While the new Netflix documentary ‘Malice at the Palace’ did not show Detroit Pistons fans in a positive light, in reality, they are actually quite positive and forgiving – if you play for their team.
The exhibition opener at Little Caesars Arena against San Antonio was the first opportunity for Detroit Pistons fans to heap scorn on someone who had dissed their city: Trey Lyles.
In case you have forgotten:
Welcome to one of your least favorite cities in the NBA, Trey Lyles. Allow us to show you around. pic.twitter.com/6vDaYNzPIg
— Detroit Bad Boys ☠ (@detroitbadboys) August 3, 2021
Even though they play in a ‘horrible’ city, Lyles signed with the Pistons as a free agent in the off-season. He had spent the previous two seasons with the Spurs, who showed no desire to bring him back for a third.
Why? Well, he is taking a 60-percent pay cut from what he made in San Antonio, which tells you what the market was for him. And Detroit did have a need for his type, forward/center who can shoot the three-ball.
Still, it was an interesting choice on his part:
Trey Lyles called Detroit a “horrible” city. He just signed with the Pistons. LOL.
— nick (@nsitto2) August 3, 2021
For his part, Lyles never offered an explanation about his past comments (which, at this point, are over three years old). On media day, Lyles just talked about adjusting to a new team (no problem) and how he might have to play some center (again, no problem)
Now, he was not asked about the ‘horrible’ comment but, one would think, right off the bat he would want to address it, and get that out of the way.
But, apparently letting sleeping dogs lie, was the best strategy. In his first game in a Pistons uniform, Lyles was not hit with a chorus of boos. The fact he nailed three of four three-point shots, probably helped.
But it appears, overall, Pistons fans are ready to forgive and forget, if you are going to help the team. PistonPowered did an unscientific Twitter poll on the subject:
This is the first time Trey Lyles will go before a Pistons crowd. Do people remember his past comments about the city, or do they even care?
— PistonPowered (@PistonPowered) October 6, 2021
By a 3-2 margin, Pistons fans said they do not care. Now, that still means 40-percent would boo him. When the Pistons have a large crowd at LCA, like for the regular season opener against the Bulls, we will see how Lyles is received.
Now, in no ways does this mean Pistons fans have gone soft. It is just, Lyles, in their mind, is now one of them, so they will be in a forgiving mood.
On the other hand, when the Houston Rockets come to town, Jalen Green – Enemy No. 1 to most Detroit fans – after his comments on the city, will get it, and get it good. It would be funny if Lyles could block a shot or two of Green’s.
Pistons fans would give Lyles a standing ovation for that.