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Do any of the big-four sports teams in Detroit truly want to win a championship or are they simply content being above average?
Why do they continue to regress instead of making necessary moves to improve their rosters and become true contenders?
As long as they continue to sell tickets and sell out the areas, why should they make an all-in move and go for broke.
Two years ago, three of the Detroit teams seemed poised to become championship contenders and networks, analysts, and other team's fans around the country had taken notice.
Now, the prospects of a possible championship parade on Woodward Avenue have dimmed and the hierarchy of the Lions, Tigers, and Pistons refuse to bolster their teams so they can compete with the big boys in their prospective sports.
Let's begin with the Lions.
After nearly defeating the 49ers to earn a trip to the Super Bowl, the future seemed set in stone that the team was destined to be a force for years and a championship seemed inevitable.
How quickly the tide has turned.
After a pair of less than stellar drafts and a refusal by General Manager Brad Holmes to acquire the needed talent to solidify the offensive line, defensive front, and the defensive backfield, the team’s chances of a championship, at least in the near future, is lukewarm at best
Sure, the team has had its share of injuries, but letting "Brad cook" has not helped to strengthen the depth on the team and now the team's future appears murky at best.
He traded three first round picks to move up a little in the draft to acquire Isaac TeSlaa. How has that worked out so far? Why must he draft and sign injury-prone players?
Maybe his early success with the team has gone to his head?
It is likely the Lions will make the playoffs this year because they have a last-place schedule. But, if that happens, they will have a difficult slate next season and if the team stays on its current course, they will miss the playoffs again.
The time for a big splash and Super Bowl run is now.
The Tigers made a miracle run to the playoffs two years ago and were lucky to eek their way in last season. You would think the team would use some of its young resources that remain in the minor leagues to add some pop to the lineup and heat to the bullpen.
Nope, president of baseball operations Scott Harris sat on his hands like Holmes and the team has a losing record since the all star break last season.
The Tigers have a handful of quality young players now in the majors, but Harris sacrificed a possible trip to the World Series by not trading some of the kids that are still being seasoned in the minor leagues.
It didn't help that the team was forced to trade away Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline, but I don't fault the team for it. Skubal is seeking a 10-year, $400 million payday. That would kill a mid-market team like Detroit. Plus, you don't pay $400 million to a player that only plays once every five days, no matter who he is or how dominant he is when he is on the mound.
The Pistons current situation mirrors the Lions and Tigers. They have a young core of talent led by superstar Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, and Jalen Duren.
Last season the team ripped off 60 wins and earned the top seed in the playoffs. All they needed to do this offseason was to give Duren a rookie contract extension and use its assets, which the team has many, to pry away a star from another team.
As of today, General Manager Trajan Langdon is 0-for-2 and the upcoming season seems to be slipping away before it even begins.
Duren remains unsigned and turned down a $200 million deal, according to ESPN and The Athletic, which is insane.
Duren, who struggles on defense, has no jumpshot, and was dominated in the playoffs by players with less ability seems to want out. To be honest, he is not worth that large contract. That $40 million per season, for five years, can be used to acquire a star to pair with Cade.
Even if Duren does sign the deal, the Pistons still have the cap space and assets to bring in high-level talent, Langdon seems uninterested in doing so however.
Meanwhile, nearly all of the teams in the Piston's conveyance have improved and Detroit will be lucky to earn a top-5 playoff seed this upcoming season unless something unexpected happens.
As far as Red Wings go, what can I say. The Yzerplan implemented by former General Manager Steve Yzerman was a disaster. He also banked the team's success and his reputation on the prospects the team has. Even after several late season collapses, Stevie Y refused to add talent via free agency or with a trade. The losing took a toll on Captain Dylan Larkin who recently requested a trade. Larkin also had a verbal sparring match with Yzerman after another losing season, which may have prompted him to request being moved and helped set up Yzerman to be forced to step down.
The Wings are a train wreck and the odds are high that the one proud franchise will miss the playoffs for an 11 straight season.
I still love my Detroit teams, but their management needs to be placed squarely on the hotseat. We are watching in real time, as championship windows close and only because they refused to make the adjustments to make their teams better.
Making the playoffs is no longer acceptable for the Lions, Tigers, and Pistons. The goal needs to be a championship trophy on a float during a championship parade. Detroit fans are starving for a championship and their team's leaders are letting the fans down.