When are the piston going to stop being sweet

[Magix3]

They dont add anything, i would think teams would know how to play them now, and they are getting old just a little bit. But they are always getting 55+ wins, they got 59 damnit. I get so jealous. I can only compare them to the Patriots or the BoSox (no fan of Boston)

[MoGrAdY]

Becuase there good.. Plain an simple..

[Magix3]

Jordan was good too when he played with the Wiz.. But he got old, and wasnt at the level he was once at and didnt scare anybody. Piston are just not showin any signs or falling off. I remember when the Billups team won there first they had 50 wins, and a few years later they stronger and even have 59 wins

[TheGlyde]

Most teams that have been together more than a few years grow together, they take time to gel together and reach their potential.

When they had their successful framework in place they didn't panic after a couple of playoff exits and blow up the team likem many ppl here want to do after a summer league loss.

In the Real GM climate, people want to blow up a team every 5 minutes, but all the powerhouse teams of the 80s and 90s were pretty much together for years before they reached their full potential, going through playoff exits, upsets, slumps and bad blowout losses... you have to ride the bumps.

The Magic's foundation is in place, we have our '50 wins' and a few years later we should be in position to be 'even stronger and have 59 wins'.

[MagicNolesFSU]

Pistons have no reason to change. They are getting older but their best players are STILL in their prime. Tay gets better every year, their bench is young and half could start on good teams. If aint broke dont fix it.

[Magix3]

it not so much as them changing kiddo, that was a small point, they are just so good. Point 1 goes with 3. 2's obselete.

[macdalejax]

Most teams that have been together more than a few years grow together, they take time to gel together and reach their potential.

When they had their successful framework in place they didn't panic after a couple of playoff exits and blow up the team likem many ppl here want to do after a summer league loss.

In the Real GM climate, people want to blow up a team every 5 minutes, but all the powerhouse teams of the 80s and 90s were pretty much together for years before they reached their full potential, going through playoff exits, upsets, slumps and bad blowout losses... you have to ride the bumps.

The Magic's foundation is in place, we have our '50 wins' and a few years later we should be in position to be 'even stronger and have 59 wins'.

+1

[MagicalMan]

Most teams that have been together more than a few years grow together, they take time to gel together and reach their potential.

When they had their successful framework in place they didn't panic after a couple of playoff exits and blow up the team likem many ppl here want to do after a summer league loss.

In the Real GM climate, people want to blow up a team every 5 minutes, but all the powerhouse teams of the 80s and 90s were pretty much together for years before they reached their full potential, going through playoff exits, upsets, slumps and bad blowout losses... you have to ride the bumps.

The Magic's foundation is in place, we have our '50 wins' and a few years later we should be in position to be 'even stronger and have 59 wins'.

But often that philosophy goes awry. Look at the Pacers, Knicks, Blazers, Kings, etc. They kept a core together and did good year after year, but ultimately never won the title. While staying together can breed success, it doesn't equate to a title, which is why most fans would rather see teams "blow-up" and move in another direction so often.

[Last Guardian]

When they lose to the Magic in the second round.......

[Magicalltheway]

And also dont forget, this is the first year we are playing with SVG and RL and we already hit 52Ws. I think this is an achievment most people in the league have overlooked.

Can you imagine getting a half decent PF and a good PG. As young as this team is I can see several titles in the next decade.

[drsd]

One key is that Nelson, Turkoglu, Lewis, and Howard - the Magic's best four players - are all with multi-year deals.

[Jiwol]

And also dont forget, this is the first year we are playing with SVG and RL and we already hit 52Ws. I think this is an achievment most people in the league have overlooked.

Can you imagine getting a half decent PF and a good PG. As young as this team is I can see several titles in the next decade.

Man, change the avatar. It looks like the raptor is screwing Magic's logo!!!

[Dome]

When they lose to the Magic in the second round.......

Really though, like a lot of others have stated as well; the Pistons are just that a good team. Look at the Spurs too. When you know how to play basketball, you know how to play basketball. Shows you that things like upside, hops and a freak body aren't always a necessity to keep winning.

That's big part of the reason I've been following the Trailblazers a lot ever since the 2006 draft. Nate McMillan has been getting flack from a lot of Blazers fans over at the Blazers board, but IMO it is amazing to see the type of mindset he's already implemented with the team. They're one of the youngest teams ever in the NBA, but managed to get a .500 season in the rediculously deep western conference this year. Portland has done a terrific job at keeping their youngsters (particularly Outlaw and Webster) around and giving them time to gel.

With guys like Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge that really know how to play basketball (by that I mean skill/tactics wise, like the Pistons and Spurs really) already in place and super studs in Oden and Rudy Fernandez coming in, that team to me looks like the most likely franchise to become a dynasty the next generation.

I'm still not entirely convinced the Magic's management are as capable as Kevin Pritchard on setting up a great team, but they've definitely made a nice attempt this year. Hiring Stan Van Gundy, putting the ball in Hedo's hands and acquiring Rashard Lewis (albeit at his rediculous price) were very solid moves at an attempt to set down the base of this team IMO.

The point guard spot remains the big question IMO.

I think Jameer has improved a lot this year: his turnovers went from 2.39 to 2.04 while his assists went up from 4.3 to 5.6, his FG% went up from .430 to .469 and his 3PT% went up from .335 to .416. Granted, some of those upgrades might've been a direct result of the better spacing on the floor due to the team improving drastically from the outside, but overall it seems like Jameer is making much smarter decisions. His TO and % are actually quite good for a PG right now.

Forget 'pass-first' and 'shoot-first' point guards. You want your point guard to make smart decisions and play within your teams offense. From what I've seen from Jameer this season, he's getting a lot better at that and is very adequate at this point. Sure, he's no Chris Paul, but at least on the offensive side he's a good fit for this team IMO. He's a decent leader, doesn't necessarely need to be in the spotlight at all times or need to take a million shots (his FGA went down from 875 to 603, for those who are counting). I like him on this team.

On the defensive side though, well... he's tiny. We know that. That's why I feel Arroyo isn't that great a backup for him.

I for one am really for the Magic signing Chris Duhon to form a PG combo with Jameer next year. Like Jameer, Duhon is a decent floor general, isn't all about flashy play and seems like a better defender for taller point guards depending on the matchup.

Man, this is starting to get really off topic lmao... To come back to my point; I think the Magic are slowly taking steps towards becoming an annual contender as well. Keep Dwight, Hedo, Rashard and Jameer together, and keep surrounding them with good role players and see how they grow. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed the rediculous salaries aren't going to be a problem in the future...

[bakafool]

Jordan was good too when he played with the Wiz.. But he got old, and wasnt at the level he was once at and didnt scare anybody. Piston are just not showin any signs or falling off. I remember when the Billups team won there first they had 50 wins, and a few years later they stronger and even have 59 wins

lol wtf r u talkin about? How can you even bring in a 40 year old Jordan with an absolutely sucky team like the Wizards back then into the argument. lol silly comparison.

[Magix3]

-= original quote snipped =-



lol wtf r u talkin about? How can you even bring in a 40 year old Jordan with an absolutely sucky team like the Wizards back then into the argument. lol silly comparison.

Wow kiddo... Not talking about his Wiz being a dominant team... Im comparing he level of greatness aging... Jordan got old, he skills took a slight dump... Piston are getting older they are rising... Read between the lines

[ORL]

One key is that Nelson, Turkoglu, Lewis, and Howard - the Magic's best four players - are all with multi-year deals.

Turk got just one more before he can opt out. No one's talking about it, but this guy is in line for a big extension.