Twelve minutes away from a secound consecutive world championship. That was the situation the Detroit Pistons were in last June in San Antonio.
While Detroit bided they're time waiting to recharge for a third run at the Eastern Conference crown, their opponents were impoving. The hated rival, Indiana Pacers added European super star Sarunas Jasikevicius, arguably the best all-around player in the 06 NBA Draft; Danny Granger, and if you want to call it an addition; 2005 NBA Dfensive Player of the Year, Ron Artest. They may have lost future Hall of Famer Reggie Miller but they were built for this time.
Now comes the Diesel, The Big Daddy, Shaq. He was knocked around last year and failed on his promise of a championship for the city of Miami, but now they have reloaded big time in hopes of overcoming Detroit and Indiana. The Heat have added bigtime players: flashy Point Guard Jason Williams, talented but...well...passingly challenged Power Forward Antion Walker and wiley vetran Point Gary Payton. They did lose veteran leader Eddie Jones and sharp-shooter Damon Jones.
You may think what did Detroit add? No big trades, no big signings just the vast improvment of young players and a change in the coaching department. Yes, new Pistons head coach Flip Saunders bings a new game plan to the Pistons but the players are ready for change. "Larry brought a lot to this team but we felt it wastime for a change." GM Joe Dumars said earlier this offseason.The Pistons added Big Man Dale Davis as "Shaq" insuarance. Another addition which may turn out to be a steal this offseason is the pick-up of bouncy two-guard Mo Evans, he was a key player in Sacramento's playoff march last year showing glimpses of lockdown defense versus Ray Allen.
Detroit comes into this season with high hopes and this should be another great year for Basketball in the state of Michigan.
Next Post Roster/Preseason Sched.
by Rip32 on Tue Oct 25, 2005 8:32 am 
