Instead of focusing on the drama of any one game, The Franchise follows the Pistons through their ups and downs over more than one season. From the draft rounds to the heartbreaking playoff losses, this book shows that running an NBA team is about much more than dribbling and shooting.

This book is excellent for anyone with even moderate knowledge of the game of basketball. It includes several colorfully written characters, such as a (somewhat milder) Dennis Rodman, years before he became a Chicago Bull. The only reason I don't give this book a '10' is because it isn't for everyone. Most fans are interested in the story behind the game, but some aren't.

Stauth also writes like a sports reporter, not a novelist. He details everything that goes on behind the scenes that fans never see. The many phone calls and callbacks that may or may not lead to a trade for a draft pick or a supporting player. The panicked decisions to find players to fill out the bench when a star goes down. He really does on excellent job of presenting the coach's and the GM's perspective: that NBA basketball isn't just about the superstars, it's about getting fans in the seats, giving them a good time, and using the money to put a COMPLETE and COOPERATIVE team on the court.