Thought this might be an interesting discussion.

We've all seen the empty seats at the Palace this year. And while we've had some good discussion about why that may be (Ben leaving, the Darko failure, higher prices, lackluster free agent signings, etc.), it strikes me that the latest batch of rumors involving hordes of local talent might be more than just a coincidence.

Do you think the Pistons are making a concerted effort to target players with ties to the state of Michigan in an attempt to boost attendance?

Not that there is anything wrong with pursuing marketable players for your team, but if you bring in less talented players than what you already have or than what you could potentially acquire to accomplish this, then is there a problem with this is your eyes?

I think they are showing interest in all these because of the ties. However, I don't think they'd make a move based on selling tickets. Bringing in Webber would sell tickets if he was from Kentucky anyway. What players are we overlooking that are not from Michigan? I can't think of many players out there that have similar skills and won't break the bank (trade or signing wise).

Just for kicks, what kindof lineup (ie how good) could we field if we traded all our players for guys who played college ball here?

Webber, Kamen, C Bell, Mo Pete, Jalen, Mo Taylor, Bernard Robinson, J Rich, Randolph, Ager, Brown, Paul Davis...that's all I can think of for now.

PG Crawford/Bell/Jalen
SG J Rich/Brown/Green
SF Jalen/Mo Pete/Ager
PF Randolph/Howard/Davis
C Webber/Kamen

(Thanks for the extra names Glenn)

Add in Crawford, Juwan, Mo Taylor, Bernard Rob, Willie Green and send Alan Anderson and Mahteen to the NBDL.

edit: sorry, I see you had Taylor & Robinson in your non-rotation players up above.

Re: Empty Seats

According to the Pistons spin department, the sellout streak is still on.

Where's Earl Boykins and Rawle Marshall?

All Michigan College's or College + HS or what?

College's only:
Crawford/Bell/Boykins
JRich/Rose/Brown
MoPete/Jalen/Ager
Zach/Howard/Davis
Kamen/Webber

Include Michigan HS - Battier would probably play SF. Other names - Roberson, not sure who pre-02

You guys are forgetting some great names in Michigan basketball lore.
Jon Antonides
Gavin Groninger
Dean Pelekoudas
Dave Baxter (The originator of THEE Fro)
Joel Thompson
Tom Bergen
Avery Queen
And how about hiring Brian Ellerbe as an assistant?