Frustrated Wallace unsure of role
Piston hasn't been his usual shot-blocking, rebounding self, won't use pain as an excuse
By Chris McCosky

Beneath the happy surface of a 15-3 start, a potentially troubling issue is bubbling for the Pistons.

Ben Wallace has not been Ben Wallace.

When Kris Humphries of Utah dunks in his face, posterizes him without much resistance, something is wrong. When the Pistons get outrebounded for eight straight games, including a 55-27 drubbing by the Jazz on Monday night, something is wrong.

When the Jazz get 16 layups and dunks, the night after the Clippers get 19 layups and dunks and score 58 points in the lane, something is wrong.
Not all of that is on him, of course, but when Ben Wallace isn't in the top three in the NBA in rebounds and blocks -- well, he's not being Ben Wallace.


The new Fab Five
Pistons' starters are most balanced, unselfish in NBA history
By Michael Rosenberg

Larry Brown, Flip Saunders, blah, blah, blah.
Coach? They don't need no stinking coach.

"There have been times with Chauncey where I'm getting ready to call a play," Saunders said, "and he calls the exact same play."

In the interest of protecting the Pistons' championship hopes, not to mention the Saunders retirement fund: There are some things the coach needs to do. Like send in a sub every once in a while. Yell at the refs. And, yeah, call some plays and stuff.

Rebounding, Ben's struggles could create drama
by Krista Latham

As the Pistons' main Eastern Conference rivals, Miami and Indiana, dealt with soap operas this week, the Pistons finished 2-1 on the West Coast, moved to 15-3 overall and almost seemed boring in comparison.

True, there's little drama in Detroit, although as coach Flip Saunders points out, there's always something if you want to find it.

"If you want, you can look for drama anytime on any team," Saunders said. "If you really want to, you can look for controversy, you can look for conflict."

OK, then, let's bite. There are two issues -- although small at this point. The first was clear in the Pistons' loss Monday, when the Jazz outrebounded them, 55-27. The second was on display in the locker room, when Ben Wallace said he was unsure what his role is on the team.

Rivals Pacers, Heat have all the drama
by Krista Latham

Not a bad weekend, if you enjoy NBA drama.

First, Indiana Pacers forward Ron Artest proved once again that his brain isn't wired straight. He went to the press with his request to be traded, saying things like, "I like coach (Rick Carlisle) as a person, I just don't like playing for him."

Then Miami president Pat Riley shocked no one when he succeeded suddenly family-focused Stan Van Gundy as coach of the Heat.

You'd think this could only help Detroit. While their rivals regroup, the Pistons can keep floating along, unhindered by strife.

Far cry from last season, ain't it?

CATCHING UP WITH ... Chris Kaman

GETTING PERSONAL WITH ... Jason Maxiell

Hot Topics

Soundoff


NBA Ticker


Pistons' board work leaves much to be desired
By A. Sherrod Blakely

Moments after the Detroit Pistons' humbling 92-78 loss at Utah on Monday, Carlos Arroyo passed a sheet of paper with the game's statistics to teammate Chauncey Billups.

Billups' eyes quickly gravitated to the rebounding numbers: 55 for the Jazz, 27 for the Pistons. Billups shook his head in disbelief.

He's not the only one dumbfounded by what has been the one kink in the Pistons' superb start this season.



Central solid from top to bottom
NBA's Central Division loaded with talent, potential
By Kelly Dwyer

The Pistons are on top with a 15-2 mark, they've won six straight and Chauncey Billups is playing out of his mind. Averaging 18.2 points and 8.3 assists in just 34 minutes a game, Billups is shooting 44 percent from the floor and relishing the freedom that Flip Saunders' offense provides.

Billups still appears to be the most "in-charge" player in the NBA, especially now that Tim Duncan grew his hair out. He exudes cool and confidence and should have no problem making his first All-Star team.