DETROIT — All or nothing seems to be the formula for coaching the Detroit Pistons. Bring home an NBA championship or hit the road.

First-year coach Michael Curry became the latest Pistons coach to get the ax as president for basketball operations Joe Dumars fired him yesterday after watching his team stumble to a sub-.500 record and an embarrassing first-round exit from the playoffs.

But winning playoff games hasn't been enough to keep Pistons management happy. Just ask Flip Saunders.

Dumars fired Saunders last season after he led the team to the Eastern Conference finals in each of his three seasons. Curry was an assistant under Saunders for one season.

In 2005, the Pistons parted ways with Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown after he helped them win a title and almost repeat during his two years with the team. And Rick Carlisle was fired after two years with the Pistons following a conference finals appearance in 2003 in his second season and NBA Coach of the Year honors in his first.

Curry and Dumars shared playing days together with Detroit. That may have helped Curry land the coaching job last year, but it wasn't enough to keep him in it.

The Pistons went 39-43 in 2008-09 and were swept in the postseason in four lopsided losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers after six straight conference finals appearances. Dumars said after that series that Curry would return, but changed his mind by yesterday.

"This was a difficult decision to make," Dumars said in a statement. "I want to thank Michael for his hard work and dedication to the organization. However, at this time, I have decided to make a change."

Pistons spokesman Kevin Grigg said the timetable for naming a new coach was up in the air.

"Obviously with the free agency period starting (today), we don't know quite the speed of it," Grigg said.

MAVERICKS

KEEPING KIDD MAY BE DIFFICULT

Mark Cuban wants to be first in line to talk to Jason Kidd.

Cuban posted yesterday on Twitter, "Getting ready to fly up to NYC for Free Agent meeting at 12:01," and that free agent is Kidd, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because NBA rules prevent commenting on such things.

Cuban has made it clear he wants to keep Kidd, but it might not be that easy. The New York Knicks are believed to be interested, too, as are LeBron James and the Cavaliers or perhaps Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. Kidd has never won an NBA championship, but has won an Olympic gold medal alongside James and Bryant.

http://www.ESPN.com first reported Cuban's meeting with Kidd.

Kidd made more than $21 million last season. At 36, he knows to expect a dip — but how much could be the big difference. Another likely factor will be the length of the contract.

ELSEWHERE

Nuggets' Smith to serve 30 days after fatal accident: A New Jersey judge sentenced Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith to 90 days in jail last night for causing an auto accident that killed his friend, though Smith will likely end up serving only 30. Municipal Judge Debra J. Gelson suspended 60 days of the sentence providing Smith performs 500 hours of community service consisting of visiting sick children at hospitals. "He's 23 years old; he's a tough kid and he's going to do these four weeks and come out a better person," said Kevin Hextall, an attorney representing Smith.

Clippers extend qualifying offer to Novak: The Los Angelels Clippers have extended a qualifying offer to forward Steve Novak, making him a restricted free agent. As a restricted free agent, he may sign an offer sheet with any team, but the Clippers can match.

Boozer decides to stay with Jazz: Carlos Boozer is staying with the Utah Jazz. Boozer told the Jazz yesterday that he would return to the team instead of opting out of the final year of his contract ($12.7 million) and becoming a free agent.

Pacers make Jack restricted free agent: The Indiana Pacers have made a qualifying offer to point guard Jarrett Jack, making him a restricted free agent. Jack averaged 13.1 points per game last season while sharing the starting job with T.J. Ford.

Warriors' Maggette has wrist surgery: Golden State Warriors forward Corey Maggette had minor surgery on his right wrist Monday in Los Angeles to relieve pain that bothered the 10-year veteran intermittently during his first season with Golden State.