TSB blogger H. Jose Bosch is excited for the start of another NBA season and wonders whether or not the Pistons will repeat as the Eastern Conference No. 8 seed.
By H. Jose Bosch
If you read the blogosphere … OK if you read two blogs … you get two differing opinions on the upcoming Piston season, which begins tonight.
TSB blogger David Kay gave Detroit a failing grade for its offseason moves writing, “The Pistons put their future in the hands of two players who have yet to show they can carry a franchise.”
Daniel Feldman, master of PistonPowered.com (an ESPN affiliate!) — and a former college newspaper colleague of mine — is more optimistic about this season writing, “The Pistons were a playoff team last year that got better in the offseason. How many teams can say that? Probably about half of them. Even if you’re the eighth seed and didn’t get a ton better, it’s still a good situation to be in.”
So what does this season hold in store for fans?
I’ve made it clear on this here site that I didn’t like the draft pick or the free agency acquisitions made by Detroit. At the same time I can’t help but be moved by Feldman’s optimism: “The sun is out. The seas have parted. The basketball gods are shining upon us!”
(I drove 13 hours with this kid too and from Harvard to cover Michigan basketball and I’m pretty sure if I gave him a few more hours he could’ve convinced me I didn’t really exist.)
I understand his arguments for each position on the floor (I’ll let you read for yourself) and can be talked into this team making the playoffs again. Besides, the Pistons made the postseason with a losing record last year, so the Eastern Conference isn’t exactly brimming with competition.
Even if they can squeak into the playoffs, this team won’t be fun to watch for three reasons:
1. Rodney Stuckey won’t develop into a true point guard (I don’t think he is one)
2. Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva won’t play lock down defense (two scorers, albeit good scorers)
3. The best teams in the East (Boston, Cleveland and Orlando) will manhandle the Pistons in the paint (no real surprise, just frustration that it’ll continue to happen)
Are those reasons not to watch? Of course not! You’re a fan. But don’t be surprised if your sanity is tested two months into the season. And have those custom-made “We’re No. 8 (seed)” t-shirts ready because you may need them.