Bad Boys

Mercifully, it's over. 39-43. Last season, the Pistons won 59 games. That's a shocking 20 fewer wins this season, with roughly the same cast. The entire organization, from Joe D to Walter Sharpe, should be embarrassed. They didn't deliver, and they turned-off a huge chunk of the fanbase.

Can they rebound? The short answer is yes. They could certainly tank the next few seasons and build the team through the draft. That would at least point the team in a tangible direction. My guess is that Joe doesn't want to sacrifice any more seasons, especially after this year's debacle. What has he learned? What can help this team regain contender status?

• Rodney Stuckey, though not a rookie, played like one. That's both a compliment and an insult. He was tremendously inconsistent - on 1/14/09, he scored 30 against the Pacers, and, in the following game aginast the worst team in the league (OKC), he scored 3. Yet, he did exhibit flashes of brilliance, especially in December, with a heroic 40pts against rookie of the year, Derrick Rose. Is he Chris Paul? No. But I believe he has the tools to be a great point guard, if he addresses one main concern in the offseason - limit the turnovers.
• Will Bynum. Wow. What a great find. Assuming Joe D re-signs this guy (he's a free agent), he'll play a huge role in the upcoming years. Will possesses the skill and determination to be a consistent threat on both ends of the court. As Piston fans like to mention, he's more of a true PG than Stuckey. That may be true, but I also believe Stuckey's NBA-size grants him a bigger upside. Nevertheless, Bynum should get major minutes next season (20+).
• Rip Hamilton is the face of the team. He's the best player and leader. After getting sent to the bench in favor of AI, Dumars should send Rip a bouquet of flowers. Rip is in his prime, and his style of play translates well to the post-season. Build around him. Don't screw with his head with worthless trade rumors.
• Kwame Brown doesn't suck. He actually performed above expectations this season and may have a role going forward. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for Maxiell. He proved effective in short bursts but invisible in the long haul. Maxiell was often on the court when the opposition would go on a run. As much as I like the guy's energy, that can't be ignored.
• Dice rules. But, like Maxiell, only in short bursts. At 25 minutes a game, Dice can be amongst the most dominant power forwards in the game, especially on the glass. At 40 minutes a game, he'll fade faster than sunset in Ecuador. Dumars will no doubt try to bring him back, but, after this debacle, will he want to? I doubt it. Expect Dice to sign with Cleveland, Boston, or Orlando.

From my perspective, the Pistons are in decent shape at 1 & 2, especially considering Afflalo is a capable backup as well. The 3, 4, and 5 spots are huge question marks. Who knows what to make of Tayshaun? If ever there was a time to have a breakout season, this would've been it. The fact that he managed only 14.3 pts/game leads me to believe Tayshaun may never be more than a role player. He's a serviceable 3, but, if he's the starter, the team needs a backup that can score. At 4 & 5, the team needs defense. Most of the offseason news will center around Carlos Boozer and Elton Brand. Those dudes are often injured and don't play D. This team needs inside defensive presence like Tyson Chandler. He won't cost as much either.

Yet, more than anything, the team needs a mental overhaul. They need to establish an identity. What's worked in the past will work again -- become the defensive juggernaut from year's past. Focus almost exclusively on dominating the paint. Detroit should never try to be the run-and-gun Lakers. The Pistons need to put aside the ranger - become who they were born to be - the freakin' Bad Boys.