Can someone explain the Pistons lineup to me? I am confussed.

[Lucky17]

Tanking for a higher draft pick?  That's how it reads to me.  Although I don't know who they're eyeing in the draft.  Are there any real superstars out there?

Tanking? No way.

Prince and Rip have been out since the first week of the season, and various other key players have been fighting nagging and freak injuries.

Plus, their strength of schedule to date is somewhere in the top 10. If anything, they are overachieving.

[nickagneta]

Tanking for a higher draft pick?  That's how it reads to me.  Although I don't know who they're eyeing in the draft.  Are there any real superstars out there?

Actually I think John Wall might be a better player coming out of college and ultimately a much better player than Derrick Rose.

Top of the draft this year isn't going to have many superduperstars but this will be a decently deep draft. IMO.

[hoopaddict08]

Why are people knocking coach Kuester, and Piston management?

Let's see what has been the Piston line-up that has won their last 4 out of 5 games?

Atkins
Stuckey
Jerebko
Maxiell
Wallace

Atkins and Big Ben can still play? Yes, they certainly can.
Two of their wins were against Atlanta, and Denver.


Why isn't Gordon in the line-up? Gordon has been injured. He has played two of the last six games with limited minutes. He was out against Atlanta and Denver. That's why Atkins is starting, and Villanueva was moved to the bench to provide scoring off the bench.

Do you really think Dumars regreats trading Chauncey at this point?

Billups was indeed huge for us, but the guy became too laid-back after winning it all and losing in the Finals the following year.

Gordon and Villanueva were great pick-ups by Dumars. They aren't terrible defensively, they are average and haven't hurt us one bit. Charlie is a huge upgrade over the three point chucking Rasheed. Do we really miss his defense when we have Ben Wallace back? Big-Ben has almost returned to form since coming back.

Ben Wallace this season:

10.1 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 1.2 BPG


Most importantly, the development of Rodney Stuckey has been huge. He started the season out in slump but has slowly come back to form.

His defense has also improved greatly this season.

Stuckey this season:
18.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 41 FG%

Last five games:
22.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1 SPG, 47 FG%

Chauncey:
17.5 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 40 FG%

Billups obviously is a better leader, and has experience, but Stuckey is showing some serious signs of imprvement and potential.


When the Pistons get healthy, they are going to be a decent team. A lot of good young players to build upon.

How would Boston be doing without their three top offensive players? So far, the Pistons have been pretty [dang] good.

[indeedproceed]

Austin Daye (6'10) played SG last night.

[Lucky17]

Austin Daye (6'10) played SG last night.

Yep. Bynum and Gordon both out with bad ankles.

Jerebko and Daye look like extremely versatile players. I'm not sure anyone expected either to contribute much to the team this year.

Wallace has been rejuvenated (re-rejuvenated?). Another pleasant surprise beyond wildest expectation.

Pistons are now riding a 3 game win streak vs. Denver.

They aren't without their flaws, but Detroit could well contend for a playoff berth this season when their roster is at full strength.

[hoopaddict08]

Austin Daye (6'10) played SG last night.

Off the bench

[P2]

Wow, I thought Chucky Atkins is dead...