Hello Early Summer

Call me pessimistic, but with the Pistons getting ready to wrap it up this season, I'm actually optimistic looking what the summer of 09 brings upon the Pistonland.

• The Pistons may have their worst season this year for the past six season, but the Cavs are just different this year. With the chemistry and a sense of urgency throughout their organization, they are just simply on a mission. Lebron may be the driving force of the team, but its that whole that holds them all as one, with one mission.
• Many believed that the Iverson/Billups trade gave Denver the most out of it. Not so true. with the huge cap salary that Pistons have, there will be a big sign on Joe Dumars office "Wanted, Superstar!" With the economy still on its heel, it would be weird for an organization to offer a multi-million dollar job offer. So it's still pre-mature to put a judgement on who won the Billups/Iverson trade, unless the Denver wins the title this year, because if they don't, they have a big tab to pay next year, while the Pistons are enjoying shopping for a superstar in an economy known as "The Buyer's Market"
• When the Pistons sealed a playoff spot, I was very thankful and satisfied that I will be seeing them play at least 4 games in the playoffs. Expected but realistic. Pistons were the most inconsistent team in the league. Their whole regular season is very similar to summer camp. A team searching for its identity and setting the stone in the right spots.
• The Pistons are in a rebuilding phase. Pistons fans knows this. The idea of rebuilding a team in the middle of the season and still participate in the first round of the playoffs is too much to ask for, but because Pistons fans are so spoiled that Pistons have been to the ECF 6 straight years, this season is just too hard to be thankful for.
• For those who are not aware, yes Pistons really are in a rebuilding phase. This started when Billups was traded to Denver for Iverson. Two things have opened up for the team, the spot Billups left, which was given to Stuckey AND the cap salary that opened up since Denver picked up the long contract that Billups have. In addition to that, the Iverson experiment didn't work so his 1 year contract is off the books. Wallace' contract is up too.
• With the money that the Pistons have this summer, I'm more excited to see who will be the first new member of the Pistons than to see the Pistons made it to the Playoffs this year. Here's my one cent excluding all the teams that made it to the playoffs.

1. Chris Bosh - With the aging Frontline of Detroit Wallace and McDyess along with the young inexperience Maxiell, Kwame and Amir, Chris Bosh could be the leader of the pack of the front runners of the Pistons. Maybe even the leader of the team which is one of the things Pistons truly lack since Billups left.
2. Emeka Okafor - A true center is hard to find but is he good enough at the 5 spot since he's only 6'10 as suppose to Yao and Howard? Plus, he has a big chunk of contract. Though Detroit could afford to pick up his tab, Joe Dumars decision about this will be based on when pigs can fly.
3. Kevin Durant - Pistons couldn't ask Prince enough for the terrific job hes done for the organization, but his peak of potential may have reach the highest. One of the Pistons main problem is the lack of a scoring punch. Someone that can blend in with their top scorer Hamilton where the Iverson experiement failed. Durant covers two things if it becomes successful. An efficient scoring player at the 3 position and an endless scoring punch tagging along with Rip's efficiency. Dumars wouldn't disregard the idea of Durant.
4. Charlie Villanueva - Imagine another UConn star leader of the Milwaukee Bucks mix it with another Uconn star that whos considered the leader of the Pistons, Rip Hamilton? A match made in heaven. Villanueva's energy reminds me of Maxiell except he's also an offensive force, which is what the Pistons needed badly on the frontline. McDyess and Wallace's leg has aged. On top of that, Villanueva's price isn't that bad.

The rest of the possibility of other players that may want to get traded this summer will be based on how the post season will turn out. Who will get knocked out and how each player would feel of entertaining an equation Detroit Pistons + $$$$$$$ = 2010 Championship? As for me, similar to the Pistons, I'm off for the early summer...."Gone fishing"

David and Goliath

Not so long ago, David and Goliath would still be a perfect analogy of the Pistons and the Cavs. Today, it still is, except this time Lebron and the Cavs are the superior team where the Pistons are the inferior team which makes them David with a sling shot rock. This is by far the most predictable outcome that reporters, analysts and fans have made in the first round of this playoff. The Pistons has no chance period. And when I said by far, I mean its by far more than the biggest upset when the Pistons defeated the Lakers in 2004 in 5 games. Why? Because the Pistons have been inconsistent this year, not to mention their undecided rotation and revolving injury around the team. Also, a rookie coach along with a Allen Iverson (future hall of famer, scratch that) and a young point guard Rodney Stuckey that replaced a proven floor manager, Chauncey Billups. Oh, did I mention Wallace technical fouls? So there ya have it! Why in the world would anybody think that Pistons might have a chance of this series, when there's a clear indication that they are not build for the playoffs. In fact, some stated that they shouldn't be in the playoffs and they're lucky that they are.

Tens, Hundreds, Thousands, Millions of a chance?
Well, mathematically speaking, the chances of Pistons defeating the Cavs may be slim....But then someone would have to explain and convince me why in the world there's people out there who keeps winning the lottery? I don't understand. Unless there's a conspiracy theory that I'm not aware of. What most people are forgetting was last year, Pistons defeated Orlando Magic with the same starting line up as this year. I do understand that the Magic and Cavs are two different teams, but they are both the superior team in the East, along with Boston. If Pistons are going to want to get a shot at this, they're going to have to wear the same armor they wore last year, when their floor general Chauncey Billups went down but won the series anyway.

An Airplane With One Pilot
Teams like the Lakers, Magic, Heat, and Celtics have each one pilot. Kobe, Howard, Dwade, and KG. Well so as the Cavs. Do we really think that any of these team could play the way they've been playing without they're one and only Pilot? Now that's an easier questions to answer. Boston Celtics is a perfect example when KG isn't playing the way he has been and what's worst he may not even suit up for the rest of the post season. With Cavs main anchor, Lebron, who's going to drive the lane to break the Pistons defense? Williams, West, Ilausgaskas, Gibson, or may be Varejao? Forget it! Lebron James is the frame of the Cavs, without him, they wont last on the road not even for just a test drive.

A Match Up Made In Heaven for the Cavs?
Statistically speaking yes. If the Cavs translate they're consistency from the regular season to the post season it would be a walk in the park for them to pass the Pistons. It would have to start no other than Lebron James because if not, the Cavs will find themselves being draged from the ground.

An Opportunity to Embrace
This is a familiar territory for the Detroit Pistons, especially for Prince, Hamilton and Wallace. A place where they have been so many times, especially comparing it to the "against all odd" situation they faced during the NBA Finals of 2004. All bets were Pistons were going to get swept, but all the Pistons really needed was a one win to build an unstoppable momentum. With the rest of the cast, they should embrace this opportunity because one win out of the first 2 games in Cleveland is all it takes to smell the blood in the sea. Besides, all it took from David to defeat Goliath was just a swing of his sling shot.

A Lesson to Learn as a Pistons

Well there ya have it! As expected by most people in Pistons land, including myself, that Iverson's season is over. After a loss to the Nets on Wednesday, Iverson began expressing how he dislike his role playing off the bench, getting him in a hurry while he was injured but only played him 18 minutes, and emphasizing that he deserves to play as a starter, otherwise, he'll retire.......Guess what happened in the next 48 hours? Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced today that according to the medical staff, he won't be able to play to his level due to the continuation of his back problem injury. Lets not be naive to this situation. We both know how Dumars and Iverson functions. Believe it or not it's pretty simple, Dumars wouldn't allow anyone or anything to get Pistons distracted from winning while Iverson wouldn't allow anything or anyone to get on his way the way he wants to play, at least for now. Do the math and its all self explanatory not to mention how many games Pistons have won without Iverson compare to when he was playing. The lesson learned is Joe Dumars wouldn't tolerate any drama in the Pistons locker room before it becomes a contagious cancer.

Help Is On Its Way

For the past few weeks, the Pistons is no different than the Sesnon Fire that occured last year here in Socal.

The group of fire fighter = The shorthanded Pistons

The Mayor/Gov = Joe Dumars/Michael Curry

DC-10 jet fire fighter = Rip, AI and Wallace

Wind = The lingering injuries between Rip, AI and Wallace

Well, its a similar situations. The shorthanded Pistons could only do so much to ease the fire. Dumars and Curry cannot do or demand to put out the fire since the lingering injuries is like a wind that gust throughout the fire that prevents Rip, AI and Wallace to completely put out the fire.

Today, that wind has left and the jet fighters are about to take off. Finally, a breathing moment.

From Detroit News

AUBURN HILLS -- For the first time in at least a couple of weeks, Arnie Kander is seeing real progress with his three wounded warriors, to the point where two of them might be ready to play by Saturday.
Kander, the Pistons physical therapist, has been running a sort of boot camp for Allen Iverson (back), Rasheed Wallace (calf) and Richard Hamilton (groin) the past couple of days and he came away very encouraged from the session Thursday morning.
"They all ran and they all looked good," Kander said. "There was real progress today and I am hoping that Rip and Rasheed can be back by the weekend."
Coach Michael Curry said the same thing.
"I expect Rip back on Saturday (in Washington) and 'Sheed maybe Saturday," he said.
"And we hope we can get Allen back at the beginning of next week."
Coach Michael Curry said the same thing.
Wallace missed his ninth game Thursday and Hamilton his sixth.
Iverson, who missed his 15th, isn't as close to returning, though Kander said he had one of his best days Thursday.
"He really shot the ball well," Kander said. "He was hitting 90 percent of his shots in the drills we were running.
"He looks good. I don't know if he will play Saturday, but maybe he will be ready when we get back (Sunday)."
The Pistons are 2-7 since Wallace joined Iverson on the injured list.
They are 1-6 with all three players out.

Darkest Hour

When the Pistons has fallen to their eight consecutive loss a few weeks ago, the news around the Pistons land was "its over". That changed in matter of less than 48 hours after beating the NBA champion Celtics, sweeping the Magic in the regular season and winning a game against their former floor general Chauncey BIllups' Nuggets. Yesterday, things has started to slip again after losing two consecutive game against a non-playoff contender, the Knicks and the Grizzlies. However, the two losing streak were all fair-considered that it wouldn't take away their hopes, their confidence and their determination that as the Pistons' "It's time to work" attitude will once again prevail, not until they found out what's bothering their leading scorer and leading in assist has been enduring. Rip has been lingering his groin injury which explains why his shooting slump began to be a concern for the past two games. This was reported right before the game against the Dallas on the road. After dropping on the seventh playoff spot every game is critical that this has to be the darkest hour the Pistons have encountred this season with Rip, Wallace and A.I. out of the line up.

Finding the Identity

The Pistons are currently caught in a double intensity spike. They are short two of their key players, Rasheed Wallace and Allen Iverson. At the same time, they are in the midst of finding their identify completely, a person that's been awaken from a coma and starting to remember what's his/her capable of. They have won six of their last eight games, including a win over Boston and a couple of games against Orlando, who they may be facing in the first round playoffs. However, the other benefit of the past several wins are the revival of the Pistons cast, including the bench players and most notably Antonio McDyess and Richard Hamilton.

Got Rip?

Eversince Rip returned to the starting line up, their last eight games created a different outlook on the scoreboard, or rather, their opponents' averaging less than 95 points per game (94.5). Defensive effort is clearly there and just like what I've been rallying all season, that Rip may not be a hall of famer (yet), but he has a definite advantage over AI in the defensive end. At the same time you can't count him out on scoring because the old Rip that's been seen for the last six season in Detroit once again lead the team, not only in scoring but in assist. When Rip gets into a constant running mode, the opposing team has few options, either avoid the screener (the Power Forward or Center) which is practically impossible especially on the speed that Rip's generates. Another option would be to allow the screener's (whoever's guarding Wallace, Dyess, Max or Kwame) guard to switch and guard Rip. Consequently this will free up Pistons' frontcourt, which in Pistons case, Dyess would love to take that mid range shot and Sheed beyond the arc. Before you knew it, the opponents' defense has been scrambled. Rip may not be able to create his own shot off the dribble like Lebron or Kobe, but he can disrupt the teeth of the opponents defense. This is where Rip's assist stat came from.

Rolling the Dyess

While Rip is too busy on constant motion Dyess is too busy putting up some boards number, not to mention hustling on lose balls. "In my mind, if the ball comes off the boards, I'm going to get it. No matter who it is, I'm going to get the rebound." Having a mind set like that before entering a game is something, but its another thing applying it throughout the whole game. The man is on a mission, playing the game with his heart and his blood and sweat written all over the court just trying to keep the ball alive. And when he's not grabbing rebounds? He's shooting a high percentage mid range shot.

Bench In the Making

Walter Hermann is the first notable bench player that created some threat to the opposing team. With his ability to shoot above the arc and create his own shot below or close to the rim, gave Michael Curry the idea that he should be in the line up rotation. When Curry mention that he fits perfectly with Prince, that pretty much gave away that he'll be in the rotation. Another notable bench player is Will Bynum. His fearless attacking his opponent and taking it to the rim is something that Curry has been drumming, "attack and get to foul line". The norms but are now beginning to show some "zoo crew" life are Max, Kwame and Afflalo. With Amir trying to find his feet back on the gas pedal and everybody else on the bench, a hall of famer is soon to comeback. Chauncey Billups may have named the Zoo Crew, but in most games they played he really never led them. Maybe a guy who loves to push the tempo, loves to attack and able to create his own may just be what the young legs Zoo Crew needs.

NOTE: Detroit Pistons owner and Hall of Famer Bill Davidson passed away, age 86. You'll be missed

The Drama Begins

On the Pistons' eight consecutive loss, voices that has been kept for several weeks has been yelled out. This began during the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans. Wallace couldn't control his temper and earned himself a quick consecutive technical fouls. Pretty offensive to the refs, to the New Orleans fans and even to Curry and his teammates. Wallace basically handed the game to the Hornets with technicals he committed cost them seven points. The fact that Pistons loss by only three points, is an evident that Pistons could've won the game if Wallace would've controlled his temper.

After the game, the drama continued by a voice that a few weeks ago was willing to come off the bench as long as its for the benefit of helping the team to win. A sacrifice that was smart and unselfish where in the workplace is called work ethic. I'm talking about Richard Hamilton. He finally said it, what everyone has been suggesting that he shouldn't be in the bench, he's not happy and things aren't going well for the team. "Something has to give" were one of his exact words. You can't get anymore accurate than that. When something has been done for awhile producing bad result, normally, the natural reaction is to change how it's being done to try to produce a better result. That's it! That's all what Rip is saying.

When Rip came off the bench and average close to twenty points a game, it sounded pretty inspiring. Not so true. Regardless of how much points Rip makes even if its 30+ points, the points allowed to the opponents is much worse. If A.I. is in the starting line up with Stuckey, it's been an evidence that Pistons' defensive scheme is horrible. Pick and roll is almost impossible to cover. A.I. is too easy to clamp a screen by the opponent and its almost impossible for Wallace and Dyess to recover from it, leaving the ball handler cruise to the paint or bounce pass it to the screener. If either way was covered, which barely happens with A.I. getting screened, the defensive scheme has already been scrambled. Teams with fast guards are primary examples...Tony Parker, CP3, Dwade etc.

The other defensive liability that could collapse if AI is in the starting line up is teams with bigger guards. This is no rocket scientist for any coach to figure it out. In fact, fans could easily point out. Consequently, Dyess and Wallace would have to provide help coverage which leaves the paint open for a second chance points or at least an offensive rebound, where Pistons have been hurt. Normally, most people would think that AI's scoring ability would provide a great offense for a Pistons considering it has a cast that could score 20 or 30 points a night, not so true. Pistons' cast Wallace, Rip, Prince, Stuckey and Dyess are accustomed to sharing the ball with a blue print offensive scheme. With AI commanding the ball to iniate his offense, the rest of the staring line up began to wonder what they needed to do that they end up literally just standing around and waiting for what AI might do, take a shot, bail out, or dishing it. Pistons has yet to leart this type of blue print and may be difficult considering the time they spent with AI and with a guidance of a rookie coach. AI running the offense for the starting line up is an experiment like a time bomb.

On the other hand, AI's offensive threat has been acknowledge by the league, all his awards were not a coincident of any kind. He's a remarkable player, who attacks the basket, players, regardless of the opponents size considering AI's small and short frame. Flashes of AI's scoring dynamic were mostly demonstrated during his time in Philly, where he was the reigning captain and leader of the sixers. This leads me to suggest that his insertion to the second line up would rejuvenate his dynamic talent when hes surrounded by players who hustles more than what people think. Afflalo is a ruthless defender to guards and in the 3 position who has a great shooting range. Amir Johnson's capability of running down the court that could easily blend in with AI's run and gun style. Maxiell's explosiveness of rebounds, blocks and dunks. Hermann's long range beyond the arc. Bynum's fast pace ball handling and Kwame's young legs and wide size that could defend the paint.


With the starting line up Stuckey, Rip, Prince, Dyess and Sheed, the Pistons will have an offensive flow that's familiar to them and a man-to-man defense is a walk in the park. With AI leading the second unit of Kwame, Amir/Max, Hermann/Afflalo and Bynum may just be one of the dangerous second unit in the league.