This is my first post to the forum, and I want to preface my comments by saying that I am a long-time Pistons fan. I like watching the Pistons more than any other sport, but this last month or so has really got me scratching my head.

Flip's coaching and rotations are quite the mystery. Case in point, during the 18-0 run last night, it seemed like he was purposely not calling a time out because he wanted the players to work through their offensive struggles. Well, check the ego at the door, call the TO after the first 8 consecutive points, draw up a "sure-thing" play and stop the run. Nope, didn't happen.

I think that Flip needs to put a hard limit on the minutes for the starters from here on out. If he doesn't they will not enough left for the playoffs. Play the bench (Delfino, Evans, Hunter, Dice, Davis) mixed in with the starters, but stick with the bench players to give them a chance to get into a flow. Build their egos now when the pressure isn't so great.

The thing I noticed about this West Coast trip and other games from the last month or so is that their defense is not nearly as consistent when they need it the most. I know that statisitically they are nearly identical to last year in terms of PPG, but I think that is misleading. The dribble penetration by opposing guards and the offense rebounding they give up are really make it hard to get the stops they need. They are also doing a lot of whining to the officials instead of just shutting their pie-holes and playing. Sheed's ball-don't-lie crap and all that is getting tired.

Tayshaun's shot really sucks lately, too. Forget the outside crap and take it to the cup! Same thing with Sheed. Ball-don't-get-to-Roscoe unless Roscoe is less than 15 feet away from the basket.

T