On Christmas Day, it is time to have some fun, and put a Detroit Pistons spin on an old tale.
This is more a takeoff from the poem A Visit from St. Nicholas, better known as ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. We can think of it this afternoon while watching NBA games (although not the Detroit Pistons, who have not played on Christmas since 2008, not that we are counting.).
A Pistons Visit from Santa Troy
Twas the night before the Cavaliers game, when all through Dwane Casey’s house, not a creature was stirring, not even a Bull.; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that Santa Troy (Weaver) would soon would be there.
The coach was nestled all snug in his bed; while visions of three-point shooters and rebounders danced in his head.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, Casey sprang from his bed to see what was the matter. When what to his wondering eyes did appear, But a sleigh and eight very tall men.
With a little driver so lively and quick . Casey knew in a moment it had to be owner Tom Gores. Who was right next to him, was that an Elf? No, it was general manager Troy Weaver, he was sitting on a shelf.
Weaver got up and cupped his hands in the cold. He whistled, and shouted, and called the men by name:
“Now, Hayes! Pass it around. Now, Svi, keep shooting threes.! Now Grant and Plumlee, stop looking at all the green around you, and get into action!
On, Derrick, be as fast as a Comet! On, Griffin, on Wright, on Jackson! Please blitzen the opponents on defense!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! get in their grill, and stop them all. When we get the ball, dash away! dash away! dash away right to the hoop!”
Soon, coach Casey could here the smattering of feet on the roof. Down the chimney Santa Troy came with a bound.
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A big bundle he had flung on his back,
Casey had never seen Weaver like this before, he dressed as Santa!
And he had to laugh when I saw him, in spite of himself. A wink of his eye and a twist of his head. Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;. Casey knew he was not to be fired on this special night.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And Santa Troy filled all the stockings. To Casey’s delight, some held draft choices, others pictures of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Suggs, another stocking was filled with empty caps, so much much space in those caps!
And giving a nod, and a ‘Meeting at 9’ reminder, up the chimney Santa Troy rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team he gave all high fives. And away they all flew down and out of sight. They had disappeared as quickly as a Derrick Rose fast break.
But Casey heard them exclaim, as he watched them drive out of sight—
“Happy Christmas to all Pistons fans, and to all a good night!”