Anyone else thinking what i'm thinking?

[Can't Touch This]

That these Pistons have a different look this year, and different attitude, similar to the team that won the finals? It seems every since they won the finals, they have been lacking that edge that they had during their finals run, i actually think the young players now on the team has rejuvinated that edge.

They do sometimes cruise and sleepwalk, but, when they need to get serious, they usually destroy any team they face. Another thing this year they finally have a bench, Maxiell, Hayes, Flip, Affalo, now Stuckey, Hunter make up what is, IMO, the first good bench they have had since 04'.

Plus, NO ONE was talking about them until they beat the celts, even now it is still very little. They are flying under the radar despite the fact they are off to a very nice start. The question is, will they not wear off deep in the playoffs and peak in the playoffs ala 04 or fade in the playoffs like they have the past 2 years. They have the talent and experience, but, they have had the talent and experience the past 2 years also.

Obviously, they have to worry about the Celts, they are the ONLY team in the east that i think they wouldn't sweep in the playoffs, that includes the Magic. Then, of course, any team that comes outta the west will be very tough. I actually am picking an under dog to come out of the west...Utah. IMO, Utah vs. Detroit would be an amazing matchup, however, that would be a disaster for ratings so the NBA probably won't allow that to happen. Obviously, i think it is shaping up to be an 05' rematch, but, who knows...All i know if i am DEFFINITELY getting tickets if they make it, i regret not buying them last time. Playoffs at the palace is an experience i think everyone should experience, it is that amazing...

[Connor4501]

All points well taken, but the Pistons will never win a championship as long as Flip is the coach...

[MEL]

All points well taken, but the Pistons will never win a championship as long as Flip is the coach...

If Flip dosent get the bench some real minutes than it will be another early exit from the playoffs.
Ive said it before and i'll say it again, You cant expect the starters to play all those minutes and go into the playoffs with anything left in the tank.
Tay is only 215 LBS. Dudes as skinny as a rail. He cant log major minutes all season and still be in playoff shape. That one reason he disappeared during last years playoffs.

Get the bench some real minutes. Let them develope their games and rest the starters. Sometimes i just dont understand Flips thinking. If this team dosent make it to the finals then i'd be the first one to say so long Flip.
I wouldnt have been upset if we got rid of him after last year. The guys a regular season coach and he didnt match up well in last years playoffs.
He was outcoached. And the stones were out played cause they were gassed!!!

[Can't Touch This]

If Flip dosent get the bench some real minutes than it will be another early exit from the playoffs.
Ive said it before and i'll say it again, You cant expect the starters to play all those minutes and go into the playoffs with anything left in the tank.
Tay is only 215 LBS. Dudes as skinny as a rail. He cant log major minutes all season and still be in playoff shape. That one reason he disappeared during last years playoffs.

Get the bench some real minutes. Let them develope their games and rest the starters. Sometimes i just dont understand Flips thinking. If this team dosent make it to the finals then i'd be the first one to say so long Flip.
I wouldnt have been upset if we got rid of him after last year. The guys a regular season coach and he didnt match up well in last years playoffs.
He was outcoached. And the stones were out played cause they were gassed!!!


The bench is getting some very good minutes this year. If i am not mistaken, the starters are getting less minutes than they ever have....

Billups- 33.9 minutes
Rip- 34.4 minutes
Tay- 34 minutes
Sheed- 30.8 minutes
Dyess- 30.4 minutes

Really, that's actually below what the usual starters get. Usually Billups, Rip, and Tay are up around 38 minutes a game, so, that is a very good cut in minutes. 3 guys on the bench are getting over 18 minutes a game, soon to be 4 once Stuckey gets healthier. They haven't dominated like this ever, even when they won 64 games, their average margain of victory is over 9 ppg. I think they are well on their way to 60 wins and still having a lot of wind for the playoffs....

[MEL]

Once Stuckey gets back most of his minutes will come from Affalio. Only so many minutes you can take from Rip and Billups. Plus, you have to give the other guards some playing time (Lindsey, Flip M.)

I do expect Joe D. to pull off a trade or to pick up a free Agent. By Dumping Nazr on the Bobcats, Joe got rid of a big contract, thus freeing up cash for another big. How stupid was M.Jordan for taking that deal?
I still see a need for a quality BIGman, behind Sheed, Dice and Maxiell. If any one of them goes down for a time, look out.

I knew that the starters minutes have come down. Lets hope Flip keeps it that way as the season wears on. Maybe Flip has been reading my posts
because ive been saying that for 2 seasons!!!

Final thought: Like Kevin said, if you get a chance to go see the playoffs
its an expierence. The excitement and the "buzz' is awsome. The Palace is a fantastic place to see Playoff basketball. And one can always get tickets for good prices when compared to other NBA teams and Other sports teams in this town.

[Can't Touch This]

Affalo is only getting like 12 minutes a game, he has been a pleasant suprise at the flashes he has showed. However, Stuckey was expected to basically be a 6th or 7th starter including Maxiell. When he gets healthy, i would say around 20 minutes a game, with time spent at the 1, 2 AND 3, he is 6'5 with a good wing span he can play the 3.

Yeah, i agree another quality big man would help. CWebb should be coming back, i mean, he can still be helpful on the offensive end at the very least. I haven't really looked at who is availible right now though.

[Connor4501]

with all points very well taken, the Stones will never win a championship with Flip. He lacks the discipline this team needs...They play defense when they decide to, they don't take stupid shots when they decide to, the players run this team, not Flip...It was the same way in Minnesota for Flip, loaded with a great team (Garnett, Cassell, Stojakovic, Spreewell)that should have been there, but underachieved come playoff time, even after winning 55+ games...I hope he proves me wrong this time around, because I like the chemistry with the maturity of Maxiell and the addition of Jarvis Hayes...

[Can't Touch This]

Wow, 8 games!!!! Only 2 wins have been by single digits, 6 have been over 10 points. Their average margain of victory is just under 10. They are just cruising right now, and rematch vs. boston next week should be awesome, i think the Pistons should be coming in with a 11 gamer, and Boston with i think a 6 or 7 gamer. Both teams are so far ahead of everyone else in the conference it is rediculous. They could save a lot of time and just have these two teams face off in the ECF, i mean, who in the east can stop either of them? Orlando potentially, just because Howard is a beastly man-child who is putting up sick numbers not seen since Shaq in his absolute prime, and they have some decent talent outside of Howard.

Unlike their 64 win year, they aren't really playing all-out every game and the starters are getting decent rest. I can deffinitely see them cruising to 60 wins without really even trying and being healthy and energic for the playoffs, should be able to sweet their way to the ECF where they will meet Boston.

[waterfoul]

I love how so many people like to write them off in the first round (or whatever round) this early in the season. It's WAY TO EARLY to be doing this!! It's a long season.. why don't you just let them play for a while... maybe even only half the season, before you write them off. Good grief... have some confidence for a change...

[Can't Touch This]

I love how so many people like to write them off in the first round (or whatever round) this early in the season. It's WAY TO EARLY to be doing this!! It's a long season.. why don't you just let them play for a while... maybe even only half the season, before you write them off. Good grief... have some confidence for a change...

I don't think anyone is writting them off, especially after starting 23-7. At least i hope no one really thinks they will lose in the first round!!!! Like i said, they will likely sweep their way to the Celts in the ECF....

[waterfoul]

My point is the season isn't even half over and people are already saying they can't win the title. Cant get past the Celtics. Well, the Stones are 1-0 vs. the Celtics this season... so why can't they continue that trend?

Have faith people!!!

[MEL]

I am one of those guys who cast doubt about the Pistons and the Playoffs.
I dont worry about the Celtics cause as the season wears on we will see what they are made of. If they keep it up and we meet them in the Playoffs, good, its just another team we need to beat on the way to the finals.
My troubles with the stones, and this is PROVEN over the last 2 seasons, is Flip has them worn down by playoff time. HE even admitted it after last year. I would like to see him worry less about wins during the regular season. I would like to see the bench developed for two major reasons. #1 to rest the starters. #2 to develope them so they will be ready to step in if/when they are needed.
Anyone who believes other wise to what ive stated, I'd just have to say, watch the playoff series from last year vs the Cavs and see what happened to the tired pistons team.
(and the Bulls series to a lesser extent)

[Can't Touch This]

Mel, once again, look at the minutes, the bench is playing a lot more and the starters are getting a lot more rest.

All i know 24-7 average margain is +10.6 :yikes:Freakin insane, never have seen them dominate like this...

[MEL]

Mel, once again, look at the minutes, the bench is playing a lot more and the starters are getting a lot more rest.

All i know 24-7 average margain is +10.6 :yikes:Freakin insane, never have seen them dominate like this...

Not argueing that the bench has been getting more minutes. (see my post from 12/24)
I only hope it keeps up!! Flip started last year playing the bench more but pretty much gave up on that idea in Jan. of last year. The last half of last year most bench players only saw "garbage minute". As long as flip gets them in games where the outcome is still on the line and lets them play thru than those are good minutes. Once again, im glad that so far Flip has seen my point about the bench. Im just sorry that it took him 2 seasons to see my side. Now, lets hope he keeps it up, cause its been a success so far!!! (as ive been saying for 2 years)

[Can't Touch This]

10 in a row!! Another double digit win too, and they clash with the Celtics on Saturday who will also be coming in with a 8 or 9 game win streak. Like i said, these two teams are looking simple unbeatable in their own conference.