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Since everyone's making predictions, here goes...
WILL THE PISTONS MAKE THE PLAYOFFS?
Yes.
The Pistons have youth, depth, athleticism, and the scoring to hang in there with anyone and give even the top East seeds a run for their money.
THE BIGGEST CONCERN?
Defense.
With 8 new faces on the roster and so many people coming from different systems, it will take time to build chemistry and get on the same page with Coach Kuester's defensive schemes.
On the bright side, the players are buying into Kuester's system and are committed to steady improvement on the defensive end.
It's much easier to teach a good offensive player to play solid defense than it is to have a defensive specialist develop a toolbox of offensive skills.
THE PISTONS MVP?
Rodney Stuckey.
With Kuester a former All America point guard under Dean Smith mentoring him the way Larry Brown did Chauncey Billups, this is Rodney's time to take the next step in developing his talent and breakout in 2009.
THE PLAYOFFS
West finals: L.A. Lakers over San Antonio.
A younger Lakers squad outlasts a veteran Spurs team.
East finals: Orlando over Cleveland.
Orlando's athleticism, depth, and talent overmatch the LeBron-aging Shaq duo and their supporting cast of average role players.
NBA Finals: L.A. over Orlando.
Dwight Howard may be improved and Vince Carter may play the best ball of his career, but no team is as clutch as Kobe and the defending champion Lakers (this year).
