--For the first time since George Irvine was coach in the 2000-01 season, the Pistons have a head coach who prefers to sit during games. Rick Carlisle was constantly near the coaching box, calling out plays and strategy. Larry Brown barked at the officials incessantly. Flip Saunders paced nervously along the sidelines.
Curry will be much more low-key. "I've never understood how you can coach using all your assistants if you're not sitting there by them," he said. "I get a lot of input from the guys while I'm sitting over there."
MAIN REASON PISTONS CAN WIN: Their core group is still rock solid after all these years and their collection of young talent, particularly Stuckey, gives them uncommon depth. They also seem immune to major injuries, in part because of the training methods of strength and conditioning coach Arnie Kander.
MAIN REASON PISTONS CAN LOSE: They have a rookie coach who, despite his confidence, will need time to settle into his new position. Rasheed Wallace is in the twilight of his career but he's still the best frontcourt player on the roster. The distribution of minutes could be tricky and lead to some grumbling among the veterans.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I've told him this throughout his career, he's more of a player who needs to be coming into the mix, as opposed to being the main cake." -- C Rasheed Wallace, on free-agent acquisition Kwame Brown.
