If you’ve been a part of Pistons Twitter or a fan of any Detroit sports team, then you’ve probably encountered Andy Isaac and that encounter was probably a positive one.
I don’t know Andy personally, but we’ve interacted many times over the years on social media and I’ve always enjoyed his content.
He was a big influence on me many years ago when I first started writing about the Pistons and was trying to find my voice.
I liked the way he operated: Be funny, be positive, don’t take things too seriously and don’t waste your time arguing with idiots.
I’ve tried to follow that lead (sometimes more successfully than others) and six years later am still trying.
So, without making this sad, I just wanted to say a heartfelt thanks to Andy. I doubt he’ll see this but given the outpouring of love for him today, it’s clear I’m not even close to the only person he’s influenced over the years.
FTB and FC.
George Blaha gets well deserved honor
Unless you are over 50 years old, George Blaha is literally the only voice of the Pistons you’ve ever known.
He’s been at it for 49 years and is still going strong, in fact, he’s been far feistier this year then we’ve seen in a while, largely because the Pistons are actually fighting for something instead of being the doormat of the league.
George was recently selected for the Naismith Hall of Fame and was the recipient of the 2025 Curt Gowdy Media Award for electronic media, both well-deserved honors.
For me, he’s the announcer I use to judge all others, as I love his style. He’s a classic old school announcer who doesn’t try to make himself the star of the show but instead lets the players, game and crowd speak for themselves.
Some fans prefer announcers who get super excited and scream during plays, often overtaking the moment and drowning out the natural excitement of it. I love the way George Blaha lets these moments sing. I want to hear the roar of the crowd, not the roar of the announcer.
He’s also a walking encyclopedia of Pistons knowledge and stories, but doesn’t get high on nostalgia or use it to talk negatively about the modern game. He loves hoops and has evolved as the game has without the negativity or nonsense.
That doesn’t mean he’s a company man, as we’ve all heard Blaha get spicy about the Pistons when it’s called for and he’s the first one to call out things that should be.
Pistons fans have been lucky for nearly five decades and I hope we get five more.
I don’t have much else to say except now is the best time to express gratitude for those you admire.