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 Wincel 

who selects:

   Brynt Reeves, C, 7-0.  Oklahoma State

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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.

========================================================================

Craig Simpson - Usenet Draft Commissioner