Inside the Paint: Detroit Pistons Entering a Period of Transition

Joe Dumars is still the main leader of the pack in Detroit. He hasn't changed his philosophy in terms of how he wants to build his teams, nor has he changed his approach.

But he is changing one aspect of this Pistons team, and that is the cultural makeup of the whole squad. Coming into the fold for Detroit are three draft picks described by Dumars as character players as well as free agent signings Ben Gordan and Charlie Villanueva.

Both signings played together at the University of Connecticut, a factor that helped play a role in Dumar's ability to land the two coveted free agents. Both players would fit nicely into Dumar's new-look Pistons, with players such as Richard Hamilton, Rodney Stuckey and Tayshaun Prince still in the fold.

The Pistons are expected to be a sleeper in the East, but some are already predicting that the newly improved roster could somehow gel successfully to compete for at least a top-five finish in the conference.

That possibility is not out of the question for Detroit, given the weakness of the Eastern Conference and the recent improvements of the Toronto Raptors as well.

Perhaps the teams to look for besides Boston, Cleveland, and Orlando would have to Toronto and Detroit, respectively. Both teams have upgraded at their positions, and both teams are betting man's pick to challenge both Cleveland, Boston, and Orlando for the East title.

Time will only tell if this new Pistons team can make the fold as a serious contender.

Stay tuned.