AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced this evening that Michael Curry will not return next season as the team’s head coach.
“This was a difficult decision to make,” Dumars said. “I want to thank Michael for his hard work and dedication to the organization. However, at this time, I have decided to make a change.”
Curry, who was named head coach on June 10, 2008, tallied a regular-season record of 39-43 in his first season as an NBA head coach with the Pistons and led the club to the first round of the 2009 NBA Playoffs. Detroit was swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in four games. He served one season in Detroit as an assistant coach under Flip Saunders (2007-08) and had two separate stints with the organization as a player (1995-97 and 1999-2003).
In Play! Magazine
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Brown Stays With Pistons
Center Kwame Brown has decided to stay with the Pistons and play out the final year of his contract. He is currently penciled in as the team's starting center, though Detroit is expected to at least attempt to trade for another center. He had a player option in his contract that would have allowed him to opt out and become a free agent had he elected to do so.
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Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
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Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
Pistons Prepare For Summer League
The Pistons have announced that the following players will join them for Summer League play: Will Bynum, Walter Sharpe, Trent Plaisted, Deron Washington, Austin Daye, DaJuan Summers, Jonas Jerebko, Matt Freije, Dwayne Jones, Ibrahim Jabber and Clay Tucker.
Daye, Summers and Jerebko were selections in last week's NBA Draft, while Sharpe, Plaisted and Washington were '08 Pistons second-rounders. Apparently Freije may be looking at other options since he plays the same position as all three rookie forwards. Jabber played for the Pistons' Summer League team two years ago, backing up Rodney Stuckey at the point.
Michael Curry, Pistons Head Coach, will run the team's practices, but he'll have assistants Darrell Walker and Pat Sullivan coaching the games. An official Summer League schedule and roster will likely be announced later this month.
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Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
Daye, Summers and Jerebko were selections in last week's NBA Draft, while Sharpe, Plaisted and Washington were '08 Pistons second-rounders. Apparently Freije may be looking at other options since he plays the same position as all three rookie forwards. Jabber played for the Pistons' Summer League team two years ago, backing up Rodney Stuckey at the point.
Michael Curry, Pistons Head Coach, will run the team's practices, but he'll have assistants Darrell Walker and Pat Sullivan coaching the games. An official Summer League schedule and roster will likely be announced later this month.
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Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Pistons Draft Three Forwards
The Pistons opted for three versatile, combo-forwards during last night's 2009 NBA Draft. They took Austin Daye of Gonzaga at #15, DaJuan Summers of Georgetown at #35 and Jonas Jerebko of Sweden at #39.
They also selected swingman Chase Budinger of Arizona with the 44th overall pick but quickly traded him to the Houston Rockets for a future second-rounder and cash, which should be useful during the upcoming offseason, when the Pistons will surely look to add a power forward and center via free agency and/or the trade market.
_________________
Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
They also selected swingman Chase Budinger of Arizona with the 44th overall pick but quickly traded him to the Houston Rockets for a future second-rounder and cash, which should be useful during the upcoming offseason, when the Pistons will surely look to add a power forward and center via free agency and/or the trade market.
_________________
Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
Herrmann Becomes Unrestricted FA
Pistons forward Walter Herrmann is now an unrestricted free agent as the Pistons will not make a qualifying offer. He is expected to sign a contract to play in Spain next season.
Cowens Reportedly Leaving Pistons
According to reports, Dave Cowens, Pistons Assistant Coach, is leaving Detroit. Apparently, the team is prepared to move forward without hiring any replacements, though that hasn't stopped rumors that the Pistons could be leaning towards hiring former Shock Head Coach and Pistons legend Bill Laimbeer to the Detroit coaching staff.
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Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
_________________
Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
Shock's Pierson Out For Season
The Shock's Plenette Pierson decided to have surgery to repair her right shoulder and is expected to miss the entire season.
The 2007 Sixth Woman of the Year, Pierson was injured in the Shock's season opener in L.A. against the Sparks. The Shock will greatly miss the highly-versatile reserve forward.
_________________
Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
The 2007 Sixth Woman of the Year, Pierson was injured in the Shock's season opener in L.A. against the Sparks. The Shock will greatly miss the highly-versatile reserve forward.
_________________
Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Pistons Deal Johnson For Oberto
The Pistons announced today that they have traded forward Amir Johnson to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for center Fabricio Oberto. It's a cost-cutting move in which Detroit acquires the partially-guaranteed contract of Oberto, who is expected to be waived and become a free agent.
With the NBA Draft approaching Thursday, the Pistons are clearing cap room for their upcoming #15 first-round selection as well as potential free agents, who are eligible to negotiate with teams beginning July 1.
_________________
Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
With the NBA Draft approaching Thursday, the Pistons are clearing cap room for their upcoming #15 first-round selection as well as potential free agents, who are eligible to negotiate with teams beginning July 1.
_________________
Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
Monday, June 22, 2009
Mahorn Changes Backcourt
Rick Mahorn, Shock Head Coach, has made a change to the team's starting lineup. Alexis Hornbuckle has been named the starting point guard, replacing struggling rookie Shavonte Zellous.
Though small forward Katie Smith runs the offense, Zellous has been asked to focus on being aggressive offensively, looking to shoot the ball whenever possible. However, the rookie has struggled with her jumper, leading to the decision to bring Zellous off the bench and relieve some of the pressure.
All parties involved appear satisfied with the lineup change, which should give Detroit's bench a little more offensive firepower and better defense in the starting lineup with Hornbuckle.
_________________
Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
Though small forward Katie Smith runs the offense, Zellous has been asked to focus on being aggressive offensively, looking to shoot the ball whenever possible. However, the rookie has struggled with her jumper, leading to the decision to bring Zellous off the bench and relieve some of the pressure.
All parties involved appear satisfied with the lineup change, which should give Detroit's bench a little more offensive firepower and better defense in the starting lineup with Hornbuckle.
_________________
Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
Friday, June 19, 2009
Shock Hire Cureton As Asst. Coach
The Shock have hired Detroit native and former Piston Earl Cureton as an assistant on the coaching staff. A 12-year NBA veteran, Cureton played alongside Rick Mahorn, Shock Head Coach, as members of the 1985-86 Pistons team. He has also worked alongside Cheryl Reeve, Shock Assistant Coach, in 2005 with the WNBA's Charlotte Sting.
_________________
Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
_________________
Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
Shock Waive Schumacher
After signing her for their most recent game, the Shock have terminated the replacement contract of reserve center Kelly Schumacher. With injured power forward Cheryl Ford being activated for tonight's game, Detroit needed to create a roster spot.
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Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
_________________
Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
Shock Activate Ford
The Shock coaching staff is saying that power forward Cheryl Ford is healthy and ready to go tonight at The Palace against the Indiana Fever.
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Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
_________________
Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
Pistons Begin Planning Summer League
The Pistons announced on their official website that veterans Will Bynum and Walter Sharpe will headline the team's 2009 Summer League later this offseason in Las Vegas. They'll be joined by Trent Plaisted and Deron Washington, two Detroit second-round draft picks from 2008.
Michael Curry, Pistons Head Coach, will run the team's practices, but he'll have assistants Darrell Walker and Pat Sullivan coaching the games. An official Summer League schedule and roster will likely be announced later this month.
_________________
Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
Michael Curry, Pistons Head Coach, will run the team's practices, but he'll have assistants Darrell Walker and Pat Sullivan coaching the games. An official Summer League schedule and roster will likely be announced later this month.
_________________
Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
Shock Waive Miller, Re-Sign Schumacher
Just a day after re-signing rookie center Britany Miller, the Shock decided to go in a different direction. With injuries to several key veterans, Detroit wanted to add more experience to the lineup, ultimately opting to bring back center Kelly Schumacher.
Schumacher was a member of last year's WNBA champion Shock team and will likely play spot minutes off the bench until the team gets healthy.
_________________
Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
Schumacher was a member of last year's WNBA champion Shock team and will likely play spot minutes off the bench until the team gets healthy.
_________________
Steve St. Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
Monday, June 15, 2009
DETROIT SHOCK HEAD COACH/GENERAL MANAGER BILL LAIMBEER RESIGNS
DETROIT SHOCK HEAD COACH/GENERAL MANAGER BILL LAIMBEER RESIGNS
Rick Mahorn Promoted to Head Coach; Cheryl Reeve Promoted To Assistant Coach/General Manager
Auburn Hills, MI - Tom Wilson, President and CEO of the Detroit Shock and Palace Sports and Entertainment, announced today that Bill Laimbeer has resigned from his duties as head coach and general manager of the Detroit Shock. In a related move, Wilson announced that effective immediately, Rick Mahorn has been promoted to head coach and Cheryl Reeve has been promoted to assistant coach/general manager.
“It’s disappointing that Bill has decided to step down as head coach and general manager of the Detroit Shock,” said Wilson. “But at the same time, Bill led the Shock to three WNBA Championships and a league-record 27 postseason victories during his seven-year tenure. We thank him for his guidance and dedication to the franchise and our organization.”
Laimbeer’s three WNBA titles (2003, 2006, 2008) are one shy of the WNBA record held by Hall of Fame coach Van Chancellor, who guided the Houston Comets to the first four WNBA titles in league history (1997-2000). In his first full season as head coach, Laimbeer orchestrated a historic worst-to-first turnaround, for which he was named 2003 WNBA Coach of the Year. The Shock, 9-23 a year earlier, won a league-best 25 games and the 16-game turnaround was the largest in WNBA history. In addition to three WNBA titles during his tenure, the Shock won four Eastern Conference Championships (2003, 2006, 2007, 2008), amassed a regular-season record of 137-92 (.598) in 229 WNBA games and won a WNBA record 10 WNBA Finals games. Laimbeer’s six consecutive playoff appearances rank second all-time in WNBA history and his 137 victories rank fifth in league history. As a general manager, Laimbeer is credited with the drafting of 2003 WNBA Rookie of the Year Cheryl Ford, acquiring 2003 WNBA Finals MVP Ruth Riley in the 2003 WNBA dispersal draft and the acquisitions of 2008 WNBA Finals MVP Katie Smith and 2007 Sixth Woman of the Year Plenette Pierson.
Mahorn, who is serving his fifth season with the Shock, becomes the fourth head coach in Detroit’s 11-year history as a franchise. The Hartford, Connecticut native brings with him over 20 years of professional basketball experience, including a NBA Championship with the Pistons in 1989 and two WNBA Championships as an assistant coach with the Shock in 2006 and 2008. Besides his extensive NBA experience, Mahorn served as head coach of the Rockford Lightning in the Continental Basketball Association during 1999-2000 season, leading the squad to a 15-7 record and an American Conference title. The Lightning earned the No. 2 seed in the CBA playoffs that season and Mahorn was recognized with two CBA Coach of the Month honors. He went on to join the Atlanta Hawks coaching staff during the 2000-01 NBA season.
“We are pleased to promote Rick Mahorn as head coach of the Detroit Shock,” said Wilson. “Rick has been vital to the success of the Shock over the last five seasons and we feel that the transition will be seamless. Rick has built tremendous relationships with the Shock players during his tenure and we feel that his championship goals for the franchise remain unchanged.”
Reeve is serving her fourth season as assistant coach and will assume the duties of general manager. She served the previous two seasons as Shock Director of Player Personnel and was heavily involved in the roster development of the current team. Reeve got her start in the WNBA with the Charlotte Sting in 2001 after serving as head coach at Indiana State from 1995-1999.
Rick Mahorn Promoted to Head Coach; Cheryl Reeve Promoted To Assistant Coach/General Manager
Auburn Hills, MI - Tom Wilson, President and CEO of the Detroit Shock and Palace Sports and Entertainment, announced today that Bill Laimbeer has resigned from his duties as head coach and general manager of the Detroit Shock. In a related move, Wilson announced that effective immediately, Rick Mahorn has been promoted to head coach and Cheryl Reeve has been promoted to assistant coach/general manager.
“It’s disappointing that Bill has decided to step down as head coach and general manager of the Detroit Shock,” said Wilson. “But at the same time, Bill led the Shock to three WNBA Championships and a league-record 27 postseason victories during his seven-year tenure. We thank him for his guidance and dedication to the franchise and our organization.”
Laimbeer’s three WNBA titles (2003, 2006, 2008) are one shy of the WNBA record held by Hall of Fame coach Van Chancellor, who guided the Houston Comets to the first four WNBA titles in league history (1997-2000). In his first full season as head coach, Laimbeer orchestrated a historic worst-to-first turnaround, for which he was named 2003 WNBA Coach of the Year. The Shock, 9-23 a year earlier, won a league-best 25 games and the 16-game turnaround was the largest in WNBA history. In addition to three WNBA titles during his tenure, the Shock won four Eastern Conference Championships (2003, 2006, 2007, 2008), amassed a regular-season record of 137-92 (.598) in 229 WNBA games and won a WNBA record 10 WNBA Finals games. Laimbeer’s six consecutive playoff appearances rank second all-time in WNBA history and his 137 victories rank fifth in league history. As a general manager, Laimbeer is credited with the drafting of 2003 WNBA Rookie of the Year Cheryl Ford, acquiring 2003 WNBA Finals MVP Ruth Riley in the 2003 WNBA dispersal draft and the acquisitions of 2008 WNBA Finals MVP Katie Smith and 2007 Sixth Woman of the Year Plenette Pierson.
Mahorn, who is serving his fifth season with the Shock, becomes the fourth head coach in Detroit’s 11-year history as a franchise. The Hartford, Connecticut native brings with him over 20 years of professional basketball experience, including a NBA Championship with the Pistons in 1989 and two WNBA Championships as an assistant coach with the Shock in 2006 and 2008. Besides his extensive NBA experience, Mahorn served as head coach of the Rockford Lightning in the Continental Basketball Association during 1999-2000 season, leading the squad to a 15-7 record and an American Conference title. The Lightning earned the No. 2 seed in the CBA playoffs that season and Mahorn was recognized with two CBA Coach of the Month honors. He went on to join the Atlanta Hawks coaching staff during the 2000-01 NBA season.
“We are pleased to promote Rick Mahorn as head coach of the Detroit Shock,” said Wilson. “Rick has been vital to the success of the Shock over the last five seasons and we feel that the transition will be seamless. Rick has built tremendous relationships with the Shock players during his tenure and we feel that his championship goals for the franchise remain unchanged.”
Reeve is serving her fourth season as assistant coach and will assume the duties of general manager. She served the previous two seasons as Shock Director of Player Personnel and was heavily involved in the roster development of the current team. Reeve got her start in the WNBA with the Charlotte Sting in 2001 after serving as head coach at Indiana State from 1995-1999.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Shock Re-Sign Miller
The Detroit Shock have re-signed center Britany Miller to a replacement contract. Miller was selected by the Shock with the number 18 overall pick in the second round of the 2009 WNBA Draft. She was waived prior to the start of this season due to the league-mandated 11-player roster max. However, the league allowed Detroit to re-sign Miller following the recent shoulder injury to reserve forward Plenette Pierson.
Detroit Shock Honored At Ring Ceremony
The Shock kicked off their 2009 WNBA home opener last night with a ceremony to honor last year's league champion Shock team. Most of the players from 2008, as well as the entire coaching staff, were in attendance to receive their championship rings and raise the franchise's third WNBA championship banner to the rafters.
Matt Shepard, Shock radio announcer, hosted the event, which included speeches from Donna Orender, WNBA President; Bill Laimbeer, Shock Head Coach and General Manager; and Shock guard-forward Katie Smith, 2008 Finals MVP.
Others in attendance included Karen Davidson, Shock Owner, as well as current injured/suspended Shock players Cheryl Ford, Plenette Pierson and Kara Braxton. Former Detroit center Kelly Schumacher was also at The Palace to accept her ring.
During his introduction, Shepard honored the late Bill Davidson, Karen's husband, who passed away earlier this year.
The above are pictures from the ceremony, taken by IP photographer Brian St. Pierre.
Matt Shepard, Shock radio announcer, hosted the event, which included speeches from Donna Orender, WNBA President; Bill Laimbeer, Shock Head Coach and General Manager; and Shock guard-forward Katie Smith, 2008 Finals MVP.
Others in attendance included Karen Davidson, Shock Owner, as well as current injured/suspended Shock players Cheryl Ford, Plenette Pierson and Kara Braxton. Former Detroit center Kelly Schumacher was also at The Palace to accept her ring.
During his introduction, Shepard honored the late Bill Davidson, Karen's husband, who passed away earlier this year.
The above are pictures from the ceremony, taken by IP photographer Brian St. Pierre.
Shock's Ford Expected To Miss Two Weeks
Shock power forward Cheryl Ford is expected to miss two more weeks recovering from surgery on her right knee. The team is extremely thin up front right now as reserve forward Plenette Pierson suffered an injury to her right shoulder during Saturday's season opener in L.A., and center Kara Braxton is serving a six-game suspension. For the time being, the Shock will continue to play Taj McWilliams at power forward, with Barb Farris filling in as the starting center.
Shock's Pierson Out 3-4 Weeks
Shock reserve combo-forward Plenette Pierson will miss three to four weeks after re-injuring her right shoulder. The team's staff is waiting a couple weeks to determine whether or not surgery will be required.If healthy, Pierson is expected to contribute greatly off the bench, as she did during the 2008 WNBA regular season before injuring the shoulder early in the postseason.
The new Red Bull June issue of In Play! magazine.
This month we take a look at the Red Bull Air Races. In Play! sat down for a one on one exclusive interview with Mike Mangold. Get his thoughts on the course and returning to Detroit.
Check out great articles on all the sports going on here in Detroit and Windsor including, the Pistons, the Shock's quest to defend their title, Tigers and a look at the QB situation over in Allen Park plus a whole lot more.
Also take a look at the Wings run for the Cup.
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