The Basketball Jones is back, so in honor of that: Good morning, sweet world. 

If you're like me, you're constantly checking for good news on the Rodney Stuckey health front.  Unfortunately, there are no new updates (but that's not necessarily a bad thing, either): 

There's been no update on Rodney Stuckey , who collapsed against the Cavaliers on Friday. He was scheduled for more tests Monday and today.

Kuester said the team expected to know more about Stuckey within the next few days. 

Meanwhile, Tayshaun Prince attributes his success of late to finally being healthy:

"It feels good to be healthy," Prince said. "It took a long time. It just feels good. [...]

[...] "Once all that stuff goes away, you feel there's no issue and you're kind of getting back to your normal self," he said. "It kind of took a while to be in a position where anything I could do, it doesn't bother me."

His field goal percentage is the best its been since 2004-2005.  While his per game statistics have dropped off from recent seasons, Prince's PER36 numbers are right around his career averages.  If he remains healthy for the rest of the season, it might be safe to say that his trade value didn't take much of a hit this season at all (assuming his expiring deal in 2011 might possibly cancel out any lingering injury concerns).  

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It's Friday and the Pistons will be nationally televised tonight on ESPN against (gulp) the best team with the best record in the NBA.  While LeBron has the ability to make any team look completely lost, I dread the fact that the whole nation (that enjoys the league on a Friday night) is going to get a front row seat to poke fun at our beloved disappointing squad.

The bright side?  The Cavs have preemptively softened the blow and given us material to deflect attention from what might come of the game by going forward with the world's lamest promotional event -- trying to set the record for the largest gathering of people wearing fleece blankets.  IF LeBron leaves Cleveland after this season, I hope he cites this little gag as, like, reason number two (reason number one, of course, being that Cleveland does not actually rock).

Go Pistons.

Detroit News -- John Kuester vows to keep prodding Pistons
Langlois'd -- A Cautionary Tale
MLIVE (draft series) -- Detroit Pistons Draft Dreams: Xavier Henry
Dave Berri Jinxes Ben Wallace -- Where Would the Pistons Be Without Big Ben?
Piston Powered -- Pistons’ most underrated shooters, by secondary percentage
Piston Powered -- This shoe drama is getting Hypersized
Pistons Point -- McHale rips Detroit's signing of Gordon, Villanueva 
Slam Online --  Cavs Hurt Zydrunas Ilgauskas’ Feelings
Freep -- Lackadaisical Pistons let the Knicks slip away
MLIVE -- Not so much the minutes played, it's the lineup combinations that are the problem
DBB commenter, Boney -- Awful, on Broadway
Ball Don't Lie -- Video: Rodney Stuckey avenges blocked big guys
Google Reader being mean about 2003 -- Feed Fail
Speaking of 2003, from the Detroit News -- Ex-Piston Darko Milicic starting for Timberwolves
Detroit News chat with Terry Foster -- Join the live Pistons chat at noon Friday 
Pistons Point -- The Flip Camera era has begun
J.E. Skeets leaves BDL -- The Basketball Jones' Announcement 
SB Nation -- Nets Daily Moves To SB Nation (SB Nation now has a blog for every NBA team)
FanShot -- Allen Iverson's wife files for divorce
Slam Online -- How good is Stephen Curry?

Open thread it up until someone posts the game preview this evening.  Have a good/safe weekend, everyone.

Has Karen Davidson found someone to take the NBA's 4th most valuable franchise off her hands?  

According to the Detroit Sports Rag, she has:

Jeff Moss is reporting that David Katzman will soon become the new owner of the Detroit Pistons, acquiring a majority ownership position from the Davidson family.

Moss’ sources (who also correctly predicted the firing of Rick Carlisle days before the firing was reported in the mainstream media) are stating the Katzman has severed ties with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Quicken Loans in anticipation of this move.

David Katzman is currently part owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Vice Chairman for Quicken Loans.

Not so fast, though.  There is nothing around the 'net, aside from this report, about Katzman severing ties with the Cavaliers and Quicken Loans, much less becoming the next Pistons owner.  And the parenthetical, citing that this "source" was right about something 7-8 years ago, doesn't exactly scream credibility.  Most importantly, who is Jeff Moss and who is his "source"?

However, this "source," who correctly predicted the Rick Carlisle firing in 2002-2003, also told Moss sometime around December 22 that Karen Davidson was not seeing eye-to-eye with Tom Wilson.  A month later, and out of the blue, Karen Davidson admitted that she is trying to sell the team.  Interesting.  Maybe, just maybe, DSR was on to something then and perhaps there is some truth to this David Katzman rumor.  

At the onset of the "Pistons for sale" talks, a couple rumors fluttered about the possibility of Dan Gilbert, current majority owner of the Cavs, buying the franchise, but those were unrealistic and quickly squashed.  If Gilbert didn't already own the Cavs, then he would have made sense for the role -- he was born and raised in Detroit, went to undergrad and grad school in Michigan, and still resides there with his wife and kids.  Of course, being one of the Forbes 400, money would not have been an issue.

Similarly, Katzman is a Michigan man.  He did his undergrad at Michigan State and attended law school at Detroit.  Despite owning part of the Cavs, he is still centralized in the greater Detroit area.  Mix in that Katzman has been a rather successful business man and it's certainly feasible that he could be a potential suitor for the Pistons.

We might not be as close to having the next Pistons owner as DSR reports, but I do think this could be the first realistic option to buy the Pistons (and one that would presumably keep them in Michigan).  Only time will tell if this rumor comes into fruition.   

UPDATE 11:40 AM EST:  This from Rob Otto at MLIVE:

A Pistons representative points out it would be impossible at this time for Katzman to buy the team, because it isn't actually for sale yet:

"Mrs. Davidson is only exploring the possibility of selling the team at this point. They haven't even gotten to the point of putting it up for sale. You can't buy it if it's not for sale, and officially the Pistons are not for sale."

Other Links:

• Pistons expected to be at full strength tonight -- MLIVE
• If you write something bad about Tayshaun Prince, he wants to explode -- Piston Powered
• Pistons have a chance at a winning streak?  -- Detroit News 
  
  OK, I'm verklempt.  Talk amongst yourselves until game time tonight. 

• Despite the positive vibes coming out of Tuesday's win (a three-guard lineup that doesn't feature Chucky Atkins? Outstanding!), dreams of playoff berths have long been supplanted by those of lottery picks.

Unfortunately, even if the Pistons end up with a high pick, there's still a sense of dread among fans that Joe Dumars will try to outsmart everybody by taking the less obvious (and ultimately less talented) pick. But is the criticism warranted? Maybe, maybe not. But as MLive's Patrick Hayes points out, picking the right the players isn't so much a problem as actually developing the ones that are here:

The bigger question to me has not been Dumars' draft picks -- debating the high profile fails is pointless, high profile picks fail every year -- it's been the seeming lack of a system that allows picks to thrive.

[Carlos] Delfino, [Amir] Johnson and [Arron] Afflalo were dealt in similar deals -- clear a bit of cap space, get a future aspect like a second rounder back in return. All of those deals suggested the Pistons didn't think those players would materialize into much on the court. Why is that? Some of that has to relate to feedback the coaches are giving, right?  What has broken down that has allowed the Pistons to trade guys who have become valuable NBA players for not much in return?

The same can be said for Milicic: after three seasons of sink-or-swim at the end of the bench, he was tossed aside for cap space and a future pick. Would Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh or Carmelo Anthony be the players they are today if they were drafted by the Pistons? I'm not so sure. Eventually talent trumps everything, but would they already be MVP and scoring champ candidates or just hitting their stride?

This goes back all the way to Prince's rookie year -- largely ignored as a rookie, he was only given a chance as a last resort when the Pistons were on the brink of elimination. Dating back to the early part of this decade, the only rookie I can recall the Pistons made a concerted effort to develop is Stuckey, and even that was likely a matter of timing than anything since his arrival coincided with the team's core looking old and broke in the playoffs.

Fortunately, if you want to call it that, the Pistons have lowered expectations so much that it should be near impossible to keep next year's rookies off the court. But still, I can't help but shake a sneaking suspicion that as good as Wall/Cousins/Favors/whomever ends up looking in a Detroit uniform, a guy like DaJuan Summers will be moved for a ball rack and a case of Gatorade only to someday burn the Pistons for 30 points. But I digress -- more links!

• Matchups, injuries and the phase of the moon will likely dictate the big man rotation, but for the time being, Jonas Jerebko has secured a starting spot.

• Apropos of nothing, this ESPN.com article from 2006 predicting what the NBA will be like in 2010 is incredibly amusing. Three of six "experts" thought Adam Morrison would be the next big superstar, which looks silly until you see the last guy picked Joel Freeman. Who? Exactly.

• Chauncey Billups is an All-Star.

• Isiah Thomas is apparently candidate for DePaul's coaching job.

• Last but not least, while the Pistons may or may not have their own issues, schaudenfreude is kind of awesome sometimes: Rajon Rondo complains that Boston's locker room is falling apart:

"We are getting bored with it some," he said, "but I think it’s a little bit of different agendas maybe creeping in. It just all depends. You know, I think if we all had the right spirit as far as one goal, one thing in common, I think we’d be a lot better."

[...] "It’s a different team this year," Rondo said then. "That’s our problem. A couple of years ago, we didn’t have the same team. We had the same main guys, but it’s still a team effort, from the first guy to the 15th guy."

(OK, fine, everyone was backtracking after Wednesday's win, but still -- the roster is showing cracks.)

More photos » David Dow - NBAE/Getty Images

This post is about neither Tayshaun Prince nor Jarvis Hayes. But that's "the dunk" everyone who watched the game is talking about this morning, so I'm running with it.

Browse more photos »

• How bad have the injuries been this year? So bad that 47 games into the season, Tuesday was just the second time all season that John Kuester had his entire roster at his disposable. From Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News:

"It's going to be interesting, getting everyone back," Kuester said. "But the bottom line is, we have to start playing well."

[...] "You would hope at this stage of the year, you're adding more and more and more in regards to plays you want to use or defensive schemes," Kuester said. "But it's been like the start of training camp all over again. But it's good to get everyone back and let's see what happens."

Sadly, everyone isn't completely healthy -- Charlie Villanueva is clearly less than 100%, and Ben Gordon is still struggling with this rhythm, if not his groin injury -- but it's a start.

• Speaking of Kulfan, he has no love for the Meadowlands. DBB reader Other Matt agrees.

• Vincent Goodwill of the Detroit News talking with Ben Wallace:

When asked if he was lucky or it was a testament to being around, he said, "Both. Lucky because I've been around for a while."

Wallace, who will turn 36 in September, doesn't yet know if he'll spend his birthday preparing for another training camp, or his first year away from the game he loves. As for today, he's as healthy as he's been in years.

"Man, I'm trying to win some games," he said. "You're talking about playing another year?"

• More on Wallace, this time from MLive's Chris Iott on Wallace becoming the 17th player in league history to block 2,000 shots (and the only player on that list shorter than 6-foot-10):

"Shot blocking is not always about big guys going in and blocking shots," Wallace said. "You’ve got timing, footwork, being in the right place at the right time and being on a solid defensive team."

Wallace explained that when his teammates play good defense, it causes opposing players to take bad shots, which allows him more opportunities for blocks.

• MLive's Justin Rogers is thinking about the draft -- in particular, Evan Turner, Derrick Favors and Al-Farouq Aminu.

• Speaking of prospects, the comment section in the Adopt-a-Prospect FanPost is the gift that keeps on giving. It's a few days old, but if you haven't seen it yet, this ridiculously (and awesomely) thorough scouting report on Favors and Cole Aldrich is worth your time.

• Natalie from Need4Sheed with the pretty moving pictures from last night.

• The Pistons may not have any representatives in the All-Star game, but they do have two players on Empty the Bench's Most Consistently Inconsistent list. Yay?

G'morning, DBB'ers.  Today seems a little brighter than yesterday, what with the Pistons playing the Nets tonight and the players keeping their spirits high (at least in front of the media).

In NBA action last night, Kobe scored 44 in a losing effort to the surprising Grizzlies.  Former-'ston, Arron Afflalo hit a huge bucket in OT to help the Carmelo-less Nuggets defeat the Kings.  Chauncey was big, too, but was just 6-25 shooting.  And Deron Williams had 15 dimes in Utah's win over the Mavs.

There are some interesting links today that should spur discussion.  Have at it until one of us brings you the game thread this evening.

FanHouse Report: Owners Seek to Cut NBA Salaries By 20 Percent
Dave Dial MLIVE Report: NBA appears to be heading toward a long lockout 
MLIVE The Detroit Pistons are capable of a quick turnaround, similar to the 2000-2001 team 
Detroit News Pistons keeping the playoff faith
MLIVE Pistons' playoff chances unrealistic, no matter what they're saying 
Detroit Free Press Don't be shocked if Jonas Jerebko stays in starting lineup
Pistons Point Pistons' Point: Villanueva day-to-day with back spasms
Pistons Nation Big Ben on the cusp of history
How to Watch Sports LeBron James' Foul Issue: A Rebuttal (to what BrGulker posted in the FanShots)
Piston Powered Jonas Jerebko breaks out in yet another moral victory, actual loss for the stuck-in-reverse Detroit Pistons
Detroit4lyfe Rudy Gay Accidentally Hits the X Button Too Soon
Ball Don't Lie Video: Leandro Barbosa makes a mean Na'vi
SB Nation Kobe Bryant: Celtics 'Didn't Want Any Part Of This Crazy (Expletive)' 

Whoever decided to put marshmallows in Froot Loops is a smart man/woman.  

Links and open thread to bring in February! 

NBA FanHouse  Report: Chris Paul Out 1-2 Months After Knee Surgery
NBA FanHouse  Will Chauncey Billups Replace Chris Paul in the All-Star Game? 
SB Nation (video) Kobe Bryant Is Clutch, Ex. 23495
Arash Markazi's Twitter Kobe is mockingly humming Shipping up to Boston in the shower (why was he in the shower with Kobe?)
HoopData  Kevin Durant scored 45 points last night, had a 87 TS%, and passed Lebron in PPG
Piston Powered  Acquiring Ty Lawson in a three-way deal
FanShots  Jonas Jerebko's Swedish crib 
Detroit Free Press Pistons' 3-point defense struggles during skid
Langlois! Silver Lining
LIVE  Pistons' John Kuester praises rookies for handling reduced minutes while others return
MLIVE Pistons' Charlie Villanueva: 'I can't even straighten out my back right now' 
Detroit News Pistons' Richard Hamilton willing to alter his game
TSN Van Gundy to lead Eastern Conference All Stars
Orlando Sentinel Palace doesn't haunt Magic this time as Orlando tops lowly Detroit 
Detroit Free Press Pistons go 'poof' against Magic
MLIVE Comeback against Magic falls short as Pistons suffer fifth consecutive loss 
Orlando Pinstriped Post Orlando Magic 91, Detroit Pistons 86 
Detroit News Orlando Magic 91, Detroit Pistons 86: Losing streak at five
Need4Sheed  Nothing Magical About That - The Piston lose to Orlando
ESPN (video) Superman, Magic Fight Off Pistons, 91-86

A number of the links I planned on sharing had videos within them, so since it's fun Friday, I took the liberty of mixing things up and embedding them for your viewing pleasure/convenience.  This could be a success or it might cause the site to lag like a mofo. (Seriously, I don't expect there to be any problems, but let me know in the comments if there are any).  

Start your morning off with some bacon and schadenfreude.  Here are highlights of the Celtics losing in heartbreak fashion (and KG moving laterally like he has a prosthetic leg).  It always brings a smile to my face to see the C's lose, even if it means a Magic win:

Watson mentioned in yesterday's links that the Nets picked up their first win of 2010 on Wednesday over the Clippers.  The Pistons play the Nets twice in the next five games and should win both.  But if they don't want to lose, then they should take notes from the following video on how NOT to play [via Clipper Blog]: 

More after the jump...

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