Webber's Comments Ignite Controversy

Chris Webber was on TNT Sunday night and had some not so kind things to say about Flip Saunders, and the Detroit Pistons.

April 28, Detroit Free Press: When asked about the the feeling in the locker room during halftime: "No disrespect to Flip (Saunders), but it doesn't matter what Flip says," Webber said....

The Pistons "are really nonchalant and that's why I felt we lost last year (in the Eastern Conference Finals)," Webber said.

"It sounds crazy, but they could care less. That locker room is crazy, disciplined and unruly. Disciplined because they police themselves, they are all veterans, they know they've got to be in bed, they know they've got to work hard, I'm not talking about on the court. They come from a coach like Larry Brown, they look at him like the epitome of basketball, and they feel they can wait until the last game or the championship and they won't lose. I'm not saying it's right, but that's how it is."

Listening to local sports talk radio today, Detroiters seemed to be really p.o.'ed about Webber's comments. But I am confused as to why? Webber has no reason to lie about his opinions and I myself believe they are true.

The Pistons lack of respect for Flip Saunders is especially evident during timeouts. It's not uncommon to see Rasheed not even in the huddle, Chauncey staring off in the distance and Rip fiddling with his mask. These guys are veteran players who police themselves and could care less what Flip has to say. These guys are going to do what they want to do and its unfortunate because if the Pistons fail to win the Eastern Conference this year there are rumors of Flip's job being on the line. Which is totally ridiculous!

How many times are we going to flip coaches (no pun intended) until these players decide they like the coach and want to listen to what he has to say? And to all of you who want Flip gone, who are the Pistons going to bring in?? We've already been through some of the top coaches in the league in Rick Carlisle and Larry Brown. Short of bringing back Chuck Daly, these Pistons starters are just arrogant enough to think that there isn't any coach they can bring in that could possibly add any value to their game.