It's been an entertaining first two preseason games for the Pistons. Kwame Brown looks to have solidified the starting center spot, the team's guards are developing a great amount of chemistry and Detroit's rookies have displayed an impressive amount of toughness.
Brown has started both games in the middle alongside Ben Wallace, who has been starting at power forward for the injured Charlie Villanueva. It's possible Wallace could move to center with Villanueva taking Brown's starting spot, but that's highly unlikely given that Detroit wants to see more of their other, younger bigs before Wallace at this point in his career.
Rip Hamilton and Rodney Stuckey have played well together as Detroit's starting guards, and Ben Gordon looks like he'll be one of the best reserves in the league this year. It comes as a shock to say that despite these facts, reserve guard Will Bynum has been the team's best player in training camp. He looks extremely confident not only in his slashing ability but also his perimeter shooting, and it's possible he could take some minutes away from the starters once the regular season begins.
It seems the toughness of veterans Wallace, Brown and reserve big man Chris Wilcox is rubbing off onto the Pistons' rookies. First-round pick Austin Daye had an amazing block on Miami Heat superstar Dwayne Wade, while second-round selection Jonas Jerebko was suspended after an altercation with Miami's backup center Jamaal Magloire. Magloire came into the game and immediately attempted to bully Jerebko in the post, and eventually the two exchanged punches. In the second game, 2008 second-rounder Deron Washington provided plenty of highlight plays on both ends of the court.
All in all, the Pistons aren't looking too shabby. Of course it's only exhibition, but Detroit is winning and playing with the passion that hasn't been seen around here since the team's back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 2004 and 2005, respectively.
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Steve St-Pierre
Sports Writer
In Play! Magazine
sstpierre@inplaymagazine.com
