30 Teams In 30 Days: Detroit Pistons

2007-2008 in Review

Record: 59-23
Eastern Conference Seed: 2
Playoff Results: Lost to BOS in Eastern Conference Finals (4-2)

Summer of 2008

Key Additions: Michael Curry (via coaching change), Kwame Brown (via free agency).

Key Losses: Flip Saunders (via coaching change), Jarvis Hayes (via free agency), Lindsey Hunter (via free agency/retirement?), Juan Dixon (via free agency), Theo Ratliff (via free agency).

Despite numerous rumblings suggesting that the Detroit Pistons were set to be blown up this past summer, Joe Dumars decided to take the conservative route and keep the core of the roster intact. Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton were not shipped to Denver for Carmelo Anthony, Rasheed Wallace was not dealt to the highest bidder, and Tayshaun Prince is still sporting the red, white, and blue (pun intended - see what I did there?).

In fact, the only significant offseason acquisition was none other than one of the biggest draft busts of all-time, Kwame Brown, who was signed a two-year deal (the second year being a player option) with the club.

As easy as it is to poke fun at Brown, especially considering the heat he has taken from Stephen A. Smith (on the level of “Rah-sho Ne-ste-ro-vic!” and “Slava Med-ve-den-ko!”), his interior defense should undoubtedly be a better fit alongside ‘Sheed than Antonio McDyess's has been. As long as they don’t ask him to catch bullet passes or win a game of knockout, the signing may be more crucial than the average lurker would think.

The big move of the summer, however, was the firing of Flip Saunders. After three straight years without advancement past the Eastern Conference Finals, it was time for a shake-up.

Replacing Saunders is Michael Curry, who is primed for his seventh year as a part of the organization. The 39-year-old served as an assistant coach this past season, after spending time as the NBDL’s Vice President of Player Development and Vice President of Basketball Operations in years prior.

The largest difference between Saunders and Curry, which is to Curry’s advantage, has been said to be natural leadership skills. Saunders has been well-known as a passive head coach who sometimes reverts to allowing other make in-game decisions for him, rather than taking the initiative. Curry, on the other hand, brings a much-needed no-nonsense mentality and the mental toughness necessary to lead a team.

Time will tell, but many a personnel within the organization are convinced that Curry is indeed the right man for the job. Stay tuned.

Depth Chart

C: Rasheed Wallace / Kwame Brown / Cheikh Samb
PF: Antonio McDyess / Jason Maxiell / Amir Johnson
SF: Tayshaun Prince / Walter Herrmann / Walter Sharpe
SG: Rip Hamilton / Arron Afflalo / Darius Washington
PG: Chauncey Billups / Rodney Stuckey / Will Bynum

Biggest Strength: Chemistry

The core of this roster has been together for multiple years, and as a result, has developed a nearly unmatchable level of chemistry. Billups, Hamilton, and Prince have each been Pistons since 2002, while Rasheed Wallace was inserted into the mix in the middle of the 2003-04 season. That’s five straight seasons that the foursome has been together, and six seasons for the perimeter trio.

Naturally, a group that has played with one another for a period of time as extensive as that is going to develop fantastic chemistry. These guys know each other like the back of their respective hands, and that’s something that can neither be taught nor taken away from them.

Biggest Weakness: Overconfidence

Like any consistently elite team, the Pistons have developed a great level of confidence to go along with a bit of a swagger. After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals six straight years, it’s more than understandable.

However, this club has occasionally taken it to unnecessary extremes. At times, they tend to put on the “we’re invincible” act. Sometimes they cruise—and the Philadelphia 76ers nearly called their bluff in the first round of the 2008 NBA Playoffs as a result.  But most of all, they rarely provide a true sense of urgency until they’re pushed into rough situations.

Now, six straight Conference Finals appearances is certainly nothing to grow depressed about, but when these emotional mishaps happen on an annual basis, it turns into something that is holding this team back from greater success like the team experienced in 2004 and 2005.

X-Factor: Focus:

Spinning off of Detroit’s weakness of overconfidence, it seems as though this team’s x-factor remains its focus. Taking that a step further: consistent focus. As long as the Detroit Pistons refrain from losing focus and allowing their emotions to get the best of them (I’m talking to you, Rasheed), there is no doubt in my or anyone else’s mind that they are a legitimate championship threat.

What to Expect In 2008-2009

As long as Michael Curry can instill a constant level of focus and emotional control, watch out for Detroit. Everybody tends to write this team off year after year, yet they continue to show up and advance to the Conference Finals. Barring anything out of the ordinary, such as a freak accident or significant injury, expect this team to be near the top of the Eastern Conference standings throughout the regular season, and hold their ground as a threat to win the East.

2008-2009 Predictions

52-30
First in Central Division
Second in Eastern Conference

Tomorrow: Golden State Warriors