I really think the Pistons are getting a bad wrap by the public for dropping 4 straight to a decent, but not great Cleveland team.
Basically, the responsible party is the Detroit coaching staff and not the players themselves. They are a talented group, but Flip Saunders did not make adjustments, didn't have his team prepared and was completely outcoached.
It is his job to make sure those things don't happen and every year, despite having decent regular seasons, his teams always come up small in the post-season. He is just not that great of a leader in my opinion and some players on the team don't even like him or respect him.
Highly surprised to see Joe Dumars back him with a boost of confidence in saying Flip is his guy at the press conference today. I think they wil re-sign Billups to a long term and have mostly everyone back. Billups, Hamilton, Prince and Wallace will be starting, but Im not sure what they plan on doing with Webber.
They will probably try to unload Nazr Mohammed, Ron Dupree, possibly Will Blalock and maybe Flip Murray. Look for Amir Johnson to get involved in the rotation next season as they guy is a gifted, talented player that just needs some summer league to polish his game.
I would like to see them get rid of Delfino, Blalock, Dupree, Mohammed, Murray, and Flip Saunders. Get some fresh reserves in there that are capable of at least holding a lead and a new leader.
Not sure what anyones contract situation is as that will have a lot to do with who gets told to clean out their locker.
Returning Starters:
G- Chauncey Billups
G- Rip Hamilton
F- Tayshaun Prince
F/C- Rasheed Wallace
F/C- TBD
Reserves:
F/C- Dale Davis
F/G- Carlos Delfino
G- Lindsey Hunter
F- Jason Maxiell
F- Amir Johnson
F- Antonio McDyess
TBD:
F/C- Chris Webber
That is still a solid group and under the right leadership of a good head coach would be the favorites IMO to win the East next year. Not sure that will happen now though as Flip Saunders is not getting fired.