The Pistons we’d grown to love had officially left the building. One can’t help but wonder if they’ll ever return. Coach Flip Saunders reportedly won’t be back.

Saunders was fired by the Pistons on Tuesday after failing to lead them back to the finals after three seasons. Former assistant Michael Curry was reportedly named his replacement.

Curry, who played 13 seasons in the league — including six with the Pistons — was widely respected as a player for his basketball savvy and defensive prowess. He was never the most talented player, but he found a way to survive in the league despite his limitations. His blue-collar personality should mesh well with the Pistons.

Hopefully, this is the first of many changes to come. Letting go isn’t easy, but it’s time to shake things up.

Who are these Pistons, anyway?

Over the past few years, the Pistons’ “going to work” motto has been reduced to a tired old saying. Unlike their predecessors, these Pistons aren’t about hard work. The fire and passion that galvanized the team in 2004 have been replaced by bravado and an ill-conceived sense of entitlement.

They can return home and proudly polish their one championship ring, but will always lament the fact they let a couple more slip away.

The Pistons didn’t win in 2004 because they were more talented than the Los Angeles Lakers — they won because they wanted it more. The star-studded Lakers thought they would trounce the Pistons by simply showing up, but they were sorely mistaken.

Sound familiar?

Somewhere down the road, the Pistons forgot who they were. Maybe they should have hired Dennis Green as head coach…

And so a legacy ends

They had a good run. One championship, two conference titles and six straight conference finals appearances definitely look good on a résumé. But the way the Pistons’ roster is currently configured, they’ll never win another NBA championship.

The Eastern Conference and Central Division are both improving. The Chicago Bulls have a talented roster and the first-overall pick in the NBA draft. Miami Heat has Dwyane Wade and will acquire another star via the second pick in the NBA draft.

LeBron James will eventually get the help he needs to take the Cleveland Cavaliers back to the finals, while the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers and Atlanta Hawks are young, hungry and talented squads.

The Pistons could tweak their roster and hope for another conference finals appearance next year, but even if they got that far, another disappointing finish is inevitable. The organization would be foolish to think otherwise.

The Pistons need to retool, so it only makes sense they start by trading away the biggest tool on the team, Rasheed Wallace. Wallace is inconsistent, apathetic and lazy — every quality that has marred the Pistons the last few seasons.

He’s arguably the most talented player on the roster, but his melodramatic antics and refusal to play in the low-post are burdens to the team.

With a year left on his contract, Wallace is expendable. He would be a great asset to a veteran-laden team like the Houston Rockets, or a team looking to clear salary after next season.

In Wallace’s absence, the Pistons could start Jason Maxiell. Maxiell has steadily improved his mid-range game, and although he’s undersized, he is capable of matching up with taller forwards. The Pistons could also try to exercise a sign-and-trade with the Los Angeles Clippers for forward Elton Brand, who reportedly wants to leave the Golden State. Trading Richard Hamilton is another option. With two years and $21 million remaining on his deal, Hamilton has the trade-friendliest contract on the team. I love Hamilton, but the Pistons need to find room in the starting line-up for Rodney Stuckey and Chauncey Billups is essentially untradeable given the long-term deal he signed last year.

Let the kids play

No matter what Pistons General Manager Joe Dumars has in store this off-season, finding more minutes for Stuckey needs to be his top priority.

People inside the Pistons organization are salivating over his potential, and who can blame them? If he continues to improve his perimeter game, he could be an all-star as soon as next season.

In the postseason, Stuckey flashed all the tools that enamored Dumars when he scouted him as a sophomore at Eastern Washington. He showcased an uncanny ability to dart into the lane, impressive floor awareness, and a fearless attitude.

More importantly, he exhibited improved defensive skills and improved range from 18-25 feet. At 6 feet, 5 inches, he’s one of the biggest and strongest guards in the NBA. His potential is through the roof.

Speaking of potential, it’s time to take the diaper off Amir Johnson. He’s shown flashes of brilliance — especially on defense – but he’s still raw. Entering his fourth year with the team, it’s time to see what he can do.

Dumars can play it safe by sticking with his current guns, or take a chance and prepare this team for the future.

I say let’s gamble, baby.

Alex Altman is the Sports/lifestyle Editor for The State News. He can be reached at sports@statenews.com .