Chris McCosky
The Detroit News
Category: Pistons
Posted by Chris McCosky (The Detroit News) on Fri, May 9, 2008 at 1:55 PMNo more Orlando radio
Note to self: Don't ever, ever, ever go on an Orlando sports talk radio show again. Outside of the newspaper guys who cover the Magic on a daily basis -- good, hard-working, competent lads all -- there is a real provincial, homeristic approach to the media down here. I remember back in 2003 after the Magic went up 3-1, a local radio reporter closed the post-game interview with Tracy McGrady by gushing, "Good luck, Tracy."
Even this year, whenever one of the Orlando foofs asks a question to a Piston, it's usually something like, "How good is Dwight Howard now?" Or, "Are you surprised at how well the Magic are playing against you guys?" The tone of the questioning is always, don't you love us? It's gross, really.
So I go on this talk radio show down here Thursday afternoon. I thought they wanted a Chauncey Billups update. But no, this guy -- I don't remember his name -- says, "Now that the Magic have control of the series..." And I stopped him. Control of the series? How does being down 2-1 with two games still to be played in Detroit give the Magic control of the series. But, you know his line, the Magic were robbed in Game 2 by the evil clock guy in Detroit (nevermind the Magic wetting themselves down the stretch, making two buckets in six minutes, or their 19 turnovers) and they killed the Pistons in Game 3 and Billups was questionable, blah, blah, blah. It was his show, so I tried to be diplomatic. I said from the Magic point of view, sure, they probably feel like the tide had turned. But I said the Pistons didn't feel that way at all. Well, the jackass just couldn't accept that. He must asked me three more times, in three different ways, if the Pistons feared the Magic now. I was like, Dude, they have a healthy respect for the Magic, they always have. But they don't fear them. My God, get a grip.
I was thinking about this -- early in the series, the Magic players made a big deal about not being intimidated by the Pistons, not backing down and all that. But where did that come from? The Pistons never talked like they were out to punk the Magic. They never talked like they didn't respect them. The Pistons were actually surprised that the Magic had that mind-set. So where did it come from? It came from the Magic's own inferiority complex. They are the ones who felt punked. Their media buys into it and perpetuates it. Even this half-baked talk show guy was all, "I'm going to stand up to this Detroit writer. I am going to show how tough I am." Whatever.
Here's how tough this guy was. He apparently kept ripping on me AFTER I was off the air. Real braveheart, this guy. He had no retort when I was talking to him, but boy, he tore me up when he knew I couldn't answer back. Piece of work. But that's how they roll down here.
On another topic:
Coaches and players like to say that a playoff series doesn't really start until somebody wins a road game. Does that make any sense? If that was true then the Atlanta-Boston series never started. If that was true, then we're still waiting for both conference semifinals to start -- the home teams have won every game so far. Just a weird axiom that has crept into NBA-speak that boggles the mind when you actually think about it.
Comments
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Where's the Love? Remember Motown?
Mr. McCosky- it's my opinion that you were talking down to Jerry and Brady and as a listener who has many Detroit friends (my roommate is one of the owners of the RoosterTail). That being said- Jerry's job is to say it like it is and I agree with what he said. Coming up to him at the press gathering backs up the fact that you need a little growing up to do both On and Off the radio. I only do 3 hours of radio per week and am no Jerry O'Neill but I know enough that you need to not be so damn sensitive and act like a punk bully around a group of professionals. You seem to be the personification of other losers in your city (not everyone and definitely not Grosse Pointe- just the bitter Betty's). I won't elaborate- I'll just let you look in the mirror and figure it out yourself. Past your prime and bitter that it's not going to get any better.
I hope for your sake that you quit acting like Ron Artest and find a timekeeper so one day you can live in the state that is continuing to grow and evolve- not the opposite.
Go Magic, Penguins, Penn State, Yankees and Philadelphia Eagles and whoever you support.
Chris-Magic Should Feel This Way
Actually in 1990 the Pistons played the Pacers in the first round and won 3-0 in a sweep. They went 5 games versus the Bullets in 1988 which they ultimately lost in the NBA Finals in 7 to the Lakers. When did the Chicago Bulls ever struggle in the first round? I mean since 1990 they NEVER had any first round struggles at all. And I don't know where you are getting that the Lakers and Celtics struggled in the first round? Boston hasn't been good since the 80's and I don't remember them even struggling in the first round during the 80's.
I have no idea what you are talking about?HAHAHAHA!!!!
Chris-Magic Should Feel This Way
History lesson Chief: When the Pistons won their second NBA Title in 1990, they had to go 5 games with the 8th Seed Washington Bullets. The Bulls had their early round struggles, and both the Lakers and Celtics got knocked off early before during their runs. So kill that noise.
Now on to my other comment on Chris McCosky...Dude, you are My New Hero! Dig your columns and articles. Like how straightforward you are on WDFN. I wish DFN could get audio of your little encounter with this boob on the air. I guess you could be classless and hit him with a "Do you think the Magic Fear The Pistons now that they have contol of the series?"
Chris-Magic Should Feel This Way
So what's holding the Pistons back exactly? You first say that they don't have the smarts to win titles but compare them to championship teams that won because of their superstars. Have the Pistons failed to win titles because of their attitude or because of their talent level? If it's because of attitude then maybe it is Flip's fault that they've lost, but if it's because of the team's lack of a "superstar leader" like Bird or Magic that has caused them to struggle then you can't blame Flip for holding them back because there's nothing he can do about that.
Chris-Magic Should Feel This Way
Detroit lacks smarts to win titles and become a dynasty. For instance they been to five straight conference finals yet have only one title.
The Celtics, Pistons, Lakers and Bulls did the same thing and all won multiple titles because of superstars called Bird, Zeke, Magic and Jordan.
Detroit has no superstar leader and that's why they lose to sorry Cleveland teams, non scoring San Antonio teams and struggles with weak Orlando, Philly and Chicago teams.
Can you see Bird, Magic, Isiah or Jordan struggling witha No.8 or No.7 seed?
I can't.
If Detroit wants to stop teams from being homers, the Pistons need to WHIP THE CRAP out of weak teams and destroy their confidence even before they take the court.
Where is the Laimbeer and Mahorn body block when you need it? I'm not saying use it on the opponent, USE IT ON FLIP. He is the one holding this team back.
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