In 1980, the Pistons were one of the weaker clubs in a league beset with difficulties.

Without the threat of relegation, the weaker clubs were supposed to be able to recuperate and improve.

"If you put that much importance on one guy," Stewart said, "then you're a weak club to begin with."

"Expansion means weaker clubs," he said, because there would be fewer great players to go around.

In the late 1980s, the former zoning arrangements which had led to such inequality between the stronger and weaker clubs began to be phased out.

Those things are bound to adjust themselves, and when the strong get too much individually, the weak club together and take it away from them.

Furthermore, the draft system ensures the weaker clubs in any season have first choice of new talent.

With weak clubs and strong hearts, North reverted to hearts.

Antennomeres seven through eleven form a weak club at the tip of the antenna.

But against a relatively weak club like the Blackhawks, the Rangers did not look impressive at all.