Wiley and Pistons share one thing -- Integrity in their work

The Pistons have taken me, much like everyone else, by surprise.

Not too long ago, I wrote a piece about how whoever won the Los Angeles Lakers-San Antonio Spurs series was surely going to win the NBA championship.

Once the Lake show strolled through the Western Conference Finals against the overmatched Minnesota Timberwolves, my prediction seemed all but inevitable.

Then, something happened. The Lakers had to face the Detroit Pistons.

I must admit I haven't seen much of the Pistons, but watching them in the finals, I am surprised. Their tenacity, hunger and near flawless execution have impressed me more than I thought possible.

Chauncey Billups has consistently carved up the feeble Lakers defense, while Rasheed Wallace has blossomed into what he never was in Portland -- a finisher. Wallace's performance in Game 4, and Billups' throughout the series, are two big reasons why Detroit has a seemingly insurmountable 3-1 lead in this best of seven series.

I don't have a rooting interest in either team, but I find it hard not to root for a team who plays the way Detroit does.

Before I go any further, I must admit this article is part NBA playoff editorial, part Ralph Wiley dedication. Wiley has been instrumental in my pursuit of excellence in journalism, and his style will never again be seen.

Back to the series and Mr. Wiley. Wiley, who wrote for ESPN.com among other publications, talked about the attitude that Detroit possessed, an attitude Wiley thought imperative for any team to take down the vaunted Lakers. Since he said it best, I will let his words do the work.

"You think Ben Wallace cares? You think Ben Wallace will shrink in front of Shaquille O'Neal and say, 'Please, sir, may I have another?' Ben Wallace is one of 10 children of poor sharecroppers from a little spot on the map called Benton, Alabama. Ben Wallace has gone up against cotton gins and giant threshing machines and nine brothers and sisters for food. Do you really think Shaquille O'Neal is going to intimidate him? You better play on."

It is precisely this mindset that Detroit's entire team shares, a fact that starts with the coach and permeates throughout the Piston roster.

This same unique, championship frame of mind is one that Wiley wrote with wherever he went. His original style, wit, grace and humor lifted spirits of readers everywhere.

In some sad way, his prophetic article, written just a few weeks ago about what he thought could be a Pistons championship victory, epitomized both his incisive journalistic style and his willingness to get laughed at by the rest of American media who were simply deciding how many games it would take for the Lakers to capture their fourth title in five years.

But when Wiley was criticized or disagreed with by his peers, he would never be shy about laying down the hammer, for Wiley always had reasons, very good ones, why he spoke, wrote and believed the way he did.

Of course, there was his smile too. His smile let anyone who might be intimidated feel immediately disengaged. His smile is timeless, as is his work.

Ralph wrote before his death, that all a man's got is his integrity of his work. I think its safe to say, the Pistons have that. It's also safe to say, Ralph had it. On a parting note....

Perhaps when the Pistons raise their Championship trophy, Wiley, who passed away on Sunday, June 13, 2004, will be looking down with that effervescent smile of his, a smile that won't be forgotten.