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Sign up for E-newsTuesday, September 6, 2005
George Blaha Chat Transcript
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One of the most recognizable sports personalities in Detroit and the NBA, George Blaha will begin his 30th consecutive season as the television and radio play-by-play voice of the Pistons in 2005-06.
The "Voice of the Pistons" is now, with the retirement of Tigers legend Ernie Harwell, the longest tenured play-by-play broadcaster in the state of Michigan. Blaha's extensive knowledge of basketball and his trademark colloquialisms such as "two and twenty-two to play" and "a high glass gun that goes" have thrilled Pistons fans of all ages for almost three decades. Blaha chatted with Pistons fans on Tuesday, September 6 on Pistons.com |  |
George Blaha: It seems like about two weeks ago we finished up Game Seven of the NBA Finals and almost won another ring. I guess time flies when you're having fun. Short summers are what it's all about when you have a great team. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. I hope all of you are as excited about the upcoming season as I am.
Bob (Novi): Do you feel the Pistons made enough moves to improve their bench for the upcoming season?
George Blaha: Absolutely. I think the draft picks, considering where we were positioned in the draft, were excellent. Clearly, Jason Maxiell will add depth, defense and toughness to the front line. And they tell me that Amir Johnson and Alex Acker - a big man and a guard who can score - have a legitimate chance to make the team. Then you add Dale Davis to the mix, who is a legitimate power player with a live body and the kind of savvy you expect from someone with his extensive experience. Then you add a swingman who can score in Maurice Evans, it all makes for an exciting and competitive training camp. It seems to me that we will definitely have the kind of depth necessary to contend again for a crown.
Weezie (South Warren): How do ex-Pistons players treat you when they see you after their tenure with Detroit, knowing that you are a red, white and blue blood Pistons fan (teal, yellow and maroon blood too but only after stubbing our big toe) as well as our broadcaster?
George Blaha: Our former players have always been great to me. I have a lot of respect for the men who play in this league, and I think they understand that and in turn have been very respectful and friendly to me. There's really nothing better than running into our ex-players; whether it's in the Motor City or somewhere on the road.
John (Shelby Township): Mr. Blaha, it's been a relatively quiet offseason for the Pistons. I know the old saying is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," but there have been a seeming plethora of moves by other teams. Does a team like the Pacers or Heat scare you?
George Blaha: If they don't scare Joe Dumars, they don't scare me. My bottom line is to trust Joe and John Hammond. They have a remarkable feel for our league and our franchise, and what makes this team tick. They have put together the best starting five in basketball, so you know they weren't going to tinker with that group. And I believe that the draft picks I alluded to earlier and the addition of Dale Davis and Maurice Evans are exactly what we needed. Miami has rolled the dice bringing in talents like Antoine Walker and Jason Williams. They also gave up Eddie Jones and Rasual Butler - two solid role players. We'll just have to see if Antoine and Jason are the right fit for Shaq and the Heat. I will say this - any team Shaq plays on has a chance. He is incredible, and always worth the price of admission. The Pacers are well-coached and very sound. We'll see how they adjust to life without Reggie Miller.
Adam (Roseville): George, what do you think about San Antonio picking up Finley and Van Exel?
George Blaha: I think the Spurs may have written themselves a ticket all the way back to the Finals. They are a Championship team, obviously, and Michael and Nick will make them even better. But the Pistons will be a better team as well, and I would welcome a re-match with the Spurs.
Cindy Murphy (Northville): What was the Pistons-Celtics rivalry like? What kind of problems did Larry Bird cause us?
George Blaha: It was a great rivalry, and it turned out to be a very respectful one between two teams that absolutely hated to lose. Larry Byrd is obvoiusly on the short list of the greatest players of all time. He could shoot, pass, rebound and was an excellent team defender. But above and beyond all of that, he was one of the greatest competitors of all time. He played with an incredible starting unit when you think of Kevin McHale, Robert Parrish, Dennis Johnson and Danny Ainge; but he's the one who gave that team its swagger. The Pistons paid their dues in getting by Boston, and learned a lot about winning from the Celtics. When it was all said and done, the Celtics clearly had the utmost respect for the "Bad Boys." That's what made it as good a rivalry as I've ever been a part of.
Carolyn: (Ontario, Canada): What was the Pistons-Lakers rivalry like back in the '88 and '89 Finals?
George Blaha: The Pistons-Lakers rivalry was the stuff that movies could be made out of. Think about it: two hall-of-fame coaches who were the best dressed and the best coiffeured coaches of their time, and could they ever coach. By the way, Chuck Daly came within a heartbeat of beating Pat Riley in '88 - or should we say, came within a phantom foul on Bill Laimbeer of winning it all in his first trip to the Finals. If you look at the other stars in the Detroit vs. L.A. script, there really are almost too many to mention. Magic, Kareem, and James Worthy were truly phenomenal players; but the Pistons were absolutely loaded with talent and toughness. From Isiah, Joe D., Vinnie Johnson and Bill Laimbeer to "The Worm" Dennis Rodman to Rockin' Rick Mahorn, Spider Salley, James "Buddah" Edwards and scoring machine Adrian Dantley, the series should have ended in six games. But Kareem's two free-throws on the phantom foul call forced the Pistons to play Game Seven with Isiah Thomas trying to go on one leg. Remember: he sprained his ankle late in his 25-point third quarter explosion in Game Six. What a series that was. I'm glad you asked the question. The Lakers had their injury problems in '89 when the Pistons swept them, on their way to their first title. But believe me, no one in Detroit felt sorry for the guys in Tinsel Town. On a personal note, it was an honor for me to not only broadcast my first NBA Finals game in '88, but to broadcast it opposite the legendary late Laker voice, Chick Hearn - one of the game's all-timers.
Charles Snow: (Ontario, Canada): Hey Mr. Blaha first of all congrats on making it the 30th mark, you don't look that old to me. I have two quick questions I've always wanted to know. 1. How many games have you missed in all your thirty years behind the microphone as the commentator? 2. How many more years would you like to see behind the microphone and are you trying to break Chick Hearn's 3,338 game record?
George Blaha: I've only missed twice because of illness. Both times, Laryngitis was part of whatever bug I had. Otherwise I would have been there, sick or not. It's never fun missing a game. There's just so much that happens. That's why the NBA has become such a big part of my life. I can't see the finish line, but believe me, Chick's record is safe.
Eddie: Harper Woods: In a one-on-one game between Isiah Thomas and Grant Hill, who would win?
George Blaha: Tough question. Chuck Daly believes that if Isiah Thomas had been 6-foot-9, he'd have been the greatest player of all time. People don't realize how good Grant Hill really was when he was healthy. He was arguably the best all-around player in the game. But based on Championships and what I know about Isiah's competitive fire, it's hard for me to imagine anybody beating him.
Baqer Alfaham (Dearborn): Hey George. Congrats to your 30th season as an announcer for this club. What has been the greatest Pistons play you have ever announced as a Detroit Pistons announcer?
George Blaha: I'd have to say Vinnie Johnson's sweet leaning jumper over Jerome Kersey with .07 of a second to go in Game Five of the '90 Finals. The shot, that 007 as we called it, made the Pistons back-to-back Champs and showed the world what VJ and the Pistons were made of. Needless to say, I came out of my seat on that one.
John (Toledo): Is Jason Maxiell's game similar to Corliss Williamson on offense and Ben Wallace on defense?
George Blaha: I think that's a fair description of what we can expect from Jason. If Joe D. and his staff felt he was the toughest guy in the draft - that he could defend, rebound and block shots and still score - I have to think we're going to see some Big Ben and some Big Nasty out of Jason this coming season.
RK (motown): Is Alex Acker a three point assassin?
George Blaha: Well, he shot 41-percent from behind the college line. I'd have to see more of him at the NBA long line before I could make a definitive statement. But I know they like his range and ability to play all three perimeter positions.
Melissa (Rochester Hills): How do you think Antonio McDyess' game will be this year? He has had such a rough career in regards to his past injury. I really admire him for not giving up. Do you think his spirits will be high enough to help us win another championship? George, I often turn down the TV and turn on the radio (1130 AM) to hear your voice. By far, you make the game seem much more exciting. Thanks!
George Blaha: Thank you very much for the nice comments about our broadcasts. It's a great game and it's a privelege to be able to deliver it to our fans. It's also been a privelege to have Antonio McDyess on our team. He's a true gentleman and a heck of a player. Once he finally got comfortable and confident about his physical abilities last year, he was more than just a factor, he was a force. I believe we'll see the same 'Dyess making a huge impact for the Pistons this coming season.
Joe (Detroit): Is Darko going to play like Bill Russell or Toni Kukoc?
George Blaha: Either would be fine; but seriously, he could end up being a player like Dirk Nowitzki. Darko's played well according to reports from the Serbian National team. Joe D. and John Hammond saw him play and were happy with what they saw. I feel he'll have a break out year either this season or next. He has an incredible amount of ability, and we all know he has great size.
Joe: Hey George, of all your years covering the Pistons who in your opinion was the greatest to wear the red and blue?
George Blaha: There are a handful of players who could be considered the greatest-ever to wear Pistons blue. But it's my opinion that Isiah Thomas deserves that honor. And I'm sure most fans and NBA insiders would agree with me.
George Blaha: These are special times to be a Pistons fan. I truly believe this group defines the word "team". We have great players on this squad and none of them are concerned about personal accollades. All they want is to bring another World Championship to the Motor City. By the way, they know and I know that we have the best sixth man in the league - our Palace fans. You are spectacular. Keep up the great work. See you soon.
