Piston Cup: Five Reasons the Detroit Pistons Will Be Title Contenders Next Year

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Piston Fans, let's face it. For the first time in a while, Detroit isn't a powerhouse or a title contender this year. Although Detroit will probably still make the playoffs, with all the confusion with the Iverson-Billups trade and an aging roster, this year just isn't theirs.

But next year will be. Here are five good reasons for this:

1. Stuckey + Prince

Detroit has a roster full of talented veterans that won't be around very much longer. But there is some relief to this fact. SG No. 3 Rodney Stuckey is a rising star that showed his worth late last season and down the stretch this season.

He brings a quick, dribble-drive offense to Detroit and adds youthful power, just what they've been looking for, to the team. All star and team USA player Tayshaun Prince (No. 22) might not have had an all-star caliber season this year, but next year this young, all-around player will continue to add youthful spirit and skill to his team.

These two youthful players will be the backbone of this aging team as they look to the future. 

2. Antonio McDyess

C Antonio McDyess brings just what the Pistons need to Detroit. With a lot of small, skinny players on the roster (Iverson, Prince, Stuckey, Hamilton) that can't do the dirty work, McDyess steps up and gets his hands dirty. He stays near the paint half the game and gets dunks and lay-ins; easy points for his team.

He also goes after the ball hard, diving onto the ground and ripping it away from players when he has to. With a few years left in the tank, he will help Detroit this year and for the next few. 

3. Allen Iverson

I know what your thinking. "Allen Iverson is way worse than Billups! Detroit was so stupid for trading him!" I agree with that statement, although I do see the value in Allen Iverson for Detroit.

Aside from adding more veteran "leadership," Iverson brings stardom to Deroit. His all star type play earned him a controversial spot on the roster of the EAST ALL STARS, where he redeemed himself with some clutch plays, and some fancy ones.

The big deal about Iverson is that no one has really warmed up to the idea yet. The Pistons are a little awkward without Billups and aren't used to having a flashy star on their roster, while Iverson hasn't warmed up to being in a big city like Motown.

Next year they all will warm up to it, and the team will regain chemistry and make it far into the playoffs. 

4. Bench + Veterans

Any way you cut it, the Detroit Pistons have a strong bench. A big guy in Jason Maxeill and Amir Johnson getting some clutch, easy dunks, some speedy, heartful guards in Stuckey and Afflalo, and youthful power in Sharpe, Bynum, and Herrmann.

Their veterans are the heart and soul of this team. With 12 years in the association, McDyess and Iverson are two big parts of the offense that will be gone pretty soon.

With nine and 13 years to their name, Hamilton and Wallace add leadership and skill to the team. Bench and veterans are a big part of Detroit's success. 

5. Fans and Atmosphere

Detroit is a big basketball city thanks to the Pistons. Wild and crazy fans line their home arena every game, win or lose. The incredible atmosphere in Detroits arena is simply awe-ing when you hear all the screaming fans in the arena, cheering on their beloved Pistons.

This will certainly help Detroit do what every team needs to do to be successful: win at home. 

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