The Pistons came into training camp with the maximum 15 players with guaranteed contracts, so there were no battles for roster spots. Veteran G Lindsey Hunter could return at some point during the season, but he's dealing with an FBI probe into a business he partially owns.
ANALYZING STARTERS: G Chauncey Billups was prominently mentioned in trade talks because Rodney Stuckey is ready to play regularly. But Billups remains the team's main floor leader and calming influence. He could be more productive with reduced minutes.
G Richard Hamilton led the team in scoring for a sixth straight season but he was inconsistent a year ago. He vows that he's refocused and he'll have more chances to create for himself, rather than just trying to free himself around screens.
F Tayshaun Prince's durability and consistency often holds the Pistons together on the floor. A defensive stopper and efficient scorer, Prince's game has few flaws and the Pistons can count on him from night to night like no other player on the roster.
F Amir Johnson is a quick 6-foot-11 shotblocker with tantalizing skills who didn't play much under Flip Saunders. Curry believes Johnson is ready to blossom. Johnson could energize a unit that sometimes sleepwalks through the first quarter of games.
C Rasheed Wallace is being asked to score more in the low post but we've heard that tune before. Wallace will still hang around the three-point line too much but he's the anchor of one of the league's top defenses.
ANALYZING KEY RESERVES:
G Rodney Stuckey could win the league's Sixth Man of the Year award. He's built like Billups but better at getting into the paint and breaking down defenses.
F Antonio McDyess returns to the reserve role that suited him so well for three years. He'll get more touches with the second unit than he did as a starter.
F Jason Maxiell will play less this season because there are more frontcourt options. Maxiell can win a few games with his boundless energy and fearless style.
C Kwame Brown loves the idea of being a complementary piece, rather than having the pressure of high expectations. If he defends the post well and grabs a handful of rebounds, the Pistons will be pleased.
MEDICAL WATCH:
As usual, the Pistons are healthier than most clubs. F Walter Herrmann has a rib injury and G Chauncey Billups has a left ankle sprain but they should be 100 percent by opening night.
