http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/9671043
PG's


3. Chauncey Billups, Detroit: Because of the way the season ended, it's easy to forget how phenomenal Billups was in 2005-06. As the Pistons flirted with the 70-win plateau, it was "Mr. Big Shot" who led the way, averaging career highs in scoring (18.5) and assists (8.6) and playing some of the best defense of his career (w/o Ben there will be a fall off maybe).

Center
http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/9625945

7. Ben Wallace, Chicago: A big year awaits Big Ben. He has a new team to anchor, one that needs him to cover its deficiencies more than his last team did. Does he still have it in him? That's what critics of his recent big payday will openly ask. He'll be 32 when the season starts, and comes off a tough final playoff run with Detroit where dismal free throw shooting tempered his effectiveness. The Bulls are banking on him to help them take their next step, and if he succeeds, he'll have a chance at winning the Defensive Player of the Year award for an unprecedented fifth time.

15. Nazr Mohammed, Detroit: He has big shoes to fill, but that's the driving force behind his move to Motown. Mohammed is hungry to play and prove himself, which is why he opted not to return to the Spurs after seeing his role diminish in the playoffs. He's at a point in his career where he wants to put his stamp on a team, having played supporting roles everywhere he's been. This is his chance to claim some of the spotlight. Expect the classy veteran to succeed.

Power Forward
http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/9655561

8. Rasheed Wallace, Detroit: Now more than ever, the Pistons will need 'Sheed to assert himself as the team's best player. There are times where he can take over a game, but because he's so unselfish, he has a tendency to disappear. That can't happen with Big Ben gone, because the remaining Wallace must now key the team's defense as well as pick it up on the boards. Offensively, he's still among the NBA's most versatile big men.

Small Forward
http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/9639797

7. Tayshaun Prince, Detroit: He was the Pistons' most consistent performer during their playoff collapse, and some may argue he's their most vital commodity. Prince's offense is quietly catching up to his defense, making the human spider deadly on both ends.

SG/coming soon



Rip should make the Top ten. So we'll have top ten players at every position except Center. Still worthy of a playoff run. How far is up for debate. Also I'm guessing its starters only. Because i dont see Mcdyess anywhere.

Rip should make the Top ten. So we'll have top ten players at every position except Center. Still worthy of a playoff run. How far is up for debate. Also I'm guessing its starters only. Because i dont see Mcdyess anywhere.

Flexo Mourning made it as a backup center and Hakim Warrwick made it as a back up PF. not sure how Dice doesn't make either list.

Especially since there is a possibility (albeit slight) that he could actually be starting if Flip decides to bring Nazr off the bench.

Especially since there is a possibility (albeit slight) that he could actually be starting if Flip decides to bring Nazr off the bench.
i know there was all that talk about leaving Dice on the bench, since that was what he was used to, but i wouldn't mind at least seeing what Dice can do as a starter. we've all been worried about his durability, but i think Dice has exceeded expectations missing only 5 games in his first season w/ the Pistons and playing all 82 games in the next. i'm not saying we should definitely put Dice as a starter, but it'd be nice to see it for a few games and see how he responds.

of course, if Nazr comes out strong and solid as a starter, then it might not be wise to shake things up for no reason.

if there's one player's hunger that i don't question, it's Dice's.

Who starts isn't important.

In crunch time expect Sheed, Dice, Prince, Rip and Chauncey to be on the floor unless injury or fouls prevent it.

i kind of disagree.

we all know fouls are going to be an issue with nazr.

a trick that ive seen over the years used to protect foul prone is to start them on the bench, so they can see how the game is being called. that way, if there are ticky tack fouls called, it shouldnt be a surprise one on him, atleast.

My one hope is that Nazr was especially foul-prone because of a Tim Duncan factor, where refs and coach avoid giving the foul nod to TD in favor of a nearby player because he's, well, TD. Nazr wasn't -quite- as foul prone in New York or Atlanta. But if there were a "TD effect" as I describe, I'd see it with Rasho too and I don't.