The No 45 Jersey: Why Fans Are Calling For The Detroit Shock/pistons To Retire Her Number

Alright, Detroit sports fans, let’s talk about a number that’s been making some noise lately. It’s number 45. And it’s not about a specific player on the Pistons court right now, or even a recent legend. This is a different kind of retirement talk, a bit of a… whisper campaign, if you will.

You see, some folks are out there, bravely (or maybe a little wildly), suggesting that the Detroit Shock, yes, the WNBA team that used to grace our city, should have their number 45 retired. And by extension, some are even nudging the Detroit Pistons. It’s a thought that’s probably making some of you scratch your heads. "The Shock? Retired number?" I hear you.

But hear me out. It’s not as crazy as it sounds. Think about it. We love our retired numbers, right? They hang up there, majestic and shiny, a constant reminder of greatness. We have Joe Dumars, Isiah Thomas, Bob Lanier, Dennis Rodman… the whole gang. These numbers tell stories.

Now, imagine a number 45 up there. Whose number would it be? That’s where things get… interesting. Because the number 45 in Detroit sports history, especially when we’re talking about the Shock, immediately brings one name to mind. A name that, for a significant period, was synonymous with winning and a certain brand of fierce, undeniable talent.

We’re talking about the one and only Deanna Nolan. Yes, that Deanna Nolan. She was a force of nature. A player who could do it all. Score, defend, dish out assists – she was the complete package.

The Detroit Shock, under the legendary Bill Laimbeer, was a team that captured lightning in a bottle. They weren't just good; they were dominant. They had that swagger, that "us against the world" mentality. And Nolan was a huge part of that success. Think about those championships.

The Shock won three WNBA championships. Three! That’s not a typo. And Deanna Nolan was a cornerstone of all those championship teams. She was a star player when stars were what the Shock needed. She was a leader when leaders were essential.

Her stats? Impressive. Her impact? Undeniable. She was a multiple-time All-Star, a Defensive Player of the Year finalist, and a key player in clutch moments. She wasn’t just a participant; she was a pioneer for women’s basketball in our city.

So, why the hesitation? Why aren't we seeing that number 45 hanging proudly next to the Pistons legends? Is it because it’s the WNBA? Is it a matter of historical precedent? Perhaps some people just don't associate the Shock with the same level of "Detroit legacy" as the Pistons.

But consider this: sports legacies are built on championships and individual brilliance. The Detroit Shock, with Nolan at the helm, delivered both in spades. They brought excitement and a winning tradition to Detroit. They made us cheer. They made us believe.

It’s easy to get caught up in tradition. And yes, the Pistons have a deep and storied history. But sometimes, traditions need to evolve. Sometimes, we need to recognize greatness wherever it shines, even if it’s in a different colored jersey.

Imagine the scene. The roar of the crowd. The introduction of a new retired number. And there, gleaming under the arena lights, is number 45. A symbol of resilience, of skill, of an era when Detroit basketball wasn't just about the men's game.

It would be a statement. A powerful one. It would say that Detroit recognizes and celebrates all its sporting heroes, regardless of league. It would acknowledge the groundbreaking achievements of the Detroit Shock and the incredible impact of players like Deanna Nolan.

Think about the younger generation of athletes, especially young women, who would see that number 45. It would be an inspiration. A tangible reminder that their dreams are valid, that their hard work can lead to lasting recognition.

And let's be honest, the "unpopular opinion" aspect is part of the fun, isn't it? It sparks conversation. It makes us think outside the box. Who says a retired number has to be exclusively for one franchise or one gender? Why can’t we have a shared legacy?

Maybe it’s time to start a new tradition. A tradition of inclusivity. A tradition of recognizing all the amazing athletes who have represented Detroit with pride and excellence.

The argument is simple, really. Deanna Nolan, in her number 45, was a champion. She was a star. She was a Detroit hero. And if that's not enough to earn a spot in the rafters, then what is?

The Detroit Shock may be a memory now, a chapter closed. But their impact, and the impact of players like Nolan, should not be forgotten. Retiring number 45 would be a way to ensure that. It would be a testament to a winning legacy that deserves to be celebrated.

So, next time you're at a Pistons game, and you see those legendary numbers hanging high, just picture it. Picture a 45, standing tall. Picture the cheers. Picture Deanna Nolan’s name etched in history.

It’s a bold idea, sure. Maybe even a little bit rebellious. But sometimes, the best ideas are. And in the passionate world of Detroit sports, a little bit of boldness might just be exactly what we need.

The Shock brought us joy. They brought us championships. And Deanna Nolan, in her number 45, was the embodiment of that triumph. It’s time we give her, and that number, the recognition they so richly deserve.

Let’s start the conversation. Let’s make some noise. Let’s make that number 45 a permanent fixture in Detroit sports lore. It's a small step, perhaps, but a giant leap for recognizing all our city's sporting heroes. And who knows, maybe this "unpopular" opinion will become a popular movement!

It's about more than just a number on a jersey. It's about acknowledging a remarkable career and a significant part of Detroit's sports tapestry. It's about celebrating a champion.

So, to the powers that be, to the fans who remember, and to the generations to come: let's retire number 45. Let's honor Deanna Nolan. Let's make it happen!

After all, a champion is a champion. And Detroit loves its champions.

This isn't just about a uniform. It's about a legacy. It's about the roar of the crowd, the thrill of the game, and the unforgettable performances that make us proud to be from Detroit. The 45 deserves its place.