Score another kill for the inmates.

The underground players network buried Michael Curry. NBA players always talk among themselves. If there’s a coach they don’t respect, the word spreads with such ferocity that coaching careers burn into cinders with the speed of California wildfire.

The Detroit Pistons desperately need a significant free-agent infusion this summer, and they feared that the character assassination done on Curry within the players fraternity might cost them the coaches they’re targeting.

Curry became the easiest sacrifice.

It was either him or Rip Hamilton. And when have you ever heard of the star player losing that debate?

Giving Curry every opportunity to correct his rookie blunders was Joe Dumars’ original plan, but then it became apparent that the fractious relationship between Curry and Hamilton was beyond saving.

Curry foolishly alienated Hamilton, not telling him privately about his decision to bench him for Allen Iverson before telling the entire team. And in a recent conversation with the Free Press, Curry didn’t seem to be in a hurry to meet with Hamilton to rectify any differences.

Dumars had no alternative but to trust his instincts, despite the outward appearance of a franchise once again going through coaches like tissues. When in doubt, cut your losses and minimize the damage. If it was going to happen, it’s better for the organization to pull the trigger now rather than wait and fire Curry two weeks into next season.

It’s the players who call the shots in the NBA, more so than any other sport. Once again, we’re reminded of the late Chuck Daly’s enduring wisdom – never forget that it’s the players who let you coach them.

NBA players are often arrogant prima donnas. Hamilton could’ve handled his difficulties with Curry more maturely. But juggling the players’ disproportioned egos becomes an unavoidable aspect of the NBA head-coaching job. It demands the coach swallowing his own ego.

Curry either couldn’t or wouldn’t, and that’s why he’s gone.

Dumars cannot replace one rookie coach with another novice, and that should sink all the Bill Laimbeer trial balloons.

Dumars will look for a more experienced hand – possibly former Dallas Mavericks coach Avery Johnson.

Former Pistons coach Doug Collins reportedly contacted the Pistons last month, offering his services if the team sought change. Collins vowed that he has learned from his mistakes, suggesting that he was no longer the impulsive hothead who ultimately crashed and burned in fewer than three years in his three previous coaching gigs.

His 21/2-year stint with the Pistons ended 12 years ago with Collins breaking down in tears in front of his players because he feared an impending team revolt.
Dumars was one of the players.

Dumars wants a coach who will be around in another five years. Why should anybody honestly believe that Collins is that guy? Is it really worth taking such a high-priced risk?

But the timing of Curry’s dismissal reflects a greater importance in finding the right free agent as opposed to the right head coach. It’s a backward approach, but it underscores the Pistons’ desperation in righting a wayward ship.