Winners in Disguise? Why the Detroit Pistons 28 Game Losing Streak is Actually a Good Thing

The Detroit Pistons have lost 28 games in a row, setting a new NBA record for futility. But is this really a bad thing for the team’s business? I don’t think so. In fact, I think it’s a brilliant strategy to attract more attention and revenue.

Think about it. When was the last time you were hyped about watching a Pistons game? For many people, the answer will be recently, because everyone wants to see which team will receive the embarrassing historical mark of ending their losing streak.

Every Pistons game going forward is going to have playoff intensity, since no one wants to lose to them. Their overtime loss to the Celtics was a perfect example of how even a 19-point lead isn’t safe when the other team is playing with the motivation of not wanting to be on the wrong side of history.

It’s tough to believe an NBA team can lose 28 straight games, but in this case it may be a blessing in disguise for the Pistons franchise. They are relevant again, albeit for all the wrong reasons. Relevancy is better than being irrelevant, though.

More people are talking about them, more people are watching them, which could translate to more people are buying their merchandise. The Pistons are making headlines and generating buzz, something they haven’t done in years.

Sure, they are losing games and some fans, but they are also likely gaining exposure and money. They are sacrificing short-term success for long-term glory. People are marking their calendars so they won’t miss any part of the Pistons chasing the wrong side of history with a persistence rarely seen.

The Pistons are not losers. They are winners in disguise.