Some of you folks are expecting a bit much from the Pistons, in my opinion. Lots of things can happen. Some can be anticipated and some not.

Personally:

(1) I feel fairly confident that the pistons WILL return to the conference finals.

(2) I feel confident that the Pistons are very CAPABLE of winning the NBA championship.

(3) I just think it is much too early to EXPECT this from them before the preseason has even started. Whether we like it or not, there are about 30 other teams who want it just as bad, and a couple of them MAY be every bit as talented or more talented than Detroit.

I've said it before but we came just as close to winning the NBA championship last year as we did to losing in the Eastern Conference finals. Yes, we arguably improved...as did a few other very good teams.

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"Quite simply captain, I examined the problem from all angles, and it was plainly hopeless. Logic informed me that under the circumstances, the only logical action would have to be one of desperation. Logical decision, logically arrived at." -- Spock

Personally, I think it is fine to raise expectations. We are a championship franchise. The Yankees expect to win every year. The Red Wings expect to win it every year. ..and with these Detroit Pistons I think its Championship or bust. Our team has tremendous chemistry, youth, and talent. Why not? Winning a championship is indeed a rare and amazing task. That is why when you put a championship team together, the pressure intensifies as you want to take advantage of the window of opportunity while its still there. Our players are still relatively young and I am sure they would love to go down as one of the greatest teams/dynasties ever. We have a reason to be excited. We aren't talkin' about the Lions. So, I think I'm going to hang out on this cloud and enjoy the ride while I can because we've been waiting since 1990 to get back into this position. ...and I like it!

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I totally agree with your assessment of the team's talent. Yes, I also think they should definitely make every effort to win while they have the chance. I just don't agree that anything less than a championship would be considered an unsuccessful year because so much can happen from now until next June.

I sure do hope you are right, though.

I don't think the Pistons will complain to the refs as much because if you have not heard the news already lb has moved to NYC

I think the complaining was mostly due to Sheed (whom I happen to like) and not to LB (whom I don't happen to like).

Why are some people scared about that Euro guy coming to the Pacers. I mean he might have a good 3, but I think if Tay can shut down Kobe than he can shut down this guy. Also isn't the European 3 closer to the basket than the NBA 3?

From what I've heard he is supposed to be good and will improve their team.

As far as being "scared" of him, I'm not sure what you are referencing, but I can't imagine the Pistons are too worried.

We should be as afraid of their European guy as they should be of our European guy.

The biggest impression that I have from watching him is that he is a really intense competitor. He has the passion that we would all like to see from Darko, Delfino, etc.

However, we can always put Lindsay or Tay on him if he gets hot.

I never thought the Piston players were scared. I heard some callers on a talk radio show saying how "amazing" this guy is.

Google is your friend.

First of all, SarunasJasikevicius is not just "some European guy".

He's the best player from Europe. He was excellent in the Olympics.

He's not just some European guy, which is what you could Darko as the 12th man on the Serbian National Team.

SarJar has twice won the Euroleague championship leading Maccabi Tel Aviv, the same squad that will be competing against NBA teams in the preseason.

He's twice All-Euroleague 1st team, and the reigning 2005 Euroleague Finals MVP.

He's won 3 gold and 2 bronze medals in international play dating back to his junior squads. He was the Eurobasket 2003 tournament MVP, the same tournament Darko is in this year with other NBAers like Dirk Nowitski and Tony Parker.

Yeah he's an NBA rookie, but at 29 years old, has more credentials than almost anyone to come over from Europe except maybe Arvydas Sabonis or Drazen Petrovic.

He will play, and can play. He's the best Europe has to offer in a veteran transfer to the NBA. He makes Indiana a better squad.

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Competition is merely the absence of oppression.
- Frédéric Bastiat