Record: 59-23, 1st in Central Division, 2nd in Eastern Conference
Statistical Comparisons
Notable:
1st in opponent scoring (90.1 ppg)
2nd in ppg differential (+7.4 ppg)
3rd in opponent field goal %
3rd in blocks
1st in turnovers
Others:
16th in the league in scoring (97.5 ppg)
13th in field goal %
13th in three-point %
22nd in free throw attempts per game
13th (tie) in free throw percentage
10th in assists
17th in steals
18th in opponent turnovers
Good offensive rebounding team
Average defensive rebounding team
Movement
Significant Additions: Kwame Brown, Will Bynum
Significant Subtractions: Jarvis Hayes, Juan Dixon, Theo Ratliff
Roster
Coach: Michael Curry
Key Players
PG: Chauncey Billups, Rodney Stuckey
SG: Rip Hamilton, Aaron Afflalo
SF: Tayshaun Prince
PF: Rasheed Wallace, Jason Maxiell, Amir Johnson
C: Antonio McDyess, Kwame Brown
Comments
As I recall from comments made after the Pistons were ousted from the Eastern Conference Finals by the eventual champion Celtics, this was supposed to be the summer where Joe Dumars made major moves to get his team back over the hump. I would say Kwame Brown qualifies as majorly underwhelming. In fact you look at that whole
Nevertheless, the Pistons are suffering from the predictable tendency of fans and media alike to bury any team that finishes almost, but not quite. As long as their starting unit stays healthy they’re still a very nice team. You don’t get a +7.4 point differential by accident. Their defense is great and their offense is smart. These guys have all been there before and they’re not going to fall apart. I don’t think they’re a serious threat to get to the Finals just because of their depth and age (something is going to go wrong somewhere and their backup plan isn’t great) but I could easily see them posting another season that 25 teams in the league would envy. And, by the way, this is the Eastern Conference. Out West if one of the leaders falls they’ll immediately be set upon by eight or nine jackals eager to carve out their carcass. If
I’m curious to see how new coach Michael Curry affects this squad. Maybe he peps them up and gives the grizzled veterans reason to play again. On the other hand it could be a disaster. The thing is, disaster for
--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)