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Small Forward
Tayshaun Prince
Tracy McGrady
Austin Daye
DaJuan Summers
Center
Ben Wallace
Greg Monroe*
Jason Maxiell
Power Forward
Jonas Jerebko
Charlie Villanueva
Chris Wilcox
Point Guard
Rodney Stuckey
Will Bynum
Shooting Guard
Richard Hamilton
Ben Gordon
Terrico White*
* Rookie
I did not clamor for T-Mac, but the Pistons have him.
At this point, Detroit appears to have a starting lineup of Stuckey, Hamilton, Wallace, Jerebko, and Prince.
The principal reserves are: Gordon, Bynum, T-Mac, Villanueva, Monroe, and Maxiell.
The Pistons lack a traditional "true" point guard, but Stuckey and Bynum are able to play stints at the 1. Gordon has been used as a point, too. Additionally, having Tayshaun Prince and Monroe, who are both excellent facilitators makes the Pistons less point guard dependent. Hamilton and Wallace are adept at finding open men, too.
IMHO, the Pistons have one of the league's best backcourts and they have a surplus of quality wings.
X-factor 1: Monroe is a rookie with a back-to-the basket game, solid midrange shot, can play in transition, and is a great low post passer a la Bill Walton. He finished the summer league on a high note.
X-factor 2: Villanueva has the ability to play inside and outside and be a solid rebounder, but he's inconsistent and tends to disappear. This summer, he's been working on strengthening his body and improving his defense. He did well playing for the Dominican Republic in a Central American tournament.
X-factor 3: Stuckey. How much of a progression will he make this season as a leader and in his all around game? Stuckey needs to finish at the basket better. He's reportedly been working on his shooting range and lost weight. Having Monroe on the court will also reduce his point guard responsibilities and help him drive to the lane and spot up for open jumpers.
X-factor 4: T-Mac is apparently determined to prove himself to doubters and to stay in the NBA. He's so determined, he agreed beforehand to be a reserve. He's already ahead of Iverson. It's said that Will Bynum and the Bulls have reported him as physically fit. If Arnie Kander signs off on him, he toes the line, and plays reasonably close to his previous level, he is a steal.
If Monroe and Villanueva provide the Pistons with consistent inside play, the frontcourt will be serviceable this season.
Wallace, Jerebko, and Maxiell will provide defense, rebounding, energy, and hustle.
Prince will be the glue for the Pistons frontcourt.
The bench will be explosive with Gordon, Bynum, Villanueva, and T-Mac lighting up opposing reserves and giving starters a hard time.
Expectations are low, but the Pistons have the pieces to make some noise this summer--if the X-factors pan out.
