard “Rip” Hamilton shot the lights out, Tayshaun Prince guarded the best player, Rasheed Wallace was the attitude and Ben Wallace was the muscle.

Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond | Photo: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, the Pistons made huge strides back to competitive basketball, but injuries down the stretch derailed the process. Key players, Blake Griffin (7 games), Ish Smith (26 games) and Andre Drummond (3 games) all missed significant time on the court. The lack of depth really hurt their chances to get a good spot in the playoffs. Every missed game is crucial when the team is top heavy. Nevertheless, Griffin carried the team all season with his stellar play, and earned himself an All-Star selection by averaging 24.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and 5.4 APG. In my opinion, Griffin’s success was great for the city, because it gave us a reason to be excited again.

Isiah Thomas and Derrick Rose | Twitter: @DetroitPistons

On Wednesday, Pistons legend Thomas visited his old team as they held training camp at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. Coach Dwane Casey embraced the presence of the legend at practice, while Thomas made his rounds speaking to the players. The Pistons organization posted a small clip on Twitter with Chicago legends Thomas and Derrick Rose shaking hands. It was great to see Thomas and Rose together, both guys represent that Midwest toughness.

Pistons signed Rose this summer to a two-year, $15M deal. Rose averaged 18.3 PPG and 4.3 APG last season for the Minnesota Timberwolves off the bench. Flashes of athleticism were shown, especially after scoring a career-high 50 points against Utah. The former MVP is in a perfect situation to shine, and the Motor city will always embrace another Midwest kid, just like they did Thomas in 1982.