So Far So Good

Well the Pistons are 2 - 0 in the pre-season. Big Ben has looked rejuvenated and the 3-guard combo of Stuckey, Gordon, and Bynum looked unstoppable against Milwaukee. The team looks to have plenty of offensive firepower and we haven't even seen a lineup with Villanueva yet. The only question will be the defense as most prognosticators have said all along. I still like our playoff chances in the East and I suspect a record somewhere in the 42 to 44 win category is not out of the realm of possibility. Stay tuned...

Long Time No Blog

So it's been forever since I've posted anything. I know, I know, what's the hold up? Well, frankly life gets in the way sometimes and we can forget how little things like this site can bring us a moment of laughter or enjoyment.

That being said, oh how the winds of change have blown this off season in Detroit. These are not your grand daddies Pistons anymore. Heck, these aren't even your older brothers Pistons. If you are anything like me, you never thought you'd see the day when the Pistons became a run and gun offense with virtually no defensive identity. Detroit teams were always teams built on hard nosed, knock you down and see if you can get up kind of defense. Does that mean this team can't be successful? Certainly not. Anyone who follows the NBA with any regularity will agree that it has become a hands off league. The isolation game is king. The NBA wants high flying dunks and acrobatic alley oops. These plays were anomalies 10 years ago, reserved for the likes of Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins. Now, any 3rd string guard comes in and makes these "Sportscenter" highlights. The game has changed. Joe D is trying to keep pace. His successes far outweigh his failures. He still deserves the benefit of the doubt.

Then their is the return of the prodigal son, Ben Wallace. No longer will he be a dominant force on the defensive end or a rebound vacuum. His role now is one of a mentor, a teacher. Maybe to help remind some of these young players of what it means to play defense. That is welcomed with open arms. Plus, there is still nothing like being inside a capacity crowd at the Palace and hearing the bell rung after a Ben Wallace block. These will be harder to come by for sure. But when it happens and the crowd roars, the feeling can't be described but must be experienced to fully comprehend. It is something I highly recommend.

So things change, players come and go. Some we will miss. A Rasheed pre-game dance or "Ball Don't lie!" at the free throw line. Others couldn't be excused quick enough. Like an unwanted house guest that has overstayed their welcome. Don't let the door hit you where the good lord split you AI. One thing is for sure, we still love our Pistons. And there still is nothing like Deeee-troit Basketball! Go Pistons!

Pistons loss Means 8th Seed...

Well, 1st off, sorry I havn't posted in forever! Life gets crazy sometimes. Anyway, the Pistons had yet another 4th quarter collapse last night in a must win game against Chicago. The loss means Detroit will be the 8th seed in the playoffs and have to square off against Cleveland in the 1st round. The Cavs have only lost 1 home game the entire season, meaning it will be virtually impossible to beat the Cavs in this series. However, should Detroit somehow steal a game in the first 2 in Cleveland, they would have a heartbeat, albeit a very weak one.
Unfortunately, I think we'll be talking about off-season strategy very early for the Pistons this year. However, we all knew it had to happen at some point, the transition that is. Joe D has set this team up for success again in the very near future, as early as next season they could be listed as contenders once again. Until then, let's hope for the best, and as always, Go Pistons!

And the Losses keep coming...

Well, what really is there to say after this latest lost to OKC, the worst team in the NBA. I can't seem to figure this team out. It certainly seemed like they were playing better while Rip was out. I just think that having Rip and Tayshaun continue to play out of position is not the "Answer," if you will. In fact, I don't know if the "Answer" is the the answer. The fact of the matter is that I really think that as Pistons fans we need to be honest with ourselves and accept this year for what it is; a transition period. I think we can all agree that this team has no chance at competing for an NBA title, and will probably struggle to grab a top 4 spot in the Eastern Conference. Several factors contribute to this:

1. Michael Curry is a rookie head coach - I really like MC's attitude, but it's going to take him some time to get acclimated to this role. I can't remember the last time a rookie head coach guided a team to a title, if it's ever happened. If it has, let me know!

2. Rodney Stuckey is a rookie floor leader - I certainly love Stuckey's game! He has the makings of a super star in this league. He can simply dominate a game when he chooses too. However, I think he too is learning on the fly to be a floor general. The day will come when he will be a perennial all-star. I think he needs a season or 2 to get there.

3. Supporting Cast - Let's face it, Sheed, AI, and Dice, all guys you need to lean on to win a championship are all past their prime. If you threw those 3 together 5 years ago, watch out, you might have had a dynasty on your hands. They all have come together at probably the wrong point in time unfortunately. AS for the young guns, this is really the first season they've seen significant playing time. And like Rodney Stuckey, they just need time to grow.

Unfortunately this adds up to some frustrating times for us die-hard Piston fans. But don't worry Piston faithful, brighter times are ahead.

Can you see Amare Stoudemire in Piston Red, White and Blue come next summer? I sure can, and it's a nice view. Here's hoping!

Tonight's the Nite!

Tonight I will get a chance to have the Pistons experience of a lifetime. If you recall a few weeks back, I wrote about a contest being put on by Natalie over at Need4Sheed and the Detroit Pistons. The contest winner would have a chance to enjoy the Pistons experience of a lifetime. Well, low and behold, I was chosen as one of the winners! I will be arriving to the game this evening against the Kings at 5pm. I'll get a chance to tour all of the Pistons facilities including the locker rooms. I'll get to sit on the bench while the players take warmups. I get to sit in a suite at the Palace to enjoy the game accompanied by the championship trophies. I'm sure this experience will be more than I could possibly imagine at this time. I'll be bringing by camera and taking TONS of pictures. I'll be sure to post some of them to hopefully share and convey some of the excitement that the night is sure to bring. My thanks go out to Natalie and the Pistons organization for such an awesome opportunity.
Oh yeah, tonite's game is against Sacramento at 8pm and will be broadcast on FSN Detroit. As always, Go Pistons!

Also, make sure to head over to the need4sheed website as they are having another amazing contest with the winner receiving an autographed Rasheed Wallace Jersey!

Pistons are in Flight; Afternoon Delight

In the words of a great song which I fondly remember from a memorable scene in the Will Ferrel classic, "Anchorman;" "when it's right, it's right, why wait until the middle of the cold dark night." Right now, things are right with the Pistons. Even in a new years matinee that saw them without Rip, Dyess, and losing Sheed early on to an ankle injury; the Pistons persisted to a fifth straight win. Iverson stepped up is scoring in the second half to help lead the Pistons. Prince continued to be consistent as did Stuckey. Amir Johnson came in and locked down defensively on Lopez when the Pistons needed it most down the stretch. AA also was a spark off the bench. It's nice to see this team finally stringing some wins together and starting to look more like the Pistons we've known these last few seasons.
The Pistons can look forward to one more home game this Friday against Sacramento before heading out a west for a 4 game trip, and 7 of their next 9 away from the Palace. Let's keep this win streak going and gain momentum for that west coast trip. Go Pistons!

Free Pistons Tickets!

Would you like a chance to have the ultimate Pistons experience for free! Head on over to need4sheed.com and check out the contest Natalie has going for all of us Pistons fans. If you have a great Sheed impression, you just might win!