Detroit Pistons 2001-02 Capsule
COACH: Rick Carlisle (first season)
LAST SEASON: 32-50, fifth in Central Division
ARRIVALS: F Cliff Robinson (trade with Phoenix), C Zeljko Rebraca (trade with Toronto), G Jon Barry (trade with Sacramento), F Rodney White (first-round pick), C Victor Alexander (free agent)
DEPARTURES: F John Wallace, G-F Jud Buechler, G Mateen Cleaves, F Joe Smith, F Billy Owens, F Tyrone Corbin
SLAM DUNKS: G Jerry Stackhouse (29.8 ppg, 5.1 apg) is truly an All-Star who can carry an offense for long stretches. Having bulked up in the offseason, he gets a chance to make his teammates better instead of taking everything upon himself. The addition of Robinson (16.4) should help in that regard, and Rebraca -- one of the best players in Europe the last three years -- can play in the low post, which could help open the floor for complementary players such as Barry (5.1) and G Dana Barros (8.0). C Ben Wallace (6.4, 13.2 rpg) is a relentless
player who makes you overlook his shortcomings on offense because he works so hard. G-F Michael Curry (5.2) is an excellent defender and a leader.
AIRBALLS: The trade of Cleaves was a strange one, especially since G Chucky Atkins (12.0, 4.1 apg) was inconsistent at the point last season. He has to score more but often is guilty of shooting too much. There doesn't seem to be much punch at the 4 and 5 spots, especially if Rebraca struggles. Neither he nor Ben Wallace can change a game with their defense and behind them are Mikki Moore (4.4, 3.9 rpg) and retread Alexander. F Corliss Williamson (11.6) can score but is inconsistent and White is very young and may not be ready to contribute based on the preseason. Carlisle is a first-time coach whose patience and authority will be tested.
IN THE ZONE: The Pistons may play some zone to hide some of their small guards. But without a shot-blocker, it will be difficult to do it for long stretches. They have some good 1-on-1 defenders in Curry and Robinson and a zone-buster in Stackhouse, who can beat any defense.
OUTLOOK: Robinson, Rebraca and White make Detroit better than last season. But it still doesn't look like enough to get out of the lottery loop. Carlisle knows offense and this team will score. But the Pistons need another star player, preferably one with some size, to take the pressure off Stackhouse, who is becoming this generation's Mitch Richmond.
