Michael Curry can no longer mess around, massaging massive egos with a three-guard starting lineup that simply isn't compatible with the physical defensive demands of Eastern Conference Basketball.

He's like the parent who is worried about disciplining his teenage kids. They might dislike what they're hearing so much that they'll yell, then sulk and maybe give you the silent treatment. But if you're the boss, you establish the ground rules regardless of the combustible ramifications.

If the players don't like it, pack their bags and ship them elsewhere.

Curry was the players' friend last year as an assistant. He can't have that relationship now. He must assert his authority because now is when the Pistons must determine what they are -- genuine championship contender or disinterested bystander.

Curry remained coy Monday about his decision.

But Iverson should come off the bench.

It's not a slap against A.I. He and Stuckey meshed well together in the starting backcourt during Hamilton's stint on the injured list, recovering from a groin tear.

But Iverson's game, as it pertains to these Pistons, better fits coming off the bench than Hamilton's. He dictates the flow of the game, whereas Hamilton's offensive style remains more reactionary. Rip's game demands more patience, working through screens and gradually developing an offensive rhythm.

If Iverson is as serious about doing whatever's necessary for the team as he stated during his introductory press conference last November, he'll see the positives of becoming the best sixth man in the league.

It's the politics that could kill the Pistons.

Hamilton's become a diva. He told reporters recently that he's not coming off the bench.

Somebody should remind Rip that it's not his call.

He's openly challenged Curry on the bench, disagreeing with the rookie head coach's game rotation. There was one point during a Sunday Palace loss against Portland when Curry told Hamilton that if he didn't like his decision, he could stay on the bench.

Such confrontations aren't uncommon in a league where ego isn't always compatible with emotion. It's an unavoidable aspect of a new coach's indoctrination, and Curry no longer has the Chauncey Billups buffer when dealing with Hamilton. Billups was always in Hamilton's ear when his emotions got the better of him.

Curry cannot make any decision look like he's merely appeasing Hamilton because of his tenure in the locker room. He must sell whatever decision he makes as the best for the team's playoff interests.

Stuckey's rapid improvement at point guard created this potential conflict. He's flourished in Hamilton's absence, taking advantage of the defensive attention that Iverson attracts. Stuckey reminds us of Billups' attack-the-basket game in his earlier days with the Pistons. They've got themselves a future star and, however the situation gets resolved -- it could even affect Amir Johnson -- it won't negatively impact Stuckey because his playing minutes aren't shrinking upon Hamilton's return.

Decisions like these were how Joe Dumars justified turning the keys over to Curry. It's about communication today between coach and player. The coach must be clear and resolute. And he cannot fear standing up to them when he knows what's best for his team.

Dumars has another option.

If either Hamilton or Iverson strenuously objects to his new role, he could offer one of them on the trade market.

But that'll also require the Pistons making another important decision: Are they more about building for tomorrow with all the available salary cap space with Iverson's $22-million contract expiring this summer, or do they believe there's a legitimate chance at catching Cleveland and Boston today?

Contact DREW SHARP at 313-223-4055 or dsharp@freepress.com

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