Dunking With Wolves
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Back to the Future: The 2003-04 NBA

By Trey Flynn

MINNEAPOLIS - MAY 23: Head coach Flip Saunders of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2004 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 23, 2004 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves won 89-71. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2004 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS - MAY 23: Head coach Flip Saunders of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2004 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 23, 2004 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves won 89-71. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2004 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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AUBURN HILLS, MI – JUNE 15: Chauncey Billups
AUBURN HILLS, MI – JUNE 15: Chauncey Billups /

The Detroit Pistons won an NBA Finals in 2004, eliminating the aforementioned Los Angeles Lakers in a five game series.

With all of that “big four” talk about the Lakers, the Pistons come out as the no. 8 spot on our list – surprising the masses who had favored Los Angeles to win the Finals.

The early-2003 Detroit Pistons lacked faith in ex-head coach, Rick Carlisle (now HC of the Dallas Mavericks), so they fired him for hall of fame coach, Larry Brown. Brown helped build a culture in Detroit during the ’03-’04 season that helped the Pistons go to six straight eastern conference finals. Winning their sole championship in the 2004 NBA finals, led by finals MVP, Chauncey Billups.

Although, it’s difficult to credit just one player for the success of these Pistons. Detroit had a complete team of head strong guys, consisting of a starting five that would give any offense nightmares: Rip Hamilton, Chauncey Billups, Tayshawn Prince, Rasheed Wallace, and Ben Wallace.

The Pistons have been trying to seek success since their early-mid 2000’s superiority, we don’t think Blake Griffin is going to cut it.

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