The only Piston owner many of us have ever known has finally left us today at 85. Innovator and pioneer in many ways.

A truly great self-made man. I know I'll miss him.

RIP Mr. D. You will be sorely missed. I hope your kids are ready to carry on.

When did he die?

news just broke an hour ago.

RIP

incredible the the pistons franchise has only had 2 owners in 60 years of operation.

RIP to Mr. Davidson and thoughts to his family. Really sad news.

At least to me, this is a little disconcerting for the Pistons franchise. Davidson was one of the best owners in the league, IMO.

(I apologize to anyone if I offended anyone with my above statements. I don't want this to turn into an argument thread.)

He loved the team a lot. I would hope that he made sure he left it in the hands of someone that was going to take good care of it.

He loved the team a lot. I would hope that he made sure he left it in the hands of someone that was going to take good care of it.

Me too, and I'm sure he did. But still, you never know 100%, which is why I'm slightly worried. The Pistons are one of the 4 or 5 best franchises in the league, and Davidson was a major (if not the major) reason for that.

Sad, sad news. Rest in peace Mr. D.

Hey a friend of mine and I are trying to remember what he said at the 2004 champioship parade....something something, "BULLSHIT!". Anyone have the quote??? I can't remember.

Rest in peace Mr. Davidson, you lived a life to be proud of.

See ya in Valhalla, Mr. D.

R.I.P. Mr. D.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the Davidson family as well as the Pistons, Shock and Lightning organizations.

My wife and I had the privilege of sitting in the owner's box at a Pistons game last season and everyone there was as nice as can be. I really hope the team stays in the family. On a slightly selfish note, I thought about what it would be like to have a different owner take over the Pistons. I was disgusted be the possibility that it would be a corporate sponsor and The Palace of Auburn hills would be called, "The Caesar's Palace of Auburn Hills" or "The Subway Center" or something...

Sad, sad news. Rest in peace Mr. D.

Hey a friend of mine and I are trying to remember what he said at the 2004 champioship parade....something something, "BULLSHIT!". Anyone have the quote??? I can't remember.
I think he was quoting the national sports analysts on how they were considered underdogs playing the "Hall of Fame Lakers" to which he quoted and then responded, "Bullshit" and if people didn't catch it, he repeated himself again and actually cursed twice on the air. It was magical. He will truly be missed.

Me too, and I'm sure he did. But still, you never know 100%, which is why I'm slightly worried. The Pistons are one of the 4 or 5 best franchises in the league, and Davidson was a major (if not the major) reason for that.


Davidson did an interview where he made it clear that plans were in place for the pistons and palace sports & entertainment to continue in the family and there were no worries about the future of the franchise in the event of his death.

I'm almost certain it was the interview he did with mitch albom last year for his hall of fame induction but I can't find a link so I'm not 100% on that. Then again, he did interviews so rarely that's almost certainly the one.

Anyway, I certainly feel grateful to him for a quality franchise and quality venue. RIP.

I agree with Shags that this isn't the best time to nitpick Davidson's shortcomings, which were obviously outweighed by his successes as an owner.

Farewell to one of the best NBA owners and THE BEST WNBA OWNER EVER.

I wonder if Tom Wilson's influence increases now? I wonder if he got a piece of the team?

Did Davidson still own the Tampa Bay Lightning these days?

RIP, Mr. D

Sold the Lightning last year, I think.

Big loss not just for Pistons and their fans, but for all of Detroit.

I do not weep for the dead. What use are my tears to dust. I weep for myself.

I agree with Shags that this isn't the best time to nitpick Davidson's shortcomings, which were obviously outweighed by his successes as an owner.

Farewell to one of the best NBA owners and THE BEST WNBA OWNER EVER.

I wonder if Tom Wilson's influence increases now? I wonder if he got a piece of the team?

I just threw up a lil bit thinking that might happen. I just don't like that guy.

re: Mr. D. Whenever I was watching a game, I'd always look over for Mr D on the end lines by the players. He'll be missed.

Wilson is a snake, but he's not a dumb snake. I'm pretty sure he doesn't want to interfere with what's working and fuck with his golden goose.

Tom Wilson has been running the non-basketball end of palace operations already. I he has enough to do.

Will he be buried in the Member's Only jacket?

Too soon?

Too soon GD.

RIP to Mr. D, thoughts and prayers to his fam.

The only Pistons owner I have ever known is gone...

At least he lived a long life and helped a ton of people, plus the guy made the Hall!

I just threw up a lil bit thinking that might happen. I just don't like that guy.

re: Mr. D. Whenever I was watching a game, I'd always look over for Mr D on the end lines by the players. He'll be missed.
Same here.

RIP Mr. D, great guy, good owner!

Will he be buried in the Member's Only jacket?

Too soon?

Still?

I can't help but think it's Curry's fault that Davidson's dead.

Wow. Where were we all on that one? Nice Mo.

I can't help but think it's Curry's fault that Davidson's dead.


That deserves a non-alcoholic toast right there. Great one.