From
Freep.com:
Posted: 4:08 a.m. Oct. 25, 2009
2009-10 Pistons preview
Take a look into our Pistons crystal ball
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Mitch Albom
WILL THE PISTONS MAKE THE PLAYOFFS?
Yes -- It’s dang hard to miss the playoffs in basketball. Pride alone should get Detroit there.
THE BIGGEST CONCERN?
Defense
Oh, and big-man play. This is a bit like saying “my only worry is the sharks and the waves.”
THE MVP?
Rodney Stuckey
If he doesn’t step up and became a premier point guard, the Pistons will be a clanking machine.
THE PLAYOFFS
West finals: L.A. Lakers over San Antonio.
East finals: Boston over Cleveland.
NBA Finals: Boston over L.A.
Vince Ellis
WILL THE PISTONS MAKE THE PLAYOFFS?
Yes -- Many national pundits are writing off the Pistons, but after Orlando, Boston, Cleveland and Atlanta, the rest of the Eastern Conference is a toss-up. Put the Pistons down for a 42-40 record and an eighth-place finish in the East — behind the four above and Washington, Chicago and Toronto.
THE BIGGEST CONCERN?
The mix
I could say defense, but blending in eight new faces will be a challenge offensively and defensively.
THE MVP?
Rodney Stuckey
The third-year combo guard takes another step toward being a solid player.
THE PLAYOFFS
West finals: L.A. Lakers over San Antonio.
East finals: Boston over Cleveland.
NBA Finals: Boston over L.A.
Michael Rosenberg
WILL THE PISTONS MAKE THE PLAYOFFS?
Yes -- I think people are looking at the names they lost and the names they gained and figuring they’ll be worse. But last year’s team had so many issues — Allen Iverson didn’t fit, Rasheed Wallace checked out, and Michael Curry struggled to handle it all. I think this year’s team will surprise some people.
THE BIGGEST CONCERN?
Defense
Rodney Stuckey was a very poor defender last year, and of the remaining regulars, only Tayshaun Prince has been known as an above-average defensive player.
THE MVP?
Rodney Stuckey
I still love his talent and think he could take a big step forward.
THE PLAYOFFS
West finals: San Antonio over L.A. Lakers.
East finals: Boston over Cleveland.
NBA Finals: San Antonio over Boston.
Drew Sharp
WILL THE PISTONS MAKE THE PLAYOFFS?
Yes -- There’s a seventh or eighth conference playoff seed with their name on it and the subsequent quick first-round elimination. The Pistons’ more energized up-tempo offensive pace will squeak out enough victories to get them to .500 this season.
THE BIGGEST CONCERN?
Point guard
They’ve got enough size with Kwame Brown, Chris Wilcox and Ben Wallace in increments. But controlling tempo will be an even higher priority now because they can’t count on stopping opponents.
THE MVP?
Rodney Stuckey
He remains the key to the Pistons’ transition because he must become the leader of this team.
THE PLAYOFFS?
West finals: L.A. Lakers over Denver.
East finals: Boston over Cleveland.
NBA Finals: L.A. over Boston.
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