Chris Wilcox

But I don’t think there’s a reason to be pessimistic about the current squad we have. Rather than focusing on what we don’t have, let’s focus on what we do.

Ben Gordon – Before Chauncey was ever in Detroit, people said similar things about him that they do about Ben Gordon. He’s only a shooter, a 2 guard in a point’s body. And we all know how Chauncey turned out. Will Gordon ever be able to carry the reigns of an offense? I’m not sure about that. But the circumstances in which Dumasrs brought Gordon in is similar to Chauncey’s addition. Both weren’t identified as stars (Chauncey was being labeled a bust early in his career), and both had an excellent playoff showing that put them on Joe D’s wishlist. The Gordon we are getting may not be the same Gordon we end up with in a few years. We’ve seen guys take that next step when they arrive in Detroit, Gordon may do the same. He can go from great player, to star. He’s only 26, same age as Chauncey was when he arrived, and look how far Chauncey came. I think Gordon will learn when to pass and when to shoot, and will become a more efficient player as his time goes in Detroit.

Charlie Villanueva – Charlie Villanueva is alerady a huge offensive threat, he once put up 48 pts in his rookie season. Charlie Villanueva is another one of those guys that will turn into a great player once he comes to Detroit (almost like Hamilton). Take a look at his per 36 numbers, 20 pts 8 rebs and 1 blk. That’s very impressive, and he’s only 24, he’s not undersized, and he’s got decent bulk. There’s nothing holding him back from pulling down 8-10 rebs a game as he progresses. He could also add more blocks as his timing gets better. The sky’s the limit with this kid.

Rodney Stuckey – This horse’s been beaten before, Stuck posesses all the tools to become a great player in this league. He can drive the lane, he’s got decent court vision, he’s got excellent size for the point guard position, and he has the will to get better. Pistons fans have become impatient with his PG progression, but you have to give him time. Look how long it took Chauncey! If the Warriors are still comfortable with Monta Ellis as their point, the Pistons should be more than comfortable with Stuck. We’ve seen flashes of talent during the season, 40 pt performances popped up now and then. But with a better team surrounding him, we should see him become even better. When Stuckey drove the lane, the help defense would converge on him so he would try to kick out, but Detroit didn’t have much of a 3 point threat, so the play ended up dead. WIth Gordon and Villanueva, in addition to Rip and Tay, Stuckey has a myriad of options to opt for when help defense arrives. Stuckey needs to hit the gym and work on that jumper, because as of now defenders can sag off to take away the drive, and Stuckey can’t make them pay but putting up a jumper.

Rip & Tay- Veterans that’ll lead the young guys to success, we all know what we can get with these guys

Austin Daye/Dajuan Summers/Jonas Jerebko- We’ve seen what they can do in the summer league, if one of them turns into a good/great player (like Tayshaun) which is very possible, Detroit ends up with 4 guys that are either superstars or very close to it. That’s alot to be excited about.