Flip Saunders fired. Not returning. Not up in the air.

By Sam Rubenstein

After a few days of speculation, going back and forth, it’s official. Flip Saunders is out.

“Decisions like this are difficult to make, especially with the success we have had throughout the last three regular seasons,” president of basketball operations Joe Dumars said in a statement. “However, at this time, I feel it is necessary to make a change.

“I thank Flip for his hard work and dedication, but it is time for a new voice to lead our team.”

Interesting timing. Kevin Garnett, who lost playoff series after series with Flip at the helm, is finally in The Finals, winning more playoff series this past month than in all of his years with Flip combined. The Pistons had another great regular season full of promise, but once again come up short of that magical land only Larry Brown was able to deliver them to.

The coaching carousel continues to revolve. Judging the trends, learning from recent hires, the only logical move at this point for the Pistons is to hire either Chuck Daly or Isiah Thomas!