We're talkin' about 3 straight losses, unknown Answers.

I was worried about our back-to-back games with Dallas and Houston when I first looked at this month's schedule.
And that was before I knew we'd be without Iverson, Rip, and Sheed.

We fought hard, but not hard enough. I will say that we did amazing without 3 of our best players. Afflalo was especially great, getting us 24 points - a career high.

I just wish we could have left Texas with something more than a sub-500 record.

"We had a chance to win in regulation, and fought back in the first overtime; really gutsy after being down. We just didn't have enough in the second overtime," said Michael Curry.

We had a chance to win the game in regulation when Stuckey passed the ball to Walter Herrmann. And, while his 3-point attempt looked good, it went in-and-out and sent us into OT tied at 82.

"I would have liked for Stuckey to take that shot," Curry said.

Stuckey did take the last shot of the first OT, made it, and we were tied once again. There were a few substitutions, Artest missed a jump shot, and we got the rebound. Double OT.

At 25 seconds left, Dice got a personal foul, Brooks made both fould shots and brought the Rockets up 104-99. Afflalo missed a 3, and Stuckey fouled Brooks. He went to the line again, and again made both. 106-99.

5 seconds let, Afflalo made a lovely layup shot. But it wasn't enough. We lost our 3rd game in a row.

After the game, Stuckey acknowledged that he should have kept the ball in regulation.
"I probably got a text from Joe, 'shoot the last shot. I should have shot it. But I saw Walt open. I should have took it, though."

This is our 3rd straight loss. Let's hope we see as much effort Friday against the Clippers [17-51], and this time come out with a win.

_______________________________________


He hasn’t been on the bench. He hasn't been traveling with the team.
He still comes to the practice facility for treatment.
And he still comes to games, but doesn’t sit on the bench.
He talks to coach Michael Curry daily.

Like everyone else, I was expecting Iverson to be back tomorrow. Actually, I expected him to back a week ago because this is the same guy who has played through injuries his entire career, and the same guy who said nearly 2 days after he left to get treatment that he'd be back as soon as possible and doesn't think he'll have to sit out the whole 2 weeks.

MC said before last night's game against the Rockets that Iverson guard visited with doctors at Georgetown that day and said he was still in pain and he will have more tests today and Friday before the Pistons know what's up.

AI has missed 11 games.

What worries me is that if Iverson is cleared Friday, he will still have to go through conditioning tests with Arnie Kander, and the longer it takes for him to get clearance to start practicing, the slower is will take to get him back to where he was before the injury.

"That ain't my call. That's over my pay grade." Was all Curry [who said it with a smile, mind you] said when asked if the Pistons would decide to rule out Iverson's return this season.

[Click image for larger]

I still don't think he's faking. What kind of sense does it make for Iverson, who is playing for his next contract, to fake an injury and leave teams that will want him next season with that impression of him?
I believe it is in Iverson’s best interests to come back completely healthy, and to be playing and helping his team win.

By the way, the Pistons have been getting the medical reports from AI's Georgetown doctors.
So, really, unless his doctors are covering up for him, which is bull, I think this has to be serious. Especially if Allen Iverson, who has never let injuries and doctor's orders keep him out of games his entire career, isn't playing.


Rip Hamilton missed his 2nd straight game Wednesday with his groin problems, and there's no timetable for his return, either.

And whats up with Sheed?

We're talkin' about Pistons @ Mavs, possible Iverson return.

Good St. Patricks day, bad game day.

The Mavs led the Pistons the whole game. For 3 quarters, they owned us.
Then almost lost it.

We showed comeback capabilities in the 4th when we pulled ourselves up from a 14 point lead by Dallas, but lost by a not-so-embarrassing 2 points. I was happy for that, at least.

With Rip, Sheed, and Iverson all out, we were down about 48 [combined] points per game.

Tayshaun scored 28 points and Will Bynum got a career high 19. Too bad we lost. We are back to .500 with 33-33, and currently the 7th seed.


If AI is cleared to play [he was expected to fly to Georgetown University yesterday to have his back re-examined], the earliest he could return is tonight, or more likely Friday when we play the Clippers. Still no word on Sheed's return.

Seeing how the 'Iverson off the bench' thing goes could have to wait if Rip's groin injury forces him to take another trip to the bench, which means if Iverson is good to go, he could be starting his first game back.
[By the way, thank you, Rip, for re-aggravating the groin. A day after I put you on my fantasy roster ... BOO!]

Don't touch the remote. This season is exciting in a, uh ... crazy, way.

We're talkin' about TALKIN' [or not talking, as the case may be.]

It's been a while. Mostly because the past week has just been this huge cluster-fuck of things not going my way, so in turn I don't want to speak on an of it because it'll just piss me off too much. And then there's confusion and just not knowing. The main thing, though, is nothing is going my way.

Okay, enough. TIME TO TALK.

I woke up Sunday and watched the Pistons vs Grizzlies game. I watched as the Pistons came out with no energy. I watched a team that didn't resemble my Pistons at all.
Was it because it was a Sunday? Was it because the Pistons were playing with heavy hearts because of Davidson's death? Was is the absences of Rasheed Wallace and Allen Iverson? It couldn't have been because we played the Grizzlies. The suck-ass [now 17 and 48 after beating us] Grizzlies.

The Pistons have now fallen to the Number 7 spot in the Eastern Conference playoff seedings.
If the Playoffs were today, we'd be playing the Celtics. And if we played like we did yesterday, we'd have no chance.

A few hours after that game, I got a text.
"Allen Iverson wants out of detroit," it said.
Saturday I read an article. The headline was the same thing. "Allen Iverson Wants Out Of Detroit". Lou Williams [76ers] said he's "pretty sure Allen doesn't want to be in Detroit."
He also said he's like a big brother to him, and they're really good friends.

Side-note: If Lou Williams is such a good friend, why is he telling the world about AI's business?

And there's so much talk going on about "bye bye AI", and how he's done with the Pistons.

I'm trying hard to not believe any of this until I hear Allen himself, or an agent or something, say he doesn't want to be here.

I find it extremely hard to believe that that the same man who said he would like to stay on the Pistons even after this season is over, and the man who said his goal is to "help this team win a championship" and is going to do "whatever it takes" would give up so soon.
Hell, 2 days after his injury, he said he wants to get back as soon as possible.

So I'm assuming it's all just rumors. I'm used to that when it comes to AI.

Like, really. People think that he's a egotistical asshole. People think he's faking his injury because he's pissed at MC's decision to have him come off the bench.
He just wants to play. I know he does. He wants to play every minute. But he's stuck up for it, right? He's a ball hog for it, right?

Michael Curry: "He doesn't want that to become a story. So many people, I don't just mean locally, are taking that and twisting it, saying he's disappointed in coming off the bench. You can't be the type of player he is and want to come off the bench. You want to be in the starting lineup and have the ball in your hands so you can help the team win."

Remember when KG didn't go to that Boston game [I think it was like, a day after his injury] because Doc said that if he was there he would try to play? They said he has so much heart for that. When KG does it, he's a hero. When AI does it, he's egotistical, greedy, and stuck up. Hm?
When KG was losing in Minnesota, he was "missing talent." When AI was losing in Philly, he was a "team killer."
KG found Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, a veteran coach, and a tough team.
AI found Rip, Tayshaun, Sheed, and an old team with a confused 1st year coach.

The Pistons seem lazy. AI is to blame? He finds himself responsible for carrying yet another team, or that's how it seems. Remember that 8 game losing streak when everyone just gave up? You could see the lack of confidence on their faces. You could see the "I don't give a shit" shots. Iverson was the only one on the court that was trying.

AI haters call him "The Canswer". Cancer? That's just funny because it's so false. They're the ones who blame him for all the struggles. Come on! He's being blamed for being traded to a team with an AWFUL coach and a team of great players who have this great bond and chemistry that treat him like the new kid at school. 'You can't sit at the cool lunch table, loser.'

"No matter what I do everyone is always picking on me, and nothing I do is good enough."

"All eyes on you -- because everybody wants you to be perfect, but not themselves."

You can't ask for him to do more than what he's done. He's changed for this team. He's become a team player and has changed his game as much as necessary to mesh with the Pistons, and it isn't working.

"Change. Life changes. It's different. But believe me, I think in my heart - me being the focal point of an offense - gives us the best opportunity to win. And finishing up my career, that will be the team that I'm playing for. If not, then it will time for me to go. Because if I can't play my style of basketball, then there's no need to be playing because I can't help the team that I'm on if I can't play the way I play. Simple as that. Take it any way you want to take it. It's the truth.

Back in the day, I felt like if I had made a comment like that people would say that I'm just selfish and I wanted to score a bunch of points. But I feel like that's how I can help a team. Obviously, I'm not concerned about scoring a bunch of points. I've done all that. I'm talking about what I have to do to help a team win."

But yeah, the main thing here is all the talk about him being done, him being in Detroit is done, his season is done.
And nobody is saying the same thing. MC's Allen Iverson Injury story changes everyday. And Allen himself hasn't spoken in a while, and that's what fans need. I need to hear the truth from his mouth.

I don't like this one bit. And I felt like him coming off the bench was the worst. This is just terrible.
If he does come back ... WHEN he does come back [I'm not losing hope yet], I hope he still gets a good amount of minutes, because I feel like he will finally get to use his talent and play HIS game with that second unit.
It would truly suck not to make use of his talent in the playoffs. I don't think we can compete without him in the playoffs.

As for everything else, I'm still confident in my team and I'm still confident we can do this. I just hope AI is still in this picture.

Unlike me, the Pistons GO TO WORK. So lets do it, dawgs.

We're talkin' about practice?!

Allen Iverson returned to the team and attended practice Thursday [March 5th] after visiting doctors at Georgetown University in Washington. Coach Michael Curry said Iverson was targeting an early return.

We're talkin' about defending. Again.

As anyone who has been watching Pistons basketball this season, especially these games they've played with Iverson out with a back injury, the Pistons play better without Iverson. Is it because AI is out? Is it because they've finally realized that they need to get over the fact that Billups is gone and stop moping around and play like they used to? Is it because the 3 teams that they beat without AI all had missing key players [Jameer, KG, Carmelo]?

Okay - The Pistons lose 8 in a row without Iverson, and eeeeveryone is saying it's because he didn't play any of those games, and Rip was back in the starting lineup.
Did everyone forget about the 7 game winning streak where Rip was out and Iverson was still a starter?

Is it Iverson's fault for the Pistons struggles this season? I'll say it again: No.

AI is clearly having the worst season of his career in Detroit, which is what I didn't expect AT ALL when the trade happened. I thought it'd be the complete opposite. And, while I knew his stats would drop because he's playing with such a talented team, I didn't think our season would look like this. I didn't think that my fellow Pistons fans would turn their backs.

I really and truly believe that the Pistons have been misusing him ever since he became part of the team.
AI is not a good fit -- Not if they expect him play the same way they did with Chauncey.
The Nuggets changed their playing style, clearly, as soon as Billups arrived, and have been doing great [3rd seed in the West currently.]

People are saying he's faking his injury because he's bitter about Curry's decision to have him come off the bench.
You can put those rumors to rest.

He didn't speak with reporters directly, but issued a statement through the team that said he had "no problem with returning as a reserve." and said the same thing he said at that press conference when he was introduced as a Detroit Piston:
“My goal is to help this team win a championship, and I’ve said that from the first day I arrived here in Detroit. I’m going to do whatever it takes to help us achieve our goals as a team, regardless if I’m starting or coming off the bench.”

And as for faking his injury, If you know AI, you know that when he's injured, he's injured. He's always played through injuries, always played despite what doctors say.
He's said recently that he doesn’t think he’s going to have to be out the entire two weeks.

“He wants to get out there as soon as possible." Michael Curry said. "So, hopefully with the treatment and the rest, he’ll feel better and we can get him out there as soon as possible. We need him out there. We need him healthy, out there healthy playing so we can be the team we envision ourselves being.”

I don't know. I sometimes find my gut telling me that Joe Dumars is using him simply for cap space [If Joe lets both AI and Sheed go this summer, Detroit will be about $22 million under the cap] and not his talent. Not what he could bring to the table if they knew how to "use" him correctly.

... And then I think back to the summer of 2000 when the Pistons made a move to get Iverson in a crazy 14-player deal.
But at the time, Iverson was in his prime back then, and months away from becoming the NBA MVP.

I try not to think about what goes on behind closed doors, but I do have an immense love for the Detroit Pistons and Allen Iverson, and I do have a mind - and it wanders.

1 part of me is still happy that I have my favorite player on my home - and favorite - team. And then there's a second part of me that just wishes this trade never happened.

I find myself defending AI and the pistons numerous amounts of times every day. I know hater's are gunna hate [3LW, anybody?!], and that means I'm going to continue to talk, but I take it personally and get really upset, as crazy as that may sound.

I still believe, just like The Answer himself, that he does have his best chance at getting a ring on this team, and hell yes he deserves it more that LeBron, more than Kobe, and more than the Big 3.

And whether or not I question what is going on, I am, as you all know, rooting for my team, as I always have and have been since the start of this season. And I am rooting for AI, as I have since I started watching him back in the Sixers days and quickly fell in love with him and his game, and he became my favorite player ever since.


Until the next game [because you know I will have something to say!], I'll leave you with a thought:

When his contract is up and he is a free agent and goes to another team, which the way things are looking, he will ... there is yet another part of me that would love to see him back in Philly where the glorious days of The Answer all started: 1st round draft pick, Rookie of the Year, All-Star Rookie Game MVP, League MVP, 2x All-Star MVP, Olympian, leading scorer in the league for 4 years ['99, '01, '02, '05], a billion goosebumps every time he played, and so, so much more.

We're talkin' about 2 weeks without The Answer.

It was announced yesterday that Allen Iverson will miss the next 2 weeks due to a sore back, and if everything is good by then, his return will be at home against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 20th.

He has missed the past 3 games, and after his MRI came back negative, wanted a second opinion from Georgetown University doctors, who suggested he stay out of the game for 2 weeks.

The Pistons are considered one of the best franchises when it comes to the player's health, so it's pretty rare for them to seek 2nd opinions, but MC has said it's up to the individual.

He will be reevaluated after those 2 weeks.

I'm hoping for the best. I already miss him.

Go Pistons!

We're talkin' about 3 straight wins, Mr. Big Shot's return.

With Allen Iverson out for the 3rd game [back injury] and the Nuggets Carmelo Anthony out [suspended], The Pistons beat the Nuggets Tuesday night - 100 to 95 - for their 3rd straight win in a row and Chauncey's 1st game back at the Palace since being traded back in November.

His entrance was beautiful. Pistons fans were definitely ON THEIR FEET for Chauncey “Buh-Buh-Buh Billups.”
All the Billups love from Pistons fans last night - also beautiful.

"I may forget the game and what happened, but the ovation and warm welcome the fans gave me, I'll never forget." He said.

I was one of those fans that was rooting for my team to win, but also cheering on Chauncey. But don't get it twisted - He was the only Nugget I cheered for because I got caught up in the moment ... he was still a Piston to me last night.

And I'm not one of those "Iverson sucks, this trade was dumb, bring back Chauncey, you'll never be Billups" people, as you all know. And I'm certainly not one of those people crying about him being gone.

Lately it's been crying about Iverson being gone. And even though with Iverson out the Pistons have turned their 8 game losing streak into a 3 game winning streak, I'm waiting to see how Curry's latest change - A.I. off the bench - works out.

With the Pistons playing the way they have been, I'm excited to see if, finally, A.I. wlil be The Answer that Joe D said we were getting back in November.

I'm not giving up on A.I. the Piston yet, because I'm one of the very, very few Pistons fans that still thinks this trade will pay off this season.

Note: The Pistons are 23-28 with Iverson and 7-1 without him.

"I really feel bad for Allen, because it's really not his fault," Chauncey Billups said about Allen Iverson.
"He's played one way his entire career, and that one way is not the style of play that this team needed. He's still a great player and can still probably score 30 on most nights in a different situation. But that's not what this team needed. You can't get an apple and expect him to be an orange."


Our next game is Friday where we will stay in Detroit and play the 21-39 Golden State Warriors. The last time we played them was back in November. we beat them 107-102.

We're talkin' about getting back on track.

When asked about the Iverson-less Pistons [Iverson left the game in the 1st quarter 3 games ago, and has missed ther last 2 games with his team], the Boston Celtics Paul Pierce spoke The Truth:

"You can tell they're playing the same system they played before Iverson got there. Those guys that are out on the court, they're comfortable with each other. You know when Iverson is out there, they're still trying to figure out how to use each other, how to all be successful."

As hard as it is for me to admit, I agree. The Answer to the Pistons trade, as I've mentioned time and time again, was what I always wanted but never believed would happen, and I loved it. But something has just been off. Lack of chemistry? Sort of. Different styles of play? Definitely.

Curry didn't bench A.I. because he thought he was doing a bad job, because if you have been watching Detroit basketball since the trade, you can clearly see that he is still giving it his all - mind, body, and heart- and playing the same way he has played his entire career.

He has played one way for 13 seasons. The Pistons knew they'd have to change their game when Allen got there, and adjust to him and his style, which is to get the ball, keep the ball, and attempt to take down anyone standing between him and the basket, and score. [Throw in some circus shots and plenty of crossovers.]

But with so many superstars and so much talent in Detroit, it just didn't work. I, for one, can see how much he has tried to change for this team. Just last season, he was 3rd in the league in scoring. Since coming to Detroit, his numbers have dropped, now averaging 18 points per-game.


Curry has tried everything from small-ball to 3 guards to position changes to benching the team captain, and none of it worked in the Pistons favor. So he hopes that this final change will get his team back on the right track and produce W's.

So far, so good.

In the last 2 games, Orlando and Boston, the Pistons played without Iverson and won both games, putting that 8 game losing streak behind them and starting a new streak - a winning one.

And the way the Pistons bench played against the Celtics [J-Max had 8, Walter Herrmann had 11, Will Bynum had 9, Kwame Brown added 2] people are wondering how Iverson will fit in there now.

Rip Hamilton knows how A.I. must be feeling.

"He's a starter in this league, and he's a starter on our team, too." He said.
"When they told me I was coming off the bench, the thing I tried to do was say, 'OK, do this for the team; hopefully we get to where we want to get to.' I believe he's a starter, man, but it is what it is."


As for me, I never gave up on my team, even when everyone around me that claims to be a fan did. I've been hopeful and optimistic when we were being called "lowly" and "sinking", and confident that we would eventually figure things out.

I am just as confident as I was back in November when I got the news telling me that my home team would be acquiring my favorite player - one of the greatest scorers in NBA history.

We're talkin' about Beantown vs. Motown

My favorite basketball match-up to watch. Celtics and Pistons. Ohhh rivalry renewed.

First off, I want to thank my job for not scheduling me tomorrow. This game is an early one [1pm].

Anyway, let's talk.

The Celtics have beaten us in all 3 games we've already played against them this season. But after these past 2 Pistons games, I can see that we're getting our swagger back. They're playing like the Pistons that we all know and love lately, and I'm loving it. We even got a "Ball Don't Lie!" call-out last night from Sheed - it felt like the good 'ol days of Deee-troit Basketball. And I think we can beat them this time. *Knock on wood*

Rip has been an excellent sixth man for the Pistons, but when he was told he would have to come off the bench, he thought it would help the team, and so did Coach Curry.
“We just felt this is the best decision for us to be the best team this season.”

It wasn't. With Rip coming off the bench, Detroit went 4-12. That's not good.

Last night @ Orlando, Rip was back in the starting lineup and lead the Pistons with 31 points to help erase an 8 game losing streak.
It was announced at the start of the game that Allen Iverson would be the new sixth man.

All these blog sites and what-not have been saying that the Pistons are giving up on Allen, and vice-versa. Like having him come off the bench means he's sucking, which is definitely not the case. He plays, litterally, every game like its his last. And yes, we hear him say that 18288192 a day, but it's true.

But sending him to the bench in no way means they don't think he's a valuable asset.
They want and need him.

Michael Curry: "We need Allen. We need Allen, no different than when Rip went to the bench and we needed Rip. We need all our guys to play well."

Antonio McDyess: "You definitely can't say we're a better team without him. A guy of his caliber, that plays the game as he's been playing, scoring ... you can't say that. We were fortunate enough to win a game without him last night. This guy can definitely bring scoring, and bring mental strength to this team that we need."

But can A.I. succeed as a sixth man?
I didn't, and still don't know what to think about this. We're yet to find out.

"It's not an easy transition, especially when you're used to being 'the man' and not coming off the bench. It's something that you're going to have to adjust to. But once you adjust to it, you realize it's a little bit easier coming off the bench than starting." - McDyess

Iverson's whole career, he has been his best with the ball in his hands for long periods of time.
But Detroit is a different team, with a different style. They share the ball.

And it is because of that - as I've said since all the talk about "Pistons suck now with Iverson, bring back Billups, blah blah - they haven't been the same.
He's just not used to playing like this.

Maybe that will change with him coming off the bench. It does make sense.

Anyway,
A.I. didn't play last night, and we still don't know if he'll play tomorrow.
But if he does, I predict good things. He's never come off the bench, so we don't know how it will go, but I am seeing visions of a beast off the bench.

Boston also has a new man off the bench ... Stephon Marbury! Crazy, crazy, crazy. It's still crazy to me. But I knew it would happen.

I didn't see it, but I hear Marbury played great in his Celtics debut.

Tomorrow Steph will try to help his new team with a 4 game regular season sweep against the Pistons.

The Pistons must work their asses off to beat Boston tomorrow. They've shot 39.2% and have not gotten more than 80 points in their first 3 games against the C's.

We can do it!

We're talkin' about Rippin' it up.

"The way we've been starting is the way Curry wants it, I've said I'm happy to come off the bench as long as we're winning. But we're losing. Something's got to give. I'm all for doing whatever it takes for the team, but coming off the bench with us not winning, something's got to change."

And it did. Last night, MC made yet another change to the Pistons lineup and put Rip back in the starting lineup. So guess who's the Pistons new sixth man? A.I.

In his 13 years in the NBA, he has never come off the bench. He has always been a starter.

Back in n '04 when he was still a Sixer, A.I. skipped a game against the Pistons when he was told he would have to come off the bench after returning from an injury. This is how he reacted back then:

"A lot of people might look at it like it's a selfish thing or something like that. Why wouldn't I start? I'm the franchise player here. I don't know any franchise players that come off the bench. I don't know any Olympian that comes off the bench. I don't know any All-Star that comes off the bench. I don't know any former MVP that comes off the bench. I don't know any three-time scoring champion that comes off the bench."

But we all know that Allen has grown a lot since then, and he did say he'd be willing to do whatever it takes for his team to win a ring, and he'd be willing to do whatever the coach wants him to do. Even practice!

But is this the right move? I have mixed feelings. I'm just gunna watch and see how this goes before I say anything harsh. But I will say this: We all know he is an amazing player and he could be an amazing sixth man. He could play SMASHINGLY with the 2nd unit since he will be playing with players who aren't as good. He would be on the court at crunch time, when it matters, to help win games because of his ability to get to the line.

I'm not sure if it has anything to do with the fact that he didn't play last night [back injury] because that's hard for me to swallow, but the Pistons played amazing last night. They played like ... the Detroit Pistons. Like the Pistons who have always been talked about when talking about the East Elite. Like the Pistons who know each other, trust each other, and work as one.

Rip's first game back in the starting lineup and he scored 31. Stuckey had 22, and Tay added 17. We beat the Magic 93-85. We ended the longest losing streak in 14 seasons.

"It's nothing on Allen. He's just a guy that needs the basketball. And because of that, it reduces the amount of time Stuckey has the ball in his hands. That has taken away some of Stuckey's aggressiveness. Hopefully, this can help Stuckey out." Michael Curry said before last night's game.

"We need more guys to play better together, and play in sync. Hopefully, this will help."


The Pistons next game is a rematch of last year's eastern conference finals ... we're going to Boston.
The C's have won all 3 games we've played them this season, including 2 by double digits.
It's not clear yet if A.I. will return for this game ...

We're talkin' about ... changes.

Please, please excuse me from saying this, but ...

Is this the Detroit Pistons or the Washington Wizards?! What is going on here? I have no idea. We're on an 8 game losing streak, which hasn't happened to Detroit since the 1994-95 season.

The Pistons are now 2-9 in February, with 1 game to go [@ Magic].
In the last 4 Februarys combined, the Pistons have lost just 8 games, going 38-8 over-all.
We have fallen to below .500 for the first time since 2001.
It's been 7 years since the Pistons didn't reach the Eastern Conference finals. [I still think we will this year, but there are lots of nay-sayers.]
It's been 8 years since the Pistons had a losing record for the season.
It's been 8 years since the Pistons didn't win 50 games in the regular season.

Iverson's back pain came back [he injured it the night before] early in the 1st quarter last night. I was sad, pissed, and lost hope of us winning that game. But after he left the game, the Pistons played like the old Pistons. Like ... champions. And I hate to say that and not include iverson, but its true. I don't know why.

But then Sheed got a tech in the 4th [just what he needs, right? Psh] and then was ejected from the game with 7:55 left in the 4th quarter after picking up a 2nd tech for the night ... all in 27 seconds.

If Sheed didn't throw the towel in [literally and figuratively] I have no doubt in my mind that we would have won, and ended this awful, embarrassing losing streak.

Coach Curry needs to go. I still believe that. Not A.I., not Sheed. I wish him and Joe D weren't secret lovers. He'd be gone by now.

But, I'm a huge fan, so I'm not giving up. Not yet, folks. We're not dead, we're not done. We're now the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference, and there is still time to climb.

We're talkin' about haircuts!

HE CUT OFF HIS CORNROWS.
Yes, it's true. For the first time in 13 years, Allen Iverson has shaved off his signature cornrows.

I apologize if you were one of the many people in my phone I sent a text to saying "OH MY GOD A.I. CUT OFF HIS BRAIDS I AM SO SAD I AM CRYING WAH WAH WAH."

And that was before I actually saw it.

My sister and I were sitting in the movie theater waiting for All-Star Saturday Night to start [which was dope, by the way. Well worth the money, and the 3D was amazing] and I got a text from a friend saying "A.I. cut his hair off." and I flipped out. Like, really.

He looks younger, if that's even possible. He is 33 and looked like he was in his early 20's even with the braids, but now he looks ... wow. I thought I'd hate it, but he is still the most beautiful man on earth, and I'm getting used to the cut. It's just still to crazy to see.







_______________________________________

Another change that we all knew was coming but nobody wanted to discuss or think about ... Stephon Marbury to the Boston Celtics.

It's official like a referee with a whistle.

I kinda like it. It makes me giggle. Welcome back to the game, Starbury.

We're talkin' about All-Star break.

Sheed got the first shot of the game with a sheedtastic 3 [what do you expect?] and then got the next Piston shot with a turn-a-round jumper. He finished with 9, but only played about 25 minutes due to knee pain.

Nobody knew if A.I. would be playing last night until just before tip-off. He has the flu and didn't play Monday against the Bulls.

"I don't have any energy," Iverson said before joining his team for pregame layups.
"I'm still real light-headed, I was dizzy at times and actually threw up during a timeout. I was real weak."

But even having that flu, being light-headed and dizzy and throwing up, he played one of his best games since becoming a Piston. That's warrior status, that's commitment, that's heart. That's what Iverson has brought to the floor ever since I've started watching him back in '96.
That's what we need on this team, especially now.

At around 40 seconds left in the 1st, there was a Josh Smith turnover. He lost the ball, and A..I. had a beautiful steal - I can't even describe the beauty, the hustle, the pain he must have felt diving for that ball - and threw it to Rip who "laid it up, laid it in, count that baby!"

Blaha and Kelser said it was hands down his best play since he's been a Piston. I'm gunna agree, and following closely is that pass to Rip when we played The Suns the other night THROUGH GRANT HILL'S LEGS.



Anyone who ever said A.I. and Rip didn't mesh well together or work well together on the court, think again and pay attention to games.

Speaking of Rip, he had another great game with 14 off the bench, and J-Max had another good night of IN YO FACE jams. Man, I love what he does when he goes out there.
Tay and Stuck both had 12, and Amir added 4.

At the start of the 4th, we were down 6. More Iverson on fire [he scored 15 of his 28 in this qarter!], more Maxiell jams, some good plays by Stuck, Tay and Rip, but just too much ATL. I was on the edge of my seat this whole quarter, especially after my boy A.I. got a beautiful layup and got us up to only a 2 point difference. Joe Johnson got fouled by Afflalo and made both free throws, and at 8 seconds left A.I. had the ball, made a 3 point attempt ... SO CLOSE. SO DAMN CLOSE.
We lost by 5.

The Hawks are 31-21 and have won 4 of 5, matching the most wins they've had going into the All-Star weekend in 10 years.
Detroit is now 27-24 before heading into the break. We've lost 3 straight.

Rip: "I don't even pay attention to our record anymore."

Detroit has their worst record at the break since 2002.

A.I.: "It's not a good feeling. But in life you have to deal with adversity. It's something that we're going to have to deal with right now. I have not seen anybody blaming anybody or pointing fingers. Once that starts to happen, if that happens, which I don’t think it will, once that happens we are really in trouble. Once we stop trusting each other, then you might as well throw the season in. The whole thing is to stay positive, stay with each other. Not to point fingers. Not to play the blame game, and be real men about the situation. We win together. We lose together. It's going to be important to stay together. You don't win a championship at the break."

The next time I'll see my boy is Sunday night when he returns to the East for the first time in 2 years [he was still an All-Star in '07 and '08, but on the west] in the All-Star game.


Go East!

We're talkin' about Amar’e Stoudemire. And tonight's game.

I hate these trade rumors. We've had them all this season, but this one is starting to read true.
Amar'e Stoudemire on the Pistons. Crazy.

I'm not sure if I like it.

Not because he's a bad player or anything, but we've just gotten used to A.I., and it took what seems like forever for him to fit in on the team. Do we really need another big trade this far into the season? I say no. Bad idea.

I read recently that a fan made a comment near the end of the 4th quarter the other night when te Pistons played the Suns. Amar’e was walking back onto the court after a time-out, and a fan said to him:

“Hey Stoudemire,”
Amar’e looked at him.
“You’ll be here next week!”
Amar’e nodded his head as if he was in agreement.

Feb. 19 is the trade deadline. And, yes - he would improve our chances, but a huge part of me just hates this whole thing. Mostly because Tayshaun, Amir, and Sheed are all involved in this trade talk. Fuck that mess.


Anyway, we play the Hawks tonight, and I'm nervous. The Pistons have played like, their best basketball this season in these past few games, but have either lost or came out with what they call an "ugly win."

The Hawks have lost 7 straight games at the Palace, but won the last time we played on their home court.

We're 5th in the East, but are dealing with our fewest wins at the All-Star break since the 2001-02 season, BUT Detroit went 24-11 down the stretch that season to win our 1st of 2 straight central division titles.

A.I. missed the game last night due to the flu, and is questionable again tonight.
This is not good.

We're talkin' about The Answer and The King.

From Bleacher Report:

One is "The Answer" while the other is "The King".
Allen Iverson. LeBron James.

First of all, there is no such thing as the "best", so I say, Iverson and James are each possibly two of five best basketball players right now. One is nearing his prime, the other is already at it.

Maybe you disagree with me about whether AI is a top-five player or in his prime. It's fine to think that, but most people thought that when he was in Philly and don't think that much of Iverson since he left the 76ers. They think less statistics mean the player is fading. But Iverson is very much still in his prime. So I am just addressing that.

Now, Sunday on ABC, the Detroit Pistons played the Cleveland Cavaliers. The game was in the Pistons' hands the first three quarters, but in the fourth they collapsed. Iverson did not have an out-of-this-world game, but he was efficient and torched the Cavs at times. That is exactly what he has been doing since his 76ers years.

So why do people say the LeBron is a better basketball player than Iverson?

Just go back and look at his time in Philly—the Sixers beat the Cavs a few times. While with the Nuggets the last two seasons, the Cavaliers never beat the Nuggs. They actually blew out the Cavs a few times, and every time Iverson played huge! Just go to youtube.com or to Google videos, or whatever, you'll see what I mean.

Iverson goes to the Pistons. They beat the Cavaliers the first time, Iverson scored 23 efficiently. In nearly every case, an Allen Iverson-led team has beaten a LeBron James-led team.

Although this time, the Cavs edged out the Pistons and Iverson in the fourth. But the game was over, all the Pistons had to do, and what they should always be doing, is feeding the ball to Iverson, and letting him create for himself as well as others. It was that exact reason that the Pistons stormed back and took the lead in the fourth.

Unfortunately, Pistons head coach Michael Curry seems to be a bit crazy, taking Iverson out in the fourth, not doing what wins games (when AI scores they win, when he doesn't they lose). Plus, the Pistons play better with Iverson and Hamilton together, but still, Rip is benched, not Stuckey.

So back to Iverson-James. These two have a whole story between one another. They go back to the Olympics in 2004, and should've been together in the past Olympics. They each showed up late one practice together in the Olympics. They have each started in the All-Star Game with each other several times. Their teams have gone back and forth.

It's pretty funny too. Iverson almost seems like a rival with James, AI went to the Nuggets, LeBron rivals with Melo, AI goes to the Pistons, the Cavs rival with the Pistons.

Each are very similar as well.

Iverson made a run to the finals and lost in five. LeBron made a run to the finals and lost in four. Each has made it to the playoffs, many times for Allen, but is knocked out in the first or second round. Each has never really been surrounded by much talent until this season. In the All-Star Games, Iverson's high-flying partner he throws ally-oops to used to be VC, now it's LBJ.

Each, are the two most unusual players and talents in basketball. Iverson is in a point guard's body, but can score as good as anybody ever has. While James is in a power forward's body, but has the speed of a small foward or even some guards.

It's hard to say which is better than the other because of age, position, playing style, and size. But there is no doubting these two are warriors.

But people must understand that the gap between these two is not as large as many think. To some, Iverson is better, to some LeBron is better, to some they are the same.

But many are talking about LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, instead of adding Iverson into the conversation. Why not? Iverson and the Pistons stopped the Cavs' winning streak earlier, while they are also the first team to defeat the Lakers in LA.

So they think LeBron is better by a landslide. Whoever is better, it is not by much, if I were to make a rating like in video games, they would not be more than a point or two away from one another.

But why go with Lebron? Just look at them head-to-head. Iverson plays a monster game, and as a result, MOST of the time his team wins. Iverson is the NBA's best scorer. So he has scoring on Lebron. But he also has steals, speed, dribbling, FT's, shooting, and clutch play.

They are about the same in passing, although again, I would give an edge to "The Answer". While James has the low post game, rebounding, blocking, over Iverson.

As for leadership, they each have not showed any real signs of who is better. But just knowing that Iverson has kept his teams good for most of the time in his career, tells me he is a better leader so far. As an athlete, Iverson was named the best athlete overall ever.

So really what does Lebron have over Allen? Dunks? Fancy dunks? Highlights? Leaping ability? The media just makes him seem much better.

Guys are really going to go after me, or call me crazy, but that is because the media has hypnotized them so much. Look I am not saying anything bad on Lebron's part, remember I called him one of the five best basketball players earlier. All I'm saying is people must stop listening so much to media, which helps make these little Kobe-LeBron lovers and haters.

Allen Iverson. Lebron James. Two great players, talents, athletes.

Iverson has triumphed in most of their meetings, but LeBron won the last battle. The war is not over, their battles will continue, their love for each other will grow. As each of their stories continue, so will this one. Be ready for more, of The Answer and The King.

Allen Iverson and LeBron James, the stories continue.

_______________________________________

I thought this was really interesting. And I agree with the author.

We're talkin' about a Heat wave, "King" James, and Lakers/Celtics.

Exciting, close, edge-of-your-seat game last night. The Pistons had a tough 3 game stretch, losing to the Boston Celtics and then the Cleveland Crabs [top 2 in the east], but we beat the Heat [93-90] and ended the 2 game losing streak last night, and are now back at number 5 in the eastern conference.

Stuckey and Sheed lead the team with 18 points each, and Dice was on fiiiiire with 17 rebounds.

The game tied at 85 after D Wade's layup, then Stuckey got us up again after hitting a jumper, but Sheed does what he does best [besides trash talking refs and getting techs. Jokes! ... Kinda] and fouled Michael Beasley.

Beasley got 2 for 2 and tied the game again, but Stuckey answered again and put us back on top by 2.

Dice ganked the ball from Beasley, passed to Sheed who hit a SHEEDTASTIC 3, where I then jumped up from my seat and let out a "yes!" and a "Sheeeeeed!" [I can always count on him for those epic 3's]. I thought the game was over, we already won ... especially when D Wade got called for a tech after chucking the ball into the stands. Why so serious?

I got real frustrated when Tay missed his free throw. He sat down and Afflalo came in. Sheed sat down and Rip came in. Wade hit a 3 and cut our lead to 92-90. 18 seconds left on the clock. Rip was fouled, and went to the line. He missed both of his free throws, and Wade got the rebound.

The Heat took a timeout, and Wade missed a jumper. Beasley fouled Afflalo, Afflalo split at the stripe - and as soon as I knew it, Wade had the ball in his hands. My frustration changed to fear and I let out a "Oh shit oh shit oh shit noooooooooo!" because we were only up by 3 points, and everyone knows Wade is amazing. He attempted a 3, and IT BOUNCED OFF THE RIM AT THE BUZZER. Hell yes.

Pistons win! I smile, give my sister low-knucks, and light up a victory cigarette.

_______________________________

King Crab had 52 points last night. I heard he was gunna try to beat Kobe's 61 points [he got 61 the other night setting a new Madison Square Garden record] but I didn't know he was like ... serious. I got a good laugh out of it. He got a triple-double with a rebound at the final second on the shot clock. So he's the 1st player to have double digit rebounds and assists to go with at least 50 pts since Kareem, who did it 33 years ago.

That is really good, but I still don't think he's the best thing since sliced bread like everyone else. He is an amazing player, but one thing I hate about him is that his confidence is ... well, it isn't confidence. It's straight-up cockiness. I mean, did you read the article in the new GQ? Hot pictures, but the interview made me roll my eyes. Except for the part about him calling his son [LeBron James Jr] "Bronny." Now that's cute.

One of the 232348284 examples of the Crab's cockiness: “July 1st of 2010 is a very big day. It’s probably going to be one of the biggest days in free-agent history in the NBA.”

Ugh. We already know you're gunna go to the Nets so you can be closer to your lover-man Jay-Z, BronBron.

But you might do what none of us expect [but also very much expect] and stay with your fellow Crabaliers where you'll make an extra $31 million.

_______________________________

And finally, tonight I will enjoy a match-up I always enjoy. Celtics and Lakers. This one is gunna be goooood.

As much as the Celtics piss me off sometimes with their what-seems-like-effortless

wins, I do still like them [until they play my Pistons again]. And I am not a Lakers fan, So I'll be rooting for the C's tonight.
I wonder if the Lakers will end yet another Celtic streak [they're at 12 straight wins right now] this season. Hmmmm.

Speaking of the Celtics, they play the Knicks tomorrow at the Madison Square Garden. Man oh man. Who thinks one of the big 3 will try to beat Bron and Kobe's points? That would be fun.

We're talkin' about me, myself, and Iverson.

Recent wall-to-walls via Facebook with a friend has fueled me to to defend Allen Iverson for the 81893812838 time. If you don't care, don't read.

So far this season, I've heard and/or read about mostly the following:
Pistons losses = Allen Iverson's fault.
Allen Iverson = Not Chauncey Billups.
Allen Iverson = overrated.

I was at work the day of the trade, November 3rd 2008.
I get Pistons news/scores texted to me, so I got the news. Allen Iverson traded to the Pistons.
I loved it.

That entire week, month, and still to this day, all I've heard about are negative comments about the entire thing. A lot of Pistons fans hate it, and have even stopped watching games and rooting for their team because they don't like Iverson. I feel like I'm the only one who likes it. That's cool ... I mean, I like a lot of things others hate, so I'm used to it. I'm cool with it, whatever.

But when people start placing the blame for everything on him, that's when I get kinda heated.

Once again, he is not to blame for the Pistons' struggles.
It's like you're just looking for someone to blame.

People back this up with "He's not playing the same. He's not scoring enough. Blahblah."

You could take any great player - who for their entire career has been the star of the team, the point-getter, the one to carry the team, and put them on a team that works together, shares the ball, and where every player contributes - and they'd be completely different players. They'd pass the ball more, they'd sit more, they'd shoot less. All of this equaling less points, obviously, which tells you why his ppg is down since joining the team.

Anyway, you need to look at the entire team, not just him. Look at the way the others play. Look at the shots they miss, look at their turnovers. Don't just put the blame on A.I. because you don't like him - or, what I'm starting to think it is - because you still miss Chauncey.

All these Pistons fans want and expect him to be like Chauncey Billups. Well, that's not fair.


Another thing, it's disappointing to see Pistons fans giving up on them this season.
It reminds me of an article that was in the Grand Rapids Press back in December about the 0-16 Lions titled "You Call Yourself A Fan?"

Some excerpts:

"It might be a silly little pet peeve of mine, but I firmly believe that once you start rooting for your team to lose, you're no longer a fan."

"Being vocal and opinionated are the very essence of being a true and loyal fan. No one is suggesting that fans have to become sheep and simply go along with whatever product is being put in front of them. However, once you cross the line and ROOT for your team to lose, you've abdicated your right to describe yourself as a fan. "

"Please, puh-leeze, don't give me "proof" of your fan status because you're a season-ticket holder or you've watched every game on television for the past 20 years. That simply makes you a spectator.
And don't try to use the argument that you only want the team to lose because it's the only way to ensure some change in the front office and coaching staff."


Peace out, and GO PISTONS!

We're talkin' about confidence.

After Sunday's loss to King Crab and the Cleveland Crabaliers, Tayshaun Prince was asked if his team had thrown in the towel.

"We're a .500 team right now. Over the past 20 games we've been talking about getting it right, and we haven't gotten it right yet. It's like an old record."

He didn't say no. Ouch. FACE PALM.

The Pistons vets ... Sheed, Rip, Dice ... it's like they're giving up.
J-Max, Amir, Stuck, and Afflalo are reportedly stuck in the middle of the Pistons' vets and Iverson when it comes to confidence.

A.I. seems like he's the only one who believes in the Pistons anymore. Hmm?

"I can't speak for everybody else, but I'm sure everybody's confidence is still up because we got a long way to go," He said Sunday.

"At this point, even before the All-Star break, if we lose our confidence there isn't any reason to even come back after break because we would be going out there playing for nothing. My confidence is at an all-time high, honestly, because I still feel good about the guys I play with and our coaching staff."

I agree. There's still time.

"If we were coming in here getting blown out, then that would be a different story. But I feel good. I'm all right, and I feel good about our chances."

Obviously, as much as it hurts to say this, we're not gunna catch up with the Celtics, the Magic, or the Crabs ... But we can still get that Number 4 seed. [We're the 6 seed right now. We were tied with the Heat, who moved up after beating the Clippers last night. We're playing the Heat tonight.

We're talkin' about optimism. And ... Andrew Bynum?!

January wasn't a good month for the Pistons. It was the first losing month [6-9] in 5 seasons.

We've lost our last 2 games, but the Pistons played some of their best basketball. It's crazy that we can win when we play so-so, but when we play smashingly, we lose. Supwitdat?

We have wins against 5 of the 6 division leaders, beating the Western Conference's top teams on the road, but have lost to suck-ass teams like the Thunder.
Supwitdat?

If people aren't blaming the losses on Iverson, they're blaming the losses on turnovers. We're 2nd best in the league in handling of the rock, so turning it over isn't really what gets us beat.

And it seems like everything goes downhill in the 4th quarter in the majority of those games. Again, I say supwitdat? The 4th is when they should be playing their hardest, no matter who MC decides to put on the floor to finish out the game.

On a plus side, our defense has gotten a lot better, but our offense has been inconsistent.

The next game [Wednesday against the Heat, again at home] is another important game. Both the Heat and the Pistons are competing with the Hawks for the last home-court spot in the East playoffs.

Here's what Curry had to say, and I agree with him. SHOCKED FACE!

“I look at our games, and I look at us and what we’re doing, going in knowing what we’re trying to get done to mark if we’re progressing along … sometimes the record doesn’t indicate it, but at times, when we’ve lost, we’ve played better. As Rip gets healthier and he keeps getting better and better in his role coming off the bench with Dice, we’re going to be really good.”

You can go on and on about "LeBron James is amazing! You can't fuck with the big 3!" But you need to pay attention to the whole game, not just the final score. Obviously a win is what we need, and it's what matters, but you can't help but to see major improvement on our end, especially in these last 2 games ... 2 of the 3 games that everyone said would determine the rest of the season. As bitter as I am about these 2 losses especially, I think finally we're pointed in the right direction. *Knock on wood*



I am not a Lakers fan, so I didn't even hear about this until today.
Anyway, as sick as this makes me sound, a smile was instantly painted across my face when I read the headline. "Bye Bye, Bynum."

Now, don't get me wrong ... If I have a shred of respect for the Lakers this season [I mean, I used to love Kobe Bryant way back in the day. Sick, I know. I just threw in my mouth a little. but then I came to my sense, so let's not ever talk about it again, okay?], it's because of Bynum. Not only is he a pretty good looking dude [teehee], he's a very good young player and has become a very important piece of the Lakers' puzzle.

This happened Friday against the Grizzlies:



Kobe's face says it all. I love it.

So, he's out 8-12 weeks with a torn MCL.
The regular season ends in about 10.
Doesn't look too good for you crazy Lakers fans.

Speaking of fans, Celtics fans must be loving this.

"Bynumite"'s knee injury last year didn't keep the Lakers from the getting to the finals, but it had a big part in keeping them from winning.

His season ended around this time last year when he dislocated his kneecap in the other knee.

That injury happened against ... guess who? The Grizzlies. Woooow.

We're talkin' about The Ghosts Of Pistons Past

This is a match-up that turns people against each other, if just for one day or night. For me, it's been this entire month. Tomorrow things will get ugly. Things will get loud. There will be lots of jumping and screaming and cursing at 241 Warren.

Especially from this girl.

I haven't forgave the Celtics since they beat my Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals last year:
They won game 1, we won game 2, they won game 3, we won game 4, they won game 5 and 6, and then I went against everything I believe in and rooted for the team I hate the most on this earth ... The fucking LAKERS. That shows you how pissed I was.

I really haven't forgiven the Celtics since ... or myself for rooting for the Lakers, but hey - I did what I had to do. They rubbed it in my face even more as they went on to win a ring.

And when it was all over, I said "Hey, I can go back to liking the Celtics again because it's over and we can't go back in time."

But then the 2008-2009 season came, and I went over the Pistons schedule and those feelings came back.
The last 2 times we've played each other since, we've lost. But the Big 3 isn't what did us in, it was their bench. We have a good bench, especially now with Rip. But I read today that Rip might not be playing Friday.

Thus proving that GOD HATES ME.

But as always, I have tremendous hope for my Pistons, and I'm not giving up.

After the Celtics, we will go on to face the Cleveland Crabaliers and then the Miami Heat. These ate the 3 teams responsible for killing our championship hopes in the last 3 seasons.

All 3 of these games are at the Palace.
We must defend our home court, Pistons. ME MUST.

It's on.