I Told You So

I hate to say that but...wait, no I don't. I shottied Flip getting fired months ago. There was no way he returned if they didn't win the Finals or at least put up a good effort against this Lakers squad. So now here we are - and by we I mean the Detroit Pistons - at a crossroads. Do they try and continue this run or blow it up and start from scratch? Maxiell and Stuckey *might* be guys to lead you back to the promise land. Then again people thought that about Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady.
It really is a toss up in this instance. What are you really going to get for 'Sheed? What about Chauncey, Rip or Tay? I always thought the Pistons as a whole exceeded the sum of their parts. Everyone on that team just gelled and they turned into this swaggering, shot making, shittalking juggernaut - personified by Rasheed Wallace. Therefore none of them have the value that you think a member of a 6 consecutive conference finalist might. Especially now that Billy King and Zeke are unemployed.
IMHO--start breaking it up. I'd only deal 'Sheed in a sign and trade. Even then it's weird cuz you're gonna have to take something in return. He comes off the books after next year. Might as well keep him and let him play next year for next year - the disgruntled quotables would be off hte charts. Maybe he'll play like both teams - hard - or maybe he'll tank it and the Pistons end up with a lottery pick.
I'd think the most tradeable would be Billups. See what I could get out of a team like Portland. Late lottery pick, might could use his expertise, then again he could stunt the growth of Brandon Roy. Maybe he'd be better suited for Seattle, though their draft pick is too high. Honestly, what makes the most sense for him is either GS or Sac. GS could use him in the impending Baron Davis exodus. And Sacto could use him as a mentor for Quincy Douby. Both have the added upside of the late lottery pick. AND they're both out west meaning you wouldn't have to see Chauncey until the Finals IF either of those teams could actually get there.
Beyond that, if I'm Joe D, I'ma take my chances on some middling draft picks to turn it around and get younger. You're not going to find a competent substitute for Sheed but that doesn't mean you can't make a play for a rangy swing man who isn't afraid to bang or take a 3, though none come to mind. Or you can't ask for Ron Ron as part of a Chauncey trade. But you'll never be able to replace 'Sheed. Who else would be on national television and look directly into a camera and say 'Get that fucking camera out of my face. I'm serious.' then flash the Leonard Washingont glare replete with nostril flare and chuck a towel at it.
I'm not gonna lie to you - I'ma miss the 2000 Bad Boys squad....