Great food for thought lapiston. But even with Shaq out of the equation this year, I don't know if things would have been much different.

We came REALLY close to losing to the Cleveland Lebrons a round before that, and even without Shaq, I don't know if we beat the Miami Wades. Even if we do, I can't see us getting by the Dallas Dirks in the finals.

The Detroit Egos beat themselves this year. Granted, the Heat played well enough to win, but I think the Pistons played poorer than the Heat played well.

It should be a VERY interesting season. Which Pistons team will come out? And really, will it matter until the playoffs?

If they come out flat, is that a bad thing, given how early they peaked last season? They came out flat under LB and were barely above .500 at the allstar break, then they won the championship.

If they come out guns a Blazin Hazen, will we be that impressed, or will we say "yeah, yeah, been there seen that. Now do it in the playoffs."?

There are a LOT of question marks, not only with this team, but in the entire eastern conference.

Will the aging, now fulfilled Heat team still have the hunger to repeat?
Will Big Ben turn the Bulls into contenders?
Will the Pistons even win their division next season?
Will James be able to carry the Cavs further than he already has?
Will Indy continue to shoot themselves in the foot? (I sure hope so, its so much fun to watch!)

__________________