reflections
March 15th, 2007 “Underdog” Mentality is back.

The Pistons have gone four in a row now in their west coast trip and are approaching the finale versus the Suns on Friday. Morale is at a high, and the Pistons have moved into the “underdog” phase, once again. We’re all familiar with the 2004 season where the Pistons weren’t even on the map to win the Championship and obviously that wasn’t true. This year gives an uncanny resemblance to that 2004 season. In 2004 we swept up Rasheed from the Hawks and had the underdog mentality - now in 2007 we’ve acquired Chris Webber and, once again we’re the underdogs in the Pistons eyes.

“All the talk about the Western Conference teams and Miami with D-Wade coming back - we thrive in that situation,” Billups says.

Rasheed Wallace Chauncey Billups

and with regards to Sheed: “I’m not scared of nobody, they should be scared of us.”

It seems that everyone on the team is getting ready for the playoffs, including the bench which has been playing amazing as of late:

  • Tayshaun has been so efficient - last night he scored 15 points in only 30 minutes - no one even noticed.
  • Antonio McDyess once again has been amazing with almost a double-double every night in pts and rebounding.
  • Rasheed Wallace has been showing his basketball IQ and has stepped up where the Pistons need help the most - defense in the post. He is such a complete player adding everything you need on the court and the attitude, and swagger you need off the court. Check this quote out: “I wish Napoleon didn’t make that rule or I’d carry that belt back there again.” Referring to Stern banning anything that’s gaudy or flashy in the locker room and bench environment. A.K.A Rasheed would be busting out his “Roscoe” Championship belt out again.
  • Chris Webber has been just huge for the Pistons - we all knew he would be quite good for the team; but never this good. No one would think he would be getting 20 and 10 any more - but forget 20 and 10, the guy’s pulling 20+, 10 rebounds and the other night he had 6 assists! Its finally Cwebb’s golden opportunity to win himself a nice big ring in his home town.
  • Carlos Delfino has progressed like crazy this year - he has learned to stop whining and actually show us his worth on the court. His stats don’t speak for his play - although he is scoring some points, he’s been all over the court. That includes getting loose balls, stealing balls, rebounding, passing - everything really. I am so happy he grew up this summer.
  • Jason Maxiel has been growing steadily and Flip has really got some confidence in him. He’s constantly bringing energy to the court and you can’t deny those monster dunks he has.
  • While Lindsey Hunter has been out - Flip Murray has done a decent job filling in for the job.
  • Last but not least - Flip Saunders deserves some big recognition. He has finally learned to use his bench - we are now seeing the Championship mode Pistons minus a little more tweaking. He knows his team now, and has finally put his trust in the bench.

To conclude - I’m loving the Pistons look right now. They are poised, and they just look to be Championship material right now. I can’t wait for the playoffs - because right now the season is idle time.

- Eslam (ReppintheD)

Later.

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One Response to ““Underdog” Mentality is back.”

  1. BALLAHOLLIC Says:
    March 15th, 2007 at 9:09 pm

    Awesome blog dude, you have some talent.

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