Rebirth: A Detroit Pistons Franchise (NBA 2K10) - SoundTheAlarm's Dynasty

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Rebirth: A Detroit Pistons Franchise (NBA 2K10)

Posted on April 7, 2010 at 05:04 PM.

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2011 Season Preview

2011 Opening Day Roster:
Head Coach: Mike Krzyzweski
Starters:
PG Rodney Stuckey
SG Richard Hamilton
SF Tayshaun Prince
PF DeMarcus Cousins
C Nene

Bench:
SG Evan Turner
PF Jason Maxiell
PG Jerryd Bayless
C Chris Wilcox
SF Austin Daye
SF Trenton Hassell
PG Chucky Atkins

Outlook:
The Detroit Pistons are going into the 2011 NBA season with a lot of optimism. After a disappointing 26-54 finish last year, they are looking to kick it up a notch under their new head coach, Mike Krzyzewski. Coach K has said that offense has to be a priority this year.

"You know me, normally I am a defensive guy. But this team is already stellar on the defensive end. We have to work harder on the offensive side of the ball to contend with the elites in this conference, and I have no doubt that we will do just that."

The 2011 Edition of the Pistons are bolstered by two new additions to the squad this year. First year player Evan Turner is expected to come off the bench, but still play close to 25 minutes a game. He will be counted on to provide a scoring lift for a Pistons team that averaged just a shade under 89 points a game last year.

"I really feel like I can come in and contribute to this team right away. I like this system, like the players I am playing with, and how can you not love playing for Coach K? I'm ready to have a big rookie season."

Turner isn't the only rookie on the squad this year with high expectations. 8th overall pick DeMarcus Cousins is expected to be a major offensive force in the low post, starting along side league veteran Nene. Cousins, who played his college ball at Kentucky, has said that he can't wait to get started.

"This is a great group of guys we have here. If we can get off to a good start and hit a nice groove throughout the season, I think we can contend with anyone."

The two young guns aren't the only ones on the radar this year. Returning to the rotations for the Pistons this year is exciting 4th year point guard Rodney Stuckey, league veterans Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince, and massive center Nene.

"I expect a lot out of those guys," Coach Krzyzewski said in a press conference earlier this week. "These guys have been here for a long time; they know how things are done around here. I expect to learn a lot from them this year, and hopefully I can teach them a little bit too."

Bench players Jason Maxiell and Jerryd Bayless are also expected to play key roles for Detroit this year.

"I love Jason's tenacity on the glass. I know he's only 6'7", but he can rebound with the best of them. We are going to need that this year. And Jerryd sees the floor as good as any point guard in the league. Those two are going to be huge for our team this year."

Long-time NBAers Trenton Hassell, an offseason free agent pickup, and point guard Chucky Atkins are not expected to tote a lot of minutes, but they are expected to bring veteran leadership in the locker room. Young gun Austin Daye also made the team this year, but isn't expected to see the floor very much.

The Pistons are hoping (and of course, already expecting) to overachieve this year. ESPN The Magazine and Sports Illustrated both picked the Pistons to finish 10th in the Eastern Conference this year, finishing at 37-45. Although that would be a large improvement over last year, Coach K and the Pistons are wanting more.

"We can definitely make a run in the playoffs this year. I know we have the players to do it. It all comes down to how hard these guys want to work."