Nearly two months into the Allen Iverson Era in Detroit, and we still don't know what to make of this Pistons team. Since AI's arrival, those initials should stand for "Always Inconsistent" when describing the Pistons at this point. Lose three, win three. Lose two, win two. Beat the Cavs, Spurs, and Lakers. Lose to the Sixers, TWolves, and Wizards. While it isn't a surprise to see such inconsistent play from a team still trying to figure itself out after that blockbuster trade, it is a bit concerning when team staples like defense and hard-nosed basketball fade in and fade out from game to game, quarter to quarter. Michael Curry was brought in to re-energize this team, bring back the hunger. Yes, he was thrown a curve with the Iverson trade, but this team should be playing better, more consistent basketball by now. In fact, Curry admitted before Friday's game against the Thunder that he knew the adjustment period would be a long one, he just didn't want ot admit that publicly to give his team a "crutch" to lean on. So while it has gone on longer than most expected, Curry continues to maintain his team will be better come playoff time, where the Pistons can exploit opposing defenses with the play-making abilities of Stuckey and Iverson. No, they won't catch Boston or Cleveland record-wise this season, but they should atleast find a way to reel off 7 or 8 in a row sometime soon. If not, the Pistons may be a team needing to make a much bigger overhaul then either they, or their fans want to admit.
So, what have we learned about the Pistons nearly five weeks into the Allen Iverson experiment?? Well, it's been just that, an experiment. Michael Curry continues to tinker with the rotation, using different player groups at different junctions. He's quickly becoming a favorite of the five-some he had on the floor at the end of the Spurs game on Tuesday. Sheed at center, Tayshaun at power forward, Rip at small forward, AI at shooting guard, with Stuckey at the point. That's more than enough offense, with some solid "D" to go with it. Keep in mind, once Antonio McDyess comes back next week, the rotation will have to be adjusted once again.
Many in Piston nation have fretted over the teams inconsistent play the last several weeks, but its important to remember, this team played one way for the better part of six-plus seasons. Now, they are trying to adjust to something completely different with a player like AI, who brings a unique skill set to a team not accustomed to playing with a guy of his talents. Also remember, the Pistons have been playing without McDyess, who many now realize just how valuable he is to this team. Once he comes back, and Curry continues to get more practice time with all of his pieces, you'll see the more cohesive unit we've come to expect from the Pistons.
The last three or four years, right around this time, the Pistons have gone on an extended winning streak. Last year, they rattled off 11 straight, starting in mid-December.During each of these streaks, fans always say "well, lets wait and see what happens in the playoffs". I now give the same advice to those very same fans as they watch this year's team.
Hi, I'm Ryan Field of Fox Sports Detroit, a correspondent on PISTONS LIVE, TIGERS LIVE and RED WINGS LIVE. My blog is primarily about the Pistons, although I also enjoy talking college football and basketball, so I hope you'll enjoy blogging with me about those topics.
Before joining Fox Sports, I was a sports reporter at WJBK-TV (FOX 2) in Detroit (2000-03) and provided sports updates on WDFN Radio (1130 AM). Before that, I was sports director and previously weekend sports anchor at WSYM-TV (FOX 47) in Lansing. My television work began in 1996 as a sports intern at WILX-TV, the NBC affiliate in Lansing.
I'm a native of Troy, Mich., and a proud graduate of Michigan State University.
