AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Play hard or sit. Basically, that is Michael Curry’s coaching philosophy and it seems to be exactly what the Detroit Pistons need.

The Pistons gave Curry his first head coaching job Tuesday in part because they’re confident he can get the most out of their remaining veterans, some of whom are former teammates.

“I don’t think you make anybody play. I think you substitute,” Curry said at a news conference. “You remove the ones that are unmotivated. That’s pretty simple.”

A week after firing Flip Saunders, Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars did not sound concerned about the 39-year-old Curry going from peer to boss.

“Guys either respect you or they don’t, and they respect this guy,” Dumars said. “Those guys trust him.

Michael Curry should be a pretty good fit with the rather “unmotivated” Pistons. I admire the respect he demands and his “play hard or sit” strategy should prove effective. His ability to step up and lead a team remains in question- only time will tellif he’s ready for this job.

Should be interesting.