The Pistons are now on a three game winning streak after beating the Washington Wizards 106-103 on their home court.  Another stellar night for the newcomers Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon, but it was again Will Bynum who sparked the team when they looked like they were going to fold.

Key Points:

• This one looked like it was going to be a pretty easy win over the injured Wizards when Detroit took the lead early.  But one of my favorite non Pistons Earl Boykins, who was playing for the first time this season (a new acquisition for Washington), was on a mission to show his new teammates what he could do.  He scored 20 off the bench, getting his team right back in the game by the half.
• 54 points combined for Charlie V and Ben Gordon.
• From what I hear from a few members of team N4S that went to the game, there were plenty of Pistons fans cheering them on in Washington.
• I know many people are putting a mini Sheed label on Charlie V, something I don’t quite agree with (yet), he sure looked a lot like him when he was knocking down threes like they were layups. 12 of his 25 points game from long range.  Villanueva added 7 boards, 2 steal and 2 blocked shots before fouling out late in the fourth.

Photo/Getty Images

“It is a good opportunity. It’s an unfortunate situation that our top two players are out (Hamilton and Prince) but no one is going to feel sorry for us so we have to keep playing hard. It creates opportunity for other guys and they are taking on the challenge. I feel like we are going to win games by playing good defense.” Via Pistons.com

• It’s safe to say Charlie V is in a groove and is fitting in just fine with Detroit’s style of play.
• Just 2 from SWEEEEDE (Jerebko), but his hustle and defense does wonders in the starting lineup.
• Rodney Stuckey scored 17 in 44  minutes of play on 5-for 13 shooting with 9 boards, 4 assists and a steal.  He turned the ball over 4 times but his help on the boards along with the other guards cemented the Pistons com back win.
• The Wizards may have scored over 100, but do you realize that this Pistons team is 5th in the league in Defense.
• Bynum just doesn’t drive the lane to score you know!

Video Courtesy of The NBA, FSN and The Detroit Pistons

• This team showed heart and determination scrapping out a win after the Wizards took the lead in the fourth quarter. In the past they might have just laid down and took one, but they did everything they could to pull it out.
• Will Bynum put the team on his back in the third quarter and got then right back in it.  I know that many of you think I’m on a Bynumite kick, but I’ll  stand up to anyone who says it’s not well deserved.  We knew what he could do last season, it was just a matter of him getting a chance.  Will scored 20 off the bench for Detroit in 31 minutes with 8 boards and 6 assists.   Did anyone see him take just about everyone on the Wizards off the dribble last night?  He was great last night!
• Hate to say it,  but had MC been coaching last night this team probably would have lost.
• My stat of the night, 42 points in the paint for Detroit. I hated the fact that in the past few seasons when we had Sheed and considerable size that we didn’t put up enough easy buckets, they really have surprised me with their work down low.
• The Pistons led early by as much as 13 and the Wizards mounted a 10 point lead late. This one was truly a game of runs, thankfully Detroit went on a big one late in the game to pull it out.
• DNP for Chris Wilcox, who I wish would be contributing more when he gets time on the court.  It’s understandable why he’s not playing considering the numbers he’s put up, but he’s got to step it up, we know what he can do.
• Our leading scorer Ben Gorden had another fantastic night leading all scorers with 29.  Does anyone even question him when he puts up as shot?  It seems like he makes everything he puts up.

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• Anybody worried about Jason Maxiell? Our spark plug is loosing his spark. I know he had a nice block the other night, but I’m still waiting for him to be a consistent force the Pistons can count on. Jason played 14 minutes and scored 5 with 4 boards. He needs to start taking after Wallace 2.0.
• DaJuan Summers and Austin Day each logged 4 minutes without scoring.
• Why Ben Wallace ditched his headband early in the game we will never know, but his contributions to this team have surpassed everything this Pistons fans thought he could do. The man had just as many assists (4) as our starting point guard. Take a look at this scrappy assist…..

Video Courtesy of The NBA, FSN and The Detroit Pistons

• Wallace 2.0 finished the game with 5 points on 2-for-2 shooting with 7 boards a steal and 2 blocked shots. Can he play 30 minutes a night all season long is the question.
• Still no timetable on Rip of Tayshaun.
• Bynumite tried to wow the Wizards crowd with another jaw dropping dunk over a big man, but the had to foul him to stop him.
• Kwame Brown had to hear the boos from the Washington crowd. It’s unfortunate but he’s kind of similar to Pistons fans relationship with Darko. Kwame finished with 3 points and 3 boards in 9 minutes.
• Highlights of the game via NBA.com

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• Detroit has another one  today against the Mavs and a tough road trip out west this week.

The Pistons did their best to try to pull out another game without Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince, but the Raptors didn’t cooperate with Detroit’s plans. Detroit went down 99-110 in Toronto after another gutsy effort.

Key Points:

• Another start for Jonas Jerebko and his first NBA points.  Hustle from Jerebko and defensive effort turned into 2 blocks, 3 boards and 8 points.
• Though not a 20 point night, Rodney Stuckey put up a solid double-double with 10 boards, 13 points and 4 assists.
• We have to face facts, it’s clear that Detroit desperately needs front court help.  They can’t count on the guards to do all the scoring.
• I’m getting Ben Wallace DeJa vu.  He’s as closer to the Ben that left to go to Chicago than I could have ever imagined.  Now Kuester needs to limit his time a bit more so this lasts all season.  Wallace finished with 9 boards and 6 points.
• Toronto became the first team this season to score more than 100 points against Detroit. Does that mean the “D” is officially back?  Probably not, but it’s a refreshing surprise.
• Another heroic effort from Will Bynum, who did his best in the fourth to get the Pistons back in it. He tied the game up with this drive and finished the game with16 points, 6 assists and a steal in 33 minutes. I know he prefers “The Thrill” but I can’t help screaming Bynumite, when he does something spectacular like this…

Video Courtesy of The NBA and The Detroit Pistons

• Austin Day looks a lot like Tayshaun on court, especially when he’s blocking people with those long arms. Daye logged 16 minutes, blocking 2 shots, with 3 boards and 5 points.
• Jason Maxiell got 10 minutes of floor time and added a bit of a spark. A nice putback with 3 boards with 4 points.
• By the way….how many “trade rumor” stories did you read after the Orlando game?
• 20 trips to the line for Bosh, that’s big.
• How much do you enjoy watching Ben Gordon? I’m sure I’ll be writing this again but… Ben Gordon put up a career high in a Pistons uniform while leading the team with 30 points. He’s truly putting this team on his back with Rip and Tay out. Oh and I’m enjoying the fact the Bulls fans are sick about it.

Photo/Getty Images

• First official NBA time for DaJuan Summers who saw 40 seconds.
• Pistons shot well, shooting 45% for the game, but needed to get some stops down the stretch and couldn’t.
• Charlie Villanueva played his best game as a Piston against the team that drafted him. A pretty good stat line in all departments with 16 points, 7 boards a steal and a block. He’s looking better in red, white and blue every night.
• Tough to play a back to back shorthanded, especially after the battle against Orlando. You could clearly see the effort, but they just fell flat mid fourth quarter.
• A little more Ben

• Good to see Amir Johnson get some time on court.  He really helped Toronto when the Pistons started making a run in the third.
• A day of rest and a tough rematch in Orlando Friday night. I hope someone bring some more Kryptonite.
• My good friend Ryan over at HoopsAddict got the inside scoop in the Pistons locker room last night.  I’ll quote him, and then send you over for the audio. “Tonight the Pistons locker room was pure jokes, hence Rip Hamilton free styling before the game about “pimpin’ ain’t easy fo’ sheezy” Pre and post game audio over at Hoopsaddict.com

Team Name: The Detroit Pistons

Last Year’s Record: 39-43

Key Losses: Antonio McDyess, Rasheed Wallace, Amir Johnson, Arron Afflalo, Chauncey Billups (does that still count), head coach Michael Curry (a good loss) and possibly the best loss in Pistons history, the end of Allen Iverson in red, white and blue.

Key Additions: Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva, Chris Wilcox, Austin Daye, DaJuan Summers, Jonas Jerebko and Ben Wallace.

1. What Significant Moves were made during the off-season?

The Pistons haven’t had a significant change to a start of the season since Joe Dumars took over as GM. Dumars started cleaning house well before the season started by trading away the Pistons cherished point guard Chauncey Billups for the expiring contract of Allen Iverson. The Iverson experience was a train wreck and by the end of the season it was obvious that big changes were coming.

Dumars started in late June with the firing of head coach Michael Curry. He traded Amir Johnson to the Milwaukee Bucks for Fabricio Oberto who was later waived. With the 15th pick in the NBA Draft Detroit selected Austin Daye of Gonzaga University and later took DaJuan Summers and Jonas Jerebko in the second round.

Dumars then shipped out Arron Afflao for more cap space to secure the free agents he was coveting. Dumars wasted no time in bringing Ben Gordan and Charlie Villanueva to Detroit. On July 1, 2009, the Pistons reached an agreement with the former Bulls guard on a 5 year/$55 million contract, as well as an agreement with Charlie Villanueva on a 5 year contract worth $35 million.

They picked up plenty, but they also lost two of their key players in Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess. On July 5, 2009 the Pistons Sheed to free agency. Wallace signed a two year, $5.58 million contract with the Boston Celtics. Following the departure of Wallace, former Antonio McDyess signed a one year contract with the San Antonio Spurs for the mid-level exception. Though Pistons fans were probably ready to see Rasheed say goodbye, McDess heart and desire will be missed at The Palace.

In dire need of big man, Dumars picked up Knicks power forward Chris Wilcox to do some damage down low. And a surprise that Pistons fans were hoping for, the return of Ben Wallace to Detroit. Wallace, who was waived by the Phoenix Suns signed for the veterans minimum to play for the Pistons this season.

2. What are the team’s biggest strengths?

This current configuration of Pistons should have no problem putting the ball in the basket. With Ben Gordon coming off the bench and Charlie Villanueva added to the starting lineup Detroit will be able to put up points.

They also got younger and faster this season with rookies Austin Daye and DaJuan Summers. Put them in the lineup with Stuckey or Will Bynum at the point and this team will get out and run, something we rarely saw from the Pistons half court style of play.

3. What are the team’s biggest weaknesses?

DEFENSE!

The most glaring and obvious weakness for Detroit is the “D”. Always known for defense first, the Pistons now have an offensive mined squad and a lack of established big men.
The Pistons new addition down low, Charlie Villanueva has a reputation to be allergic to rebounds and has been called “soft.” Look for Jason Maxiell, Chirs Wilcox and Kwame Brown to do most of the dirty work for the Pistons this season.

4.What are the goals for this team?

Better than 39 wins will be just fine for this Pistons team. If Detroit can pull off a winning season, than what happened last year can be somewhat forgiven.
If new coach John Kuester can get this team together they have the talent to do much better than expected.
Will they make the playoffs? Probably.
Will they go far? Unlikely.

5. Will the roster likely stay the way it is?
You can bet that Joe Dumars is working on trying to make a few more moves. The most valuable and likely to go is Rip Hamilton. He’s got value on the market and with Ben Gordon on the team, his offense wouldn’t be missed that much putting Ben in the starting lineup to replace him. If there is a move to make Dumars will do it, we saw it last year with Billups, don’t count anything out at this point.

One thing is sure, they may not be slotted to make the ECF like they used to, but this Pistons team is going to be fun to watch.

Projected Finish: 46-36

• Bynumite impressed coach Kuester “I went after him specifically to say how much I was impressed with him,” Kuester said. “He changed the complexion of the game with his energy and scoring.” This season, Kuester sees a similar role for Bynum, a “spark plug” type of player off the bench who can change the flow of a game. “A person that’s not going to sit and let the offense come to him but he’ll attack offensively and defensively,” Kuester said.
• Bynum looking to breakout in his contract year. I see good things to come from Will, who’s been such a pleasant surprise in the D.
• Kwame Brown on Ben Wallace “Anybody that can play defense like that, I’m going with the mind-set that I can learn from him and take something from his game and add it to my game.”
• More Allen Iverson Drama over at ESPN “They told me, straight up, ‘Allen we would never disrespect you or your career like that’ by making me come off the bench,” You know Allen, Pistons fans seem to recall a promise you made when you TOOK Chauncey’s spot and his number that you would do whatever it took to win a championship in Detroit.  If that’s skipping practice, bitching about playing time, and tanking your season when things didn’t go your way…..good luck to you in Memphis, you’re dead to us in Motown.
• Laimbeer getting used to being an NBA Coach. “It’s a good feeling to see the guys respond to what I’m saying,” Laimbeer said. “This is something I’ve always wanted to do. A lot has changed since I played, but it’s still basketball, and it’s still about responsibilities.”
• Dumars latest moves fall flat according to SI. Still talking about the cap space and 2010, did any of you think these moves would put us in Championship contention without another move made? Frankly I see it as a considerable upgrade to the mess last season.
• Kuester starts camp in the D with D.
• Daye, Summers and Jerebko fighting for playing time.
• Does anyone else get the feeling Rip is not happy to still be wearing a Pistons uni?  Did you see his face in the Media Day photo’s? That’s not a happy camper. Plus I have update his toon with the new fauhawk.

Photo/Getty Images

• Regardless, he took the time out to speak to Detroit area High School Students.
• More long range shots from the tall fellas?
• Great interview with Amir Johnson (audio) over at HoopsAddict.
• For those of us who remember him fondly…..A Fennis Dembo update.

DaJuan Summers Detroit Pistons Desktop Wallpaper

DaJuan Summers Detroit Pistons Desktop Wallpaper, located in the Wallpaper section of the website and available in a variety of resolutions.

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• Ben Wallace, the 3rd best defender of the decade.
• Bill Laimbeer is surprised he likes his new boss, and so am I quite frankly.
• Malice at the Palace no more – Ron Artest and John Green are the best of friends.
• Tom Wilson on how the Pistons organization has changed with the passing of Bill Davidson and the new roster changes.
• The Pistons will have three point guards when camp starts.
• New “D” in town?
• Vintage Pistons editorial Cartoons.
• Former Piston Alex Acker back in the Euroleague.
• The Pistons FINALLY make it to #1 on a list….and I am sure you will agree with this one.
• Love/Hate for Sheed over at Celtics Blog.
• Pistons Recharged – Finally something to watch on Television  it will run on  FoxSports Detroit -  Fri. Sept. 4 – 6:30 PM; Sat. Sept. 5 – 9:30 AM & 5:30 PM; Sun. Sept. 6 – 9:00 AM
• 90% of Pistons fans loath Michael Jordan and with the all MJ all the time coverage he’s (deservedly) getting these Jordan failures are sure to amuse.
• Pretty awesome idea – Drew Cieszynski decided he was going to go on Tour…with the NBA during the 2007-08 season. Not surprised that the Pistons treated him like Royalty and his stop at the Palace made the top of the list.  Also not surprised the the Celtics did not.   If that’s not enough..he’s going Big Ten. Good luck Drew.
• DaJuan Summers (@dsummers35) judging American Idol The Pistons National Anthem Auditions. (Video)
• The lessons of Coach Daly will live on.
• Saddened by the news that Ernie Harwell has incurable cancer. My prayers go out to his family.
• NBA Twitter guidelines.

Lastly…I had an unbelievable once in a lifetime experience (for me). Something I have been waiting to happen for about 23 years. If you Follow me on Twitter you would know what it was.  More on that later, but in the meantime FOLLOW me and Retweet this for another prize (you must follow me to find out what it is) I will be giving away next week.

Message to ReTweet (you can copy and paste):

If you are a Pistons fan you must Follow @need4sheed_com – Repping the “D” regardless of Sheed! #Need4Sheed #Sheedburgler

• Ben Gordon will do more in Detroit than just score. He’s also a giver.
• Sheed was spotted this weekend at the Woodward Dream cruise, I guess he’s in no hurry to stay in Boston.
• Delfino traded for Amir Johnson?
• The top 10 hits of Joe D’s off-season.
• No presser on Television for the return of Ben Wallace, but here is the Official Pistons release.
• A More Sentimental Than Productive Homecoming For Big Ben.
• Great Austin Daye and DaJuan Summer QandA.
• Always love when a song (by J Rus & Mark Pastoria) is entirely about Deeetroit Basketball but since this was a new find on YouTube it made me think that Those Pistons are a thing of the past.  Had I seen this 2 season ago I would be thinking a bit different.  Sadly that’s not a correct representation of Detroit Basketball as it stands today.  You be the judge.

• The Ben Wallace to the Pistons speculation is gaining ground.
• New assistant coach Brian Hill on board in Detroit.
• Don’t miss the Pistons summer league wrap up on Sunday Night July 26, at 8 & 10 pm followed by a must see Special on the one and only Chuck Daly at 8:30 & 10:30 pm on Fox Sports Detroit.
• Eli Zaret caught up with Chris Wilcox when the Pistons inked his contract.  Get to know him in if you already don’t.
• For all of you who keep inquiring…Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva, Austin Daye, DaJuan Summers, Jonas Jerebko and the voice of the Pistons John Mason have all been Tooned. Wilcox is on his way and the sidebar with the faces will be changed once the full roster is set.
• And by the way…you may not have been the only one who missed the Charlie Villanueva Toon….he asked me himself when he was getting one.  Little did he know he missed it…and FYI he liked it.
• I was pretty sure Will Bynum was going to come after me with all the photoshop fun I had with his interview, but he actually loved it.  Thank goodness, I thought I was going to have to go into basketball hiding, which I would assume would involve me going to Memphis and covering the Grizzlies.
• Summer League Video Highlights Austin Daye.
• Summer League Video Highlights of DaJuan Summers.
• Summer League Video Highlights of Jonus Jerebko.
• Deron Washington is doing his best to make the Pistons.  Plus another YouTube classic from my friend Elie Seckbach with Deron.
• Austin Daye let us know via Twitter that he signed his contract with the Pistons.  “@Adaye5: Just signed my contract haha great day about to head to Spokane fir a lil and see some friends…” If you were following Austin or myself you would already know.
• Um…why didn’t I play in George Blaha’s High Hopes Golf Invitational? Pairing up with the Microwave would have been awesome. (Photos)
• Chris Weber gives us his Fab Five Pistons.

Austin Daye and DaJuan Summers, who are both tearing it up in Summer League play are now Tooned.

Austin Daye

DaJuan Summers

Jonas Jerebko