Mind of The Big B

As many know the Pistons are no young team. All of their starters, other than Tayshaun Prince, are over 30 years old. The team's average age is 28. They have been in title contention since the last 5-6 years (yet have only won 1 title!

), but this very well may be their last year to win another one for awhile. Then we will go into the infamous "rebuilding stage" for a few years. But after those rebuilding years, will the team be back in title contention again? Can they win another (maybe more than one) championship? Their young talent points towards another title in Detroit's future (other than this year of course

).

This year's rookies, Aaron Afflalo and Rodney Stuckey, have been huge off the bench for us. They have also filled in as starters when one of the original starters where out for a game or two. Both have looked great, and can only get better as they gain experience. Jason Maxiell is starting to be the new "Beast of the East" in Detroit. He could very well have been a starter this year, and may be in the near future. Amir Johnson has raw potential, but oh what great potential it is. He is only 20 years old, and will get stronger and smarter with age. He could be something special. Another raw player is Cheikh Samb, the amazing shot blocker from Dakar, Senegal. If he can add some size, he could be a good center in the future. Then we will have our team leader, Tayshaun Prince. He will be an experience veteran and have what it takes to step up and be the captain and heart of the team. This may be the Pistons lineups in 3-5 years:

PG- Rodney Stuckey
SG- Aaron Afflalo
SF- Tashaun Prince
PF- Jason Maxiell
C- Cheikh Samb

6th man- Amir Johnson

Now it may just be the homer in me, but that could be a very dangerous starting 5 and 6th man. Great scoring back court, and great defending front court. Some dangerous weapons all around. If these guys live up to their potential and turn out to the players all of us Detroit fans hope and pray they will be, the Pistons could be back on top and winning championships again.

The Big B Reputation: 99 Level: Superstar Since: Sep 29, 2007	Posted on: April 14, 2008 1:38 pm Score: 95 Pistons future: Better than ever? I know what us Pistons fans think, but what about the rest of you guys? [ Reply to Comment ]
DJTANKELITE Reputation: 94 Level: All-Star Since: Jun 25, 2007	Posted on: April 14, 2008 1:42 pm Score: 94 Pistons future: Better than ever? Nice work but I have to chime in on one thing... They are NOT going to go through a "re-build" because they are already set up for the future. [ Reply to Comment ]
cmsball20 Reputation: 96 Level: Superstar Since: Mar 16, 2008	Posted on: April 14, 2008 1:49 pm Score: 50 Pistons future: Better than ever? IMO, Joe Dumars did a great job drafting and picking up veterans for the team. What will be a problem is that the interior and strength of the team for big men is aging. The new or young guys are not proven so there is a big question mark during this transition. I'd say if the Pistons do not win this year, you're looking at a number of 2nd and 3rd place finishes until this new core group gels. [ Reply to Comment ]
The Big B Reputation: 99 Level: Superstar Since: Sep 29, 2007	Posted on: April 14, 2008 1:50 pm Score: 94 Pistons future: Better than ever? They are NOT going to go through a "re-build" because they are already set up for the future. Yeah, I know what you mean DJ. That's why I put the " " around rebuilding stage. [ Reply to Comment ]
Viktor Crapper Reputation: 0 Level: Amateur Since: Sep 22, 2007	Posted on: April 14, 2008 5:38 pm Score: 95 This comment has been removed. Pistons future: Better than ever?
The Big B Reputation: 99 Level: Superstar Since: Sep 29, 2007	Posted on: April 14, 2008 5:42 pm Score: 95 Pistons future: Better than ever? Arron Affalo (Not Aaron Affalo) is not an NBA starter in my opinion. Nice off the bench player or as a spot starter, but not an everyday starter. I know he isn't right now, but in 3-5 I think he could be. Him, Cheikh Samb, and Amir are not good enough to start yet, but I think 3-5 years into the future, they will be good starters. Those are the more questionable ones though, I'll admit that. Like I said; maybe it's just the homer in me. [ Reply to Comment ]
gazzso Reputation: 99 Level: Superstar Since: Apr 25, 2007	Posted on: April 14, 2008 11:29 pm Score: 94 Pistons future: Better than ever? Besides Stuckey and Maxiell, and naturally Tayshaun, you shouldn't be too excited with the current look of the Pistons future. 3-5 years is a long long period, and it is very possible that Dumars will continue excellent job in finding young and talented players, but it is unlikely that Afflalo, Samb and Amir will be more than just a role players. I don't even see Samb in the league. [ Reply to Comment ]
Kegzilla Reputation: 98 Level: Superstar Since: Jan 18, 2008	Posted on: April 17, 2008 12:21 pm Score: 93 Pistons future: Better than ever? I'm very excited about the prospect of Afflalo and Stuckey being the starting guards of the future. Afflalo's defense is good now, give him a few more years and he will be an all-defensive team member. He did a good job this year guarding Steve Nash and held his own against LeBron. That is a great sign for a rookie. Rodney Stuckey can get to the basket whenever he wants and his jump shot is starting to come around. I can see him easily being an all-star especially when people around the country being to see more of him and learn to enjoy his game. The scary part of Amir Johnson is just how athletic he is. Some of the blocks and dunks he has already made are amazing. Once he improves his offensive game he will be a great player. Jason Maxiell in my opinion made the defensive play of the year in the game against the Hornets. When he blocked Tyson Chandler's alley oop dunk. Anyone who hasn't seen this highlight needs to find it and watch it. His low post game has improved a lot this season. [ Reply to Comment ]
Kegzilla Reputation: 98 Level: Superstar Since: Jan 18, 2008	Posted on: April 17, 2008 12:37 pm Score: 94 Pistons future: Better than ever? One other point on the future Pistons. Two players I would like to see remain a part of the team but it will be unlikely is Jarvis Hayes and/or Walter Herrmann. Jarvis Hayes has looked very good this year and I think has a lot of talent. He might get a nice offer on the free agent market this year. Walter Herrmann is 25 or 26 I think and has shown some flashes of streak scoring. He just needs more minutes. I just see both of them leaving via free agency this off season. [ Reply to Comment ]

The Big B

Pistons future: Better than ever?

Pistons future: Better than ever?

Pistons future: Better than ever?

Pistons future: Better than ever?

Pistons future: Better than ever?

Pistons future: Better than ever?

Pistons future: Better than ever?

Pistons future: Better than ever?

Pistons future: Better than ever?

Pistons future: Better than ever?