Can those old enough explain the early 2000s to newer fans who might not be familiar with it?

I’m (23M) starting to delve into the history of the Pistons from before I was 12-13 and really connected to Pistons discord. Feel free to answer any or all of these questions for me.

What was the perception of the team immediately following the Grant Hill trade?

Did you guys actually think the Goin to Work team would win a ring in a few seasons?

What about the Signings of Chauncey, drafting of Tayshaun, and trades for Rip,Ben, and Sheed

What were people’s thoughts with their first ecf trip against the nets and then next year as they were huge underdogs against the Lakers?

When Ben Wallace left did you guys realize that it was the beginning of the end?

What did you guys think of Joe Dumars attempted retool with the Ben Gordon and Charlie V signings?

Also why was AI such a failure?