The Need to Succeed

Need a break from the "Summer of LeBron"? As a Pistons fan it can be frustrating to sit and watch the competition in the Eastern Conference get tougher with the additions in Miami, Chicago and New York while the Pistons wait to see if they can pick up some quality with the mid level exception or a trade after things have settled down.

There is still a lot of summer left to play out but let's look at some things that need to happen with the personnel currently in place for the Pistons to have a successful season.

1. Stuckey

Aside from the team staying healthy, the play of Rodney Stuckey will be the deciding factor for the Pistons this year. Whether he's a point guard or not really isn't the question as much as is he a great player? His combination of size, strength and speed already make him a tough cover. If he can improve his outside shooting (.405 from the field and a brutal .228 from three last year) he has the potential to make the jump from up-and-comer to All-Star. One thing that really stands out with Stuckey is his attitude. He always seems eager to improve, eager to take responsibility, eager to work hard and become a leader. Those qualities, as much as his obvious talent, make it hard to bet against Stuck having a break-out year.

2. Defense

Obviously, you say, but easier said than done. True, but good defenders are not born they are made. Defense is about effort, it's about will, and it's about technique. Was Charlie V. a poor defender? Yes. Can he improve? Absolutely. None of the guys on the Pistons roster are handicapped. They are all world class athletes. If they weren't they wouldn't be in the NBA. I'm not saying all of the players on the team are going to suddenly morph into lock down defenders but if Coach Q really practices what he preaches about defense and holds guys responsible for their effort then we can expect better defense this year.

3. The Second Year Guys

Jonas was the best player on the team for stretches last year and I would not be surprised to see him average close to a double-double next year. His defense and toughness make him a guy the Pistons need to keep around.

Austin is intriguing. The first time I saw him rebound the ball, bring it up court and drop a dime for an easy bucket I was hooked. You want to talk upside? At 6-11 with his skill set and shooting range this guy has potential to be a match-up nightmare every game. I think he can play shooting guard. His length will even the playing field against the quicker players he'll find himself guarding.

DaJuan has the tools to be a starting NBA small forward. He's 6'8", 240lbs. and shot .357 from three point range last year which shows his versatility. The question is, how do the Pistons develop this guy with the logjam at small forward? One answer is trade Prince for a big and move DaJuan or Austin into the starting spot, but the Pistons seem hesitant to do that and who can blame them? Prince is a proven commodity and his salary comes off the books next year. The other answer is trade Hamilton and give Austin more time at shooting guard thereby freeing up minutes for DaJuan at small forward. Of course DaJuan may be packaged with another player(s)for a serviceable big in which case problem solved.