Detroit Basketball: Institution of the Dynasty
0 Comments Published by Ian MacLean on Saturday, December 17, 2005 at 9:31 PM.
The Detroit Pistons are off to the quickest start in team history, leaving the ignorant masses of ESPN in a state of perplexity and shock. Not stunned, however, are those who seriously contemplated the likelihood that the Pistons were merely one-hit wonders, not so much talented and efficient as in the right place at the right time to take advantage of the collapse of the Los Angeles Lakers. Detroit has been granted a breath of fresh air under the regime of new head coach Flip Saunders. His new flex offense and the heartwrenching completion of last year's NBA Finals have rejuvenated the best starting five in basketball and renewed the pursuit of dynasty eminence.
Under Saunders, the Pistons have not abandoned what made them the 2004 Champions, but they have shed the rigidity and strictness of Larry Brown's "right way." Flip has instituted an excellent offensive scheme and it already is evident that his way is actually far more right for these Pistons. "I think it's been a seamless transition with Flip so far," Pistons president Joe Dumars said. "I think it's a testament to him as a coach that he didn't come in and try to re-invent the wheel with us. He saw what we had, he saw what we were, and he just added to that." The new offense has given Detroit reason to discard its grinding style for a more opportunistic approach. Gone are the days of five and six minutes of scoreless basketball. With the plodding offenses of Rick Carlisle and Brown a distant memory, the Pistons have produced in a significant way. They are consistently scoring around 100 points a game and shooting nearly 50%. The Pistons are sacrificing none of the vigorous and inexorable defense for which they pride themselves. Their ability to completely shut down every facet of an opposing team's offense during any particular stretch of a game is still a breathtaking aspect of this team. Now with their propensity to dominate those same stretches offensively, one truth is established. This Detroit team is quite simply never out of a game. There is always a potential to come back or to obliterate an opponent's momentum. As long as this astounding capability is part of the Detroit Pistons arsenal, there is no team in the league that can impede its path to dynasty status.
The best starting five in basketball now has the longest tenure together, as they are the only line-up in the NBA that has been together for 2 seasons. The frontline is as proficient as ever. Ben Wallace is has the flair for defense he's always had, and that's an understatement. While is offense falls shorts at times, he is still averaging over his career numbers, and his free throw is consistently improving. His confidence around the basket is also on the rise. Rasheed Wallace, rather than coming to camp overweight as he did last year, arrived a much better power forward. Detroit's new penchant for going to Rasheed in the post early in games is certainly beneficial for both the team and Wallace. He is definitely still one of the premier post players in the world, and his pick and roll with Chauncey Billups is tremendously effective. Wallace's outlet passes to the wing and the fast breaks he triggers are very beneficial. Rasheed is one of the finest help defenders in the league and a perfect complement to Ben's defense. Tayshaun Prince is key in that he finds his shots in the offense and in transition. Prince manages to maintain a solid scoring average despite not getting many plays specifically called for him. Tayshaun's defense, his original claim to fame, is still there and he is helpful in controlling superstars. Prince is a confident playmaker.
In the backcourt, Richard Hamilton handles the bulk of the scoring, and has become more effective in the new system, coming off nearly the double the amount of screens from last year. Rip's tremendous physical condition and speed are an obvious beneficiary of the coaching change and his defense, the most criticized aspect of his game, is progressively improving. Billups is arguably the most complete point guard in the league, and certainly a perfect go to guy in late-game situations. Chauncey's assists are steadily more frequent, and his turnovers dwindle with every year. Though he is looking for his teammates more, he is undeniably an offensive threat both inside and out and he is one of the most dangerous players from the three-point and free throw lines. The fear that he would become a shoot-first point without the watchful eye of Brown has been silenced, and he undoubtedly feels much more comfortable in Flip's system. His defense helps push the up-tempo attack. If this starting five can avoid injury, it will remain the best in the country. This lineup's chemistry has flourished with time, which is absolutely the cause of its great success and dynasty potential.
The integral ingredient to becoming a dynasty is possessing that proud attitude and unremitting aggression. In Detroit, it is clear the heartbreak of losing out on a championship in the final minutes has restored the Pistons' drive and hunger. "With us, we didn't like the taste we had in our mouths all summer. No disrespect to San Antonio, but we knew we could have beat them in Game 7," Rasheed declared. The ceaseless resolve and the assertion of themselves as the paramount team in the league and one of the greatest in NBA history is once again a feature of this team. The championship swagger of 2004 is back, and copious success will only follow.
The defensive intensity of old remains and the offensive genius of Flip Saunders has invigorated a talented and determined squad. The Pistons are the best there is and their out to prove last year's soap opera was merely an interruption in an era of ascendancy. This Detroit team will win the championship this year and many more in the future. With the strategy of Saunders, the aptitude of the core group, and unparalleled attitude, these Pistons will most assuredly be a dynasty.
Under Saunders, the Pistons have not abandoned what made them the 2004 Champions, but they have shed the rigidity and strictness of Larry Brown's "right way." Flip has instituted an excellent offensive scheme and it already is evident that his way is actually far more right for these Pistons. "I think it's been a seamless transition with Flip so far," Pistons president Joe Dumars said. "I think it's a testament to him as a coach that he didn't come in and try to re-invent the wheel with us. He saw what we had, he saw what we were, and he just added to that." The new offense has given Detroit reason to discard its grinding style for a more opportunistic approach. Gone are the days of five and six minutes of scoreless basketball. With the plodding offenses of Rick Carlisle and Brown a distant memory, the Pistons have produced in a significant way. They are consistently scoring around 100 points a game and shooting nearly 50%. The Pistons are sacrificing none of the vigorous and inexorable defense for which they pride themselves. Their ability to completely shut down every facet of an opposing team's offense during any particular stretch of a game is still a breathtaking aspect of this team. Now with their propensity to dominate those same stretches offensively, one truth is established. This Detroit team is quite simply never out of a game. There is always a potential to come back or to obliterate an opponent's momentum. As long as this astounding capability is part of the Detroit Pistons arsenal, there is no team in the league that can impede its path to dynasty status.
The best starting five in basketball now has the longest tenure together, as they are the only line-up in the NBA that has been together for 2 seasons. The frontline is as proficient as ever. Ben Wallace is has the flair for defense he's always had, and that's an understatement. While is offense falls shorts at times, he is still averaging over his career numbers, and his free throw is consistently improving. His confidence around the basket is also on the rise. Rasheed Wallace, rather than coming to camp overweight as he did last year, arrived a much better power forward. Detroit's new penchant for going to Rasheed in the post early in games is certainly beneficial for both the team and Wallace. He is definitely still one of the premier post players in the world, and his pick and roll with Chauncey Billups is tremendously effective. Wallace's outlet passes to the wing and the fast breaks he triggers are very beneficial. Rasheed is one of the finest help defenders in the league and a perfect complement to Ben's defense. Tayshaun Prince is key in that he finds his shots in the offense and in transition. Prince manages to maintain a solid scoring average despite not getting many plays specifically called for him. Tayshaun's defense, his original claim to fame, is still there and he is helpful in controlling superstars. Prince is a confident playmaker.
In the backcourt, Richard Hamilton handles the bulk of the scoring, and has become more effective in the new system, coming off nearly the double the amount of screens from last year. Rip's tremendous physical condition and speed are an obvious beneficiary of the coaching change and his defense, the most criticized aspect of his game, is progressively improving. Billups is arguably the most complete point guard in the league, and certainly a perfect go to guy in late-game situations. Chauncey's assists are steadily more frequent, and his turnovers dwindle with every year. Though he is looking for his teammates more, he is undeniably an offensive threat both inside and out and he is one of the most dangerous players from the three-point and free throw lines. The fear that he would become a shoot-first point without the watchful eye of Brown has been silenced, and he undoubtedly feels much more comfortable in Flip's system. His defense helps push the up-tempo attack. If this starting five can avoid injury, it will remain the best in the country. This lineup's chemistry has flourished with time, which is absolutely the cause of its great success and dynasty potential.
The integral ingredient to becoming a dynasty is possessing that proud attitude and unremitting aggression. In Detroit, it is clear the heartbreak of losing out on a championship in the final minutes has restored the Pistons' drive and hunger. "With us, we didn't like the taste we had in our mouths all summer. No disrespect to San Antonio, but we knew we could have beat them in Game 7," Rasheed declared. The ceaseless resolve and the assertion of themselves as the paramount team in the league and one of the greatest in NBA history is once again a feature of this team. The championship swagger of 2004 is back, and copious success will only follow.
The defensive intensity of old remains and the offensive genius of Flip Saunders has invigorated a talented and determined squad. The Pistons are the best there is and their out to prove last year's soap opera was merely an interruption in an era of ascendancy. This Detroit team will win the championship this year and many more in the future. With the strategy of Saunders, the aptitude of the core group, and unparalleled attitude, these Pistons will most assuredly be a dynasty.
