Are there parameters about how long a rebuild should take? I've been wondering about this lately as the Tigers struggle in a year they were expected to take a step forward. The season is far from over and injuries have plagued the Tigers much like they did the Pistons, but fans expected a step forward this year. How long can a rebuild last before we decide that it isn't working? The alternative risk is starting over before the rebuild can really set in.
So, how long is too long? It seemingly depends on the sport, but I would say most are given roughly four years to rebuild, but is that always long enough? Consider Jim Harbaugh's turnaround at Michigan. The Wolverines are finally working their way back into relevancy after seven seasons. Did Michigan give him too long? Has the rebuild of the program really worked? He only has one Bowl Game win. On the other hand, Michigan made the college football playoff and beat the Buckeyes this year.
The optimism surrounding the Lions is a familiar story. "But this time it's different!" That's what we tell ourselves every time. I think the offseason is the most exciting time for a team in a rebuild because of the potential and possibility of what could be. Yes, this is obvious, but what type of signs should we be looking for even in a season that doesn't live up to expectations?
I think the most obvious things to look for are young talent, habits, and response to adversity. The Tigers have, at times, ditched the good plate approaches. If this practice were to continue, it would be concerning. The young players like Torkelson have displayed continued improvement, though. Some young pitchers have come up from the minors and played well, too. I guess the Tigers' goal for the rebuild would be to get healthy and finish strong.
If we look at the Pistons, I think the time for a jump is now or something isn't working. Whether that is the coaching or the exact arrangement of players, I don't know. I'm not suggesting that they should be a dominant force already, but they shouldn't be at the top of the lottery again. Now, I'm not suggesting we go back to middling and suffer permanent mediocrity, but there need to be some strides. The one-year turnaround of the 2006 Tigers or the 2002 Pistons is unrealistic.
Should the team be expected to post better records each year? Should the team be expected to compete even though they lose a lot of games? At some point, push comes to shove, and the team needs to win games. Moral victories eventually become meaningless. The word "potential" is equally a harbinger of failure as it is of success.
I think all of the Detroit teams are flirting with this conundrum of "potential." I think it is time for all of them to turn the corner. I'm a fan of Detroit sports in what has been a miserable period. With the young stars and positive outlooks, I can only hope we can move past "potential" soon.
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