The Pistons pick 8th. Had they moved down any (ie, a lower team had moved into the top 3), the Pistons would have had to trade picks with San Antonio (29th) in the wonderful Dennis Rodman/Sean Elliot trade. Fortunately for Pistons fans this did not happen. The Net Pistons are GM'ed by: Andy Wincelwho selects: Brynt Reeves, C, 7-0. Oklahoma State ==================================================================== Overview- A lot has happened to the Piston's in the last month of the season, and within the first few weeks since the season ended. Allan Houston was finally given the chance to prive if he can play, and boy can he play. I always thought that he should been given more playing time, but never expected him to perform so well. Houston's emergence along with Mr. Hill gives hope of a strong core to pave the way for the future. In my mind the most important change is in the operation of the club. With a new coach/GM there is a sense of e of optimism for the first time in a while. Coach Collins will have more authority than any Piston coach in recent memory, I think he has a good basketball sense, and is a good motivator. Team Needs- While many of the specific needs are difficult to pinpoint, since we haven't heard in detail what kind of team Collins is putting together, it is clear that a trong presence is needed in the Center Position. Thus my pick of Mr. Reeves. The guard postition is very solid with Joe Dumars and Allan Houston. Lindsey Hunter give a trio remenescent of the Isiah, Joe, Vinnie trio during the glory days. What more needs to be said about Grant Hill He is as solid as they come, and I only expect him to get better. A major question is whether Oliver Miller wants to play basketball. He IMO had an awful and wasted season. He needs to shape up, or he will help form the other big h big hole in the Piston Line-up. Billy Curley is still unproven. The bench is another story. With the expansion draft, an already weak bench is facing an uncertain future. Bryant Reeves- This proved to be somewhat of a no brainer for me. If anyone disagrees, I will stand behind my pick as I very well should. With Toronto's selection of Garnett, it left me with Either Reeves or Williamson. As I said before, the Pistons needed a bis strong presence in the center position. He is a strong solid 7' center with a surprisingly good shot. Brings strength on the boards, which is desperately needed. He appears to have the kind of attitude that will only add to the team. And he is proven that he can perfrom in the big game. It was shocking that he was still around at number 8. Others considered- This draft was very strong up front, and allowed for a nice pick at 8. I will be honest that I expected Reeves to be gone by 8, so these are the other players that were in consideration if Reeves was drafted earlier. Cherokee Parks- The second best center available, Parks would have been a nice addition to the team. He has an all around strong game, but is a step behind Reeves in over all ability. Was highly considered should Reeves not been available. Another bonus' would have been his connection to the franchise player Grant Hill. HE will be a nice pick for whomever takes him. Shawn Respert- Mr. Respert was only considered to be used in a trade if Reeves would have been taken. He is going to be a solid pro, but the Pistons are solid at gua guard, and we needed to solve the core problem of the center position. Who the team will take- It is too bad, but I think that Reeves will not be around at 8 in the real draft. I expect them to use the pick in a trade. If it is not used as Trade bait, I assume the pick will be Cherokee Parks. Other Moves- -Derrick Coleman- Does he want to come home to Detroit? If he does, and wants to play up to his ability, he may be a big addition to the team. Collins hinted that he was inrerested, but only under the right circumstances. This could be big, should everuthing work out. -Free agents- The bench needs work. I think the team needs to find their Byron Scott. who it will be is hard to say, but successful team have at loeast three players that whe nthey come off the bench they add to the team. Definately a serious problem. ========================================================================