Let’s see. The Pistons have been to the NBA’s final four in each of the last four seasons and seem destined for a fifth. They won the title in 2004 and came within about nine minutes of winning another in 2005. They’re on a sellout streak of over 150 games. Their GM was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame last year and their owner is a finalist for induction this year. Their building is almost two decades old, yet still looks brand new and is the prototype for all new NBA arenas.

Yes…clearly something is wrong here.

It needs fixing, and I am just the man to fix it.

When you work in sports talk radio as long as I have, you tend to look for negatives even in the overwhelming positive. I must admit, the Pistons in the last six years have really provided a challenge for dopes like me who blather on the radio. But we’ll give it a go.

If, for some reason, I was given the keys to the franchise, here’s what I’d do. Rest assured that I understand completely why none of this could or will ever happen. But hey, when you’re blogging, you exist under a completely different set of rules, right?

1. Play one or two home games a year away from the Palace. How great would it be for the Pistons to play at the Joe or Cobo or Ford Field a couple of dates a year. Kind of a return to the roots. While on that topic, why not one game at the Silverdome before they tear it down. You’re telling me they wouldn’t sell that place out for one last Pistons game? It would be amazing. Maybe Isiah and Magic could come back for one final symbolic kiss.

2. Retire #10. Sorry Lindsey. Not for you. I admit, I don’t know all the behind the camera stuff that happened when Dennis Rodman left Detroit. There was plenty that happened for all of us to see in front of the camera. But it just seems like enough time has passed that this should happen. Plus maybe, just maybe, it could mark some sort of return for The Worm into basketball reality. Then he could get his rightful ticket into the Basketball Hall of Fame. While we’re at it, put Bill Laimbeer in there too. The fact that these guys aren’t in Springfield is an insult to the Hall itself.

3. Bring back the teal! Look, we all agree that the teal era was one of the worst eras any sports franchise has ever gone through fashion-wise. It even makes the Chicago White Sox wearing shorts look good. But that’s why a throwback night would be the best. It would almost be a way of poking fun at ourselves for ever having the teal in the first place. If the Mavs can wear those hideous green unis and the Hawks can roll out those electric green/yellow travesties….what would be wrong with a little teal? Something tells me Joe D might call in sick that night.

4. Rearrange the Scoreboard. The PalaceVision video screen is awesome. No debate there. But because the screen is soooooo big, the scoreboard is soooo much higher than the average scoreboard. I’m convinced that Arnie Kander has aggravated his neck by looking all the way up to see what the score is. But then again, Arnie has these healing powers where he can just automatically fix himself, so it really isn’t too big of a factor.

5. Live Donut Race! Just once, I want to see Cuppy Coffee, Biggie Bagel, and Dashing Donut come tearing down the tunnel and roar around the floor to the finish line. This could be the Detroit version of the sausage race they have at every Brewer game. Who wouldn’t like that?

6. Doubleheader Day. No, I’m not suggesting that the Pistons play two, or that the Shock and Pistons double up. I’m saying why not schedule an elite high school game before a night game or after a Sunday afternoon game. Increase concessions sales, increase souvenirs….you’re telling me the marketing department wouldn’t love that.

7. Raise the Vipers Banner. Am I the only one who remembers the 1997 Turner Cup Champs? I don’t think you have to add a number to the address at Championship Drive, but why not acknowledge the title team. You could even bring back Peter Ciavaglia and company to re-raise the banner.

8. More David Hall. I feel sorry for David because I feel like he just doesn’t get enough exposure at Pistons games or on any of the broadcasts. Sorry, couldn’t resist. I just wanted to needle my fellow guest blogger. Watch out Mason, I’m coming after you next.

   Again, I totally understand why NONE of these things will ever happen for business and political reasons. If I had to pick the one thing I want to happen the most, I’d probably go with retiring Rodman’s number. If I had to pick the thing most likely to happen, I’d guess it will be more D. Hall. Just a gut feeling.

   Go Pistons! I’ll see you at the Palace in April, May and JUNE! You can hear me and my on-air partner Greg Brady host “The Jamie and Brady Show” weekday mornings from 6-9 AM on Sportsradio 1130, WDFN, the home for Pistons Basketball.

   What would you do if you ran the Palace? E-mail me and let me know at jamsam22@aol.com .