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Detroit Pistons Offseason Primer

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I started this 2 weeks ago and it just kept growing. I heard Dumars traded Mason and Hooper to the Lakers for Jack Nicholson’s sunglasses and the “D” from the “HOLLYWOOD” sign.

Below are my brief thoughts and links – please add your own in the comments…

John Kuester for Michael Curry It was obvious that despite being an all-around nice guy, Curry wasn’t ready to be a head coach. I don’t know much about Kuester, but the word is that he had a lot to do with the Cavs offense and he has a reputation as a guy who is great at building contenders (great article – must read). I’m going to believe that it is a solid move to bring in a builder in what will likely be a rebuilding year.

Charlie V and Ben Gordon and Chris Wilcox for Sheed and ‘Dice and Amir and (not pictured) Arron Afflalo and Walter Hermann I cried a little when Rasheed left and even more when McDyess did. Two solid players and great clubhouse presences who will be missed. I never formed an attachment to Afflalo and Hermann – though I did like his energy and regular-guy vibe – and despite his massive upside, Amir Johnson never seemed to have the confidence of the organization.   At the end of the day, the NBA is a young man’s game and the Pistons certainly got younger here. I love Charlie Villanueva (except for the typing his name part and especially the Twitter addictiontwitter.com/cv31) but I worry worry that Ben Gordon is a sign that Rip is on the trading block. Wilcox definitely brings some potential but he seems like a trading chip … unless (perish the thought) Jason Maxiel is.

The end of the Allen Iverson era I’m pretty sure there are choirs of angels singing about this … or at least a special Automotion dance.

The Pistons rookie class The class of ’09 seems to be doing well. Austin Daye will need to bulk up, DaJuan Summers seems to be proving his critics wrong and as the first Swede in the NBA, Jonas Jerebko seems destined for glory.

Thoughts? Comments? Links? Share them below!