Pistons Skip Shootaround To Protest Coach Kuester
The Detroit Pistons have been a disaster all season, and after the organization failed to move any of its disgruntled veterans prior to Thursday's trade deadline, five players staged a "protest" by skipping practice on Friday, according to the Detroit News.
Tracy McGrady, Tayshaun Prince, Richard Hamilton and Chris Wilcox did not show up to Friday's morning shootaround. Ben Wallace also wasn't present, but has been dealing with an ongoing family matter for the past several weeks.
The players have not been happy with their coach, seemingly all season, for the way he communicates, among other reasons they've given.
A team's spokesperson provided (suspicious) medical excuses for McGrady and Prince, but had no explanation for why Wilcox and Hamilton missed shootaround. Additionally, Austin Daye and Rodney Stuckey showed up late, according to the paper.
Detroit's coach, John Kuester, has had his fair share of battles this season. Hamilton said he was "offended" by how Kuester handled his minutes while Prince said his moves were "buffoonery." He's clearly not cut out for managing this drama.
But even if your coach is terrible and in way over his head, there is no excuse for simply deciding not to show up to work. Certainly Pistons president Joe Dumars will need to discipline those who protested, unless he's joined his players and his fanbase by being past the point of caring anymore.
The Pistons, or whichever portion of the Pistons decides to show up, face off against the Philadelphia 76ers at 7 PM Friday night.
