This Rig is Flat!

The tires on the Piston Rig can officially be called flat! The Pistons have absolutely looked out of sorts these last couple of games. In Boston on the second half of a back to back I can kind of understand; but home for the previously winless on the road T-Pups! Are you kidding me! I wish I was. The Pistons offense has looked woeful. Everyone is standing around and waiting for something to happen; newsflash, nothing is happening! Richard Hamilton looks to be completely out of sorts. It's obvious that the AI trade has really affected his game adversely. Chauncey always knew where to deliver the ball to Rip, coming off screens and back cuts. That is just not happening now. Every time Rip gets the ball, he is having to create his own offense, this is not his forte. I'm hoping that all of this is just side effects from the trade and that they will work through all of it very soon. I'm hoping it's sooner rather than later as I will be attending the game Wednesday night against New York. I'll be sitting court side during warm ups courtesy of some special arrangements. Hopefully I'll have some good pictures to post as well as a first hand review from a Piston win! Go Pistons!

A Tale of 2 Halves

The Pistons game last night against Cleveland certainly had me scared after half number 1 as I'm sure many of you were as well. The ball seemed like it was to big for the bucket as shot after shot clanged off the rim after the Pistons quick start. However, the one good thing was they played good defense holding the Cavs to only 41 points in the first half.
The stifling defense continued in the 2nd half and Sheed and AI both started to get hot. Aaron Afflalo came in and provided great energy off the bench and played great defense on Lebron. You had a feeling when Sheed sank two very deep 3 balls that the Pistons were in control and wouldn't relinquish the lead. That proved to be the case and our boys came out victorious.
No rest for the weary however. The Pistons will travel to Boston to square off with the Celtics this evening. You can bet that we will be looking to avenge our loss to them just 10 days ago. AI has had a chance to gel a little more with his teammates and you can bet the Pistons will be looking to make a statement in back to back games. Tip off for this one will be 8pm and be televised nationally on TNT. Go Pistons!

Back 2 Work

The Pistons will be back in action tonight against the Cavaliers. This kicks off a very rough back to back with Cleveland tonight and away for Boston tomorrow. The Pistons finished a tough early season west coast trip at 3 - 1. After the game in Boston tomorrow night, they will be home for the remainder of the month.
Cleveland comes in winners of 9 straight. The Pistons are coming off a very flat performance in Phoenix on Sunday and have been off since then. I know it's early on in the season, but tonight is a statement game. The Pistons now have their superstar player in Allen Iverson to combat the star power of LeBron. Don't get me wrong, AI is no LeBron. However, when called on, he still can put 40+ in on any given night. Tonight, we may need one of those performances from AI.
Tune in to FSN Detroit for the tip @ 7:30 tonight. Go Pistons!

Tayshaun slays the Raptors

It was Tayshaun's night in Toronto. Still without newly acquired Allen Iverson and without the services of Chauncey, now traded away, Tayshaun stepped up in what was the biggest test for the Pistons on this young season. Tayshaun was hot all night from everywhere on the floor, helping the Pistons to remain undefeated at 4-0.
Coach Curry continued to show faith in the bench as they again logged heavy minutes, and meaningful minutes at that. Both Hermann and Kwame Brown were in the game with less than 5 minutes to go and the lead only at 4 points. This kind of valuable experience will prove dividends down the road I'm sure. And you can't help but be impressed with the steady point guard play from not only Rodney Stuckey, which we are expecting; but how about Will Bynum. He looks to be another solid pickup for the Pistons of guys that have been cast off by former teams. We'll gladly take his services.
Iverson will make his Piston debut Friday night in New Jersey. Tune in to FSN Detroit at 7pm to catch all of the action.

AI to Detroit...so long Mr Big Shot

It was a sad day for me personally when I heard the news today of Chauncey's departure from the Motor City. Don't get me wrong, I respect Allen Iverson's game and all of the accomplishmens he has made on the basketball court. But it was Mr Big Shot that took us to the promised land in 2004 and helped us slay the seemingly invinceable Lakers. I had friends comment to me that Chauncey chokes in the playoffs and hasn't lived up to his Mr Big shot moniker. I disagree. He has had the unfortunate luck of injuries in the playoffs and other factors. I firmly believe he poured his heart and soul into this organization and this team. That being said, I wish him only the best and glad that for everything that happened, at least he can go home to Denver.

I will however reserve final judgement on this deal until I see the outcome of this season. Unless we win a title, this deal means nothing. Chauncey took us to the Eastern Conference Finals for 5 consecutive years. The only thing Aleen Iverson can deliver that is better than that is another championship. Is that asking toomuch? No. Chauncey set the bar high, you are in his shoes now AI, you need to deliver.

On a side note. The Pistons did sign Rip to a 3-year contract extension after this season. Also, it appears McDyess will be bought out of his contract immediately by Denver tomorrow, making him a free agent. According to Stephen A. Smith of ESPN, McDyess will re-sign with Detroit as soon as possible.

Please leave your thoughts on this trade in the comments. Can't wait to see how my readers feel.