As Good As Gone: Tayshaun Prince is at Odds With the Detroit Pistons

In a season full of unexpected surprises, no player has been more surprising than Tayshaun Prince.

Mr. "Iron Man" Prince, player of 496 straight games, has missed most of the season with numerous injuries. Understandably, most of the fans gave Tayshaun the benefit of the doubt.

Unfortunately, it is now apparent that Tayshaun Prince is no longer a significant part of the team. In one season, Tayshaun went from most steady to most underachieving.

It's quite sad, actually, considering the role he played in past seasons: the trusty sidekick. He was always there to back up the Pistons' big five. We thought he could take leadership of the team this season.

But his ceiling didn't go that high.

One of the biggest reasons of Tayshaun's disappearance is the signings of Jonas Jerebko and Austin Daye. Jonas has played spectacular basketball and should be a big part of the team in upcoming seasons. Austin Daye is one of the most intriguing rookies in the league and can be a very good player with some more experience (and strength).

But what from here?

How do you trade an overrated role player who's stuck in the glory days? It's pretty obvious that Tayshaun isn't happy.

His silent determination is gone; he's trapped between a rock and a hard place. Or should I say, a bad team and a bad back.

He's finished, a skeleton of the kid who raced down the court to save the Pistons from elimination.

He's overwhelmed, finding that he is unable to lead a young team, longing to be the youngster again.

He's confused, wondering why this team can't stay healthy.

He's angry, struggling to reach past the roof of mediocrity. 

He's hurt, nostalgic about the days when sub .500 teams were a midnight snack.

He's tired, the weight of failure thrusting down on his lanky shoulders. 

He's changed, no longer moping up the Pistons errors, but adding to them.

He's lost, struggling to come back from an injury he never thought he would suffer from.

He's tense, sensing that the future may not be in his best interests.

In a phrase, he's done.

During the game against the Pacers, Tayshaun showed us something we had never seen out of him. True frustration.

In an unexpected plot twist, he and Coach Kuester were locked in an argument. If anything, it shows that Tayshaun's days as a Piston are numbered.

However, the brief spat accurately summed up the season.

Full of surprises.