ANALYZING STARTERS:
G Rodney Stuckey enters his second year as the starting point guard with greater confidence and a mandate from his new coach to be a better defender. Stuckey tended to lose his aggressiveness if he got off to a bad start last season and he must break that habit. G Richard Hamilton failed to blend his skills with Allen Iverson, feuded with head coach Michael Curry and battled a groin injury most of last season. He's healthy and eager to reestablish himself as an All-Star caliber player.
F Tayshaun Prince has not missed a game since his rookie season. He'll do everything from playing power forward in smaller lineups to running the offense as a point forward. His leadership and defense will be invaluable as the newcomers settle in.
F Charlie Villanueva can score in bunches and 'tweet' as well as any player in the league. If he can acquire a defensive mindset, he'll become one of the league's top power forwards.
C Ben Wallace no longer possesses the athletic ability to be anything more than a 15-minute-a-night player. He'll try to set a defensive tone but probably won't finish many games.
ANALYZING KEY RESERVES:
G Ben Gordon gives the Pistons their most explosive reserve since Vinnie Johnson of the Bad Boys era. He'll be a prime contender for the Sixth Man of the Year Award as long both he and Hamilton are on the roster.
G Will Bynum has an uncanny knack for getting into the lane and finishing. He's solidified a rotation role because of the offensive spark he brings.
F Jason Maxiell spent most of last season in Michael Curry's doghouse. With a fresh start, the ultra-aggressive Maxiell should get more minutes than any other frontcourt reserve.
C Chris Wilcox fell out of favor in Oklahoma City and New York last season but comes to Detroit with something to prove. He's a strong finisher and a solid rebounder.
C Kwame Brown has found a niche as a solid post defender. He'll be part of a three-headed monster along with Wallace and Wilcox.
F Austin Daye resembles a younger Tayshaun Prince in many ways with his spindly frame and skill set. His length will be a factor -- he blocked a Dwyane Wade fast-break lay-up attempt from behind in his first preseason game.
MEDICAL WATCH: F Charlie Villanueva missed practices and early preseason games with a sore hamstring but the problem is not serious and he should be at or near 100 percent when the regular season commences.
