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.
