'07 Detroit Pistons Preview

2007 Detroit Pistons NBA Season Preview

Though the Detroit Pistons didn't make a whole lot of noise this offseason, they might have done just enough to push their way into the 2008 NBA Finals. The Pistons haven't enjoyed a trip to the NBA finals since losing the defensive-minded coach Larry Brown. In the last couple years, they've taken another step backwards defensively by losing center Ben Wallace and have watched their bench become increasingly shallow. Yet, with the continued development of several young players, including Jason Maxiell and Amir Johnson, expect a better bench this season.

Despite a much-improved Eastern Conference, the Pistons still have the tools to come out on top. Chauncey Billups is still the glue of this team and he and Richard Hamilton make for a great one-two punch in the backcourt. Rasheed Wallace and Tayshaun Prince may be the best defensive forward duo in the league, with great length and toughness. Nazr Mohammed may not have seen much minutes last year, but he could be a better fit than Chris Webber was at the center spot, because of his ability to defend.

Statistics Projections/Depth Chart

• Center: Nazr Mohammed 6.4 ppg, 5.9 rbpg (back up: Antonio McDyess)
• Power Forward: Rasheed Wallace 12.2 ppg, 6.9 rbpg (back up: Jason Maxiell)
• Small Forward: Tayshaun Prince 13.7 ppg, 5.5 rbpg (back up: Jarvin Hayes)
• Point Guard: Chauncey Billups 16.9 ppg, 7.4 apg (back up: Rodney Stuckey)
• Shooting Guard: Richard "Rip" Hamilton 20.4 ppg, 4.0 rbpg, 3.6 apg (back up: Ronald "Flip" Murray)

Key Losses

Losing Chris Webber could hurt a bit on offense, but since he's old and sometimes a liability on defense it may be a blessing in disguise. Carlos Delfino could develop into a solid pro, but since he wasn't doing much for Detroit, it's not such a big deal for them.

Key Additions

The only real significant free agent signing was Jarvis Hayes, a forward who averaged 7.2 ppg with the Washington Wizards last season. He should help off the bench. Also, drafting Rodney Stuckey should prove very fruitful, as Stuckey has the potential to be an excellent NBA player who could contribute right away. Selecting guard Arron Afflalo with their later first-round pick in the 2007 NBA Draft was a questionable move. Afflalo is essentially the same type of player as Stuckey, though not as athletic and not as good of a ball handler.

Team Rumors

Don't expect much movement from Detroit this season. They may try to sign a bigger, back up shooting guard, or a shot blocking center, but for the most part, this roster is set.

Prediction

The Pistons will do about the same as last season. They might even win one more game more than last season, which would put them at a record of 54-28. Expect them to finish with the best record in the East again, but also expect them to make a push to the NBA finals with a better bench and a defensive-minded center. Despite making it to the Finals, no Eastern Conference team is ready to beat the best Western Conference team in a best-of-seven series. The Pistons will come out of the East victorious, but will fall to the Spurs in the finals.

Fantasy Spin

While Chauncey Billups is Mr. Consistency in fantasy basketball and should be considered in the top 15-30 picks of your fantasy draft. Richard Hamilton is usually overrated and selected too high in many fantasy drafts. Though his scoring prowess and solid percentages are a nice commodity, he doesn't do enough else to warrant being selected as high as he often is. Consider taking him no sooner than around pick 70-80.

Rasheed Wallace and Tayshaun Prince also a solid player to draft between picks 50-75. They provide decent stats across the board and are solid players who can help fill your roster.

The Pistons have a lot of young talent and someone else should step up and be worthy of picking up off waivers during the season.

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