---

The Detroit Pistons needed to sever ties with Larry Brown.

Considering the questions surrounding Brown's health and his apparent desire to work for another NBA franchise, the Pistons made the right move at the right time.

With the relative paucity of first-rate coaches in the NBA today, Pistons GM Joe Dumars knew he couldn't wait any longer. If he did, he very well could've ended up with a coach who lacked the qualifications necessary for the position.

Detroit is a championship-level team. They need a coach who can handle the responsibility.

Luckily for the Pistons, former Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders decided to be patient and wait for an enviable coaching position to open up.

Because of Saunders' patience and the Pistons' decision to expedite Brown's dismissal, last season's Eastern Conference champions should be able to challenge for the NBA championship again next season.

In his nearly decade-long tenure with the Timberwolves, Saunders compiled a 411-326 record, leading the franchise to eight consecutive postseason appearances and its first ever appearance in the Western Conference Finals in the 2003-2004 season.

Along with an impressive coaching resume, Saunders will also bring along his unique interpersonal skills.

He knows how to connect with his players, and he knows how to communicate his ideas in composed, well thought-out manner.

But perhaps most importantly of all, Saunders won't head into next season with baggage from the previous season.

If Brown had decided to return as the Pistons' head coach, he would've needed to regain the respect his players. He would've needed to convince his players that the possibility of landing a front office position with the Cleveland Cavaliers wasn't a distraction for him during last season's playoffs.

For someone who preaches about the importance of teamwork and the need to do things the "right way," Brown's decision to talk with Cavs officials in the midst of the playoffs seemed to be in contradiction with his values.

Brown had seemingly sacrificed the good of the team for the good of himself.