Detroit Pistons: NBA 2K22 has a surprise for fans of the Pistons

Rasheed Wallace #36 of the Detroit Pistons gets pumped up during player introductions (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Rasheed Wallace #36 of the Detroit Pistons gets pumped up during player introductions (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

If you have been to a Detroit Pistons game in person or even watched one on TV, then there are some voices you are very familiar with.

The first is the OG George Blaha, who has been calling Pistons’ games for 45 years and is the first thing many fans think of when they think of a Pistons’ broadcast. His partner Greg Kelser is another voice Pistons’ fans are very familiar with.

But perhaps no voice in the arena is more familiar or memorable than that of John Mason, the Pistons enigmatic PA announcer who has become the standard by which his peers are judged.

His DEEEEEEETROIT BASKETBAAAAAALL! call has become a fan favorite, or the most annoying thing you’ve ever heard, depending on which team you cheer for.

Now you’ll be able to hear it in NBA 2K, as Mason is going to be featured along with PA announcers from every team.

Detroit Pistons: John Mason’s love of Detroit is palpable

John Mason became the Pistons’ PA announcer in the 2001-2 season and promptly earned a reputation with fans for his lively introductions.

In my opinion, it doesn’t get any better than Mason introducing the Goin’ to Work era teams and his introductions became part of the lore of that squad.

When he gets to “It’s time for the world to see…” my heart rate noticeably increases and by the time Big Ben’s chimes ring I’m jumping up and down as if I’m the one getting ready to play in the Finals.

Seriously, if you are a Pistons fans and can watch this without getting goosebumps, then it’s possible you do not have a soul.

NBA 2K22 has taken some heat over the graphics and gameplay (even though the game is not released for another week) but this is an addition that might actually get me to buy the game again.

John Mason is a Detroit treasure and it’s nice to see him getting the recognition he deserves as a pioneer in his craft.