Friday, November 14, 2008

Pistons Starting to Look Better Since A.I. Trade

This team still ahs a long way to go, but last night they seemed to work together a bit more. Rip Hamilton got off his horrible slump since the trade and put in over 20 points for the first time since the deal went down. He still looks a bit lost out there at times with the new look, but he is adjusting, and hopefully be back to normal soon.

Tayshaun Prince has been playing like a beast the last 5 games. He has been asked to bring the ball up a lot when AI isn't in the game, and is even doing it a lot when Iverson is on the court. Although he holds the ball more his assists don't show it. He is rebounding and scoring like mad though. HE pulled down 16 rebounds last night, which is a career high. He has been averaging a double double over the last 5 games as well.

Tonight they begin a big test with the stretch of games they will play n the next week. They start off in LA against the Lakers, then have to play Phoenix, Cleveland, and Boston in the coming week. That's a tough schedule for anyone, but even worse with the way these guys seem to be still finding how they work together. Add to that Stuckey has been out a game and probably will be inserted back in soon after a heart condition scare.

If you are at a hotel las vegas it probably isn't wise to bet on the Pistons right now. It is hard to say what kind of team you are going to get on a nightly basis for a while. They are also struggling badly with their lack of size and beef. With out Antonio McDyess on the roster anymore the frontcourt is a bit thin. When they have to play against the likes of Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Shaq, it may be a rough night for them on the boards, although it has been the last couple years since Big Ben left.

Whatever happens, at least we get to watch AI do crazy stuff every night. That is the one thing that makes it better. I have grtown tired of this team of underachievers and it is nice to see someone that can get to the rim on a regular basis every time they touch the ball.