by Cathryn Whitehead

Created on: April 30, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

What do the 2007/2008 Detroit Pistons have in common with the 1989-1990 champion Pistons? They are a team, and teams win titles. The Bad Boys of the past weren't superstars with the talent of Michael Jordan, but as a team, they could beat him. Today there are many superstars in the league, many on very good times, but when the Pistons play together as a team, none of the others can beat them.

For several years the Pistons have included four key players in their starting line-up. The captain, Chauncey Billups, and Richard "Rip" Hamilton are among the best guards in the NBA for their ability to shoot three pointers as well as jump shots and lay-ups. Known as "Mr. Big Shot" for his ability to hit seemingly impossible game changing shots, Chauncey can be streaky, as shown in the first three games of this year's playoffs. Yet, even when not hitting shots, these guards are invaluable for their ability to assist and their unmatchable defense.

As with the guards, forwards Rasheed (Sheed) Wallace and Tayshaun (Tay, Prince of the Palace) Prince can shoot the lights out as well as defend. Rasheed, known as a hot head with a passion for collecting technical fouls has been very well-behaved this year. Excellent at rebounding and blocked shots, he is a perfect complement to Tayshaun, who has been calm, cool, and collected in playoffs since his first year. His play, always good, becomes outstanding during the playoffs. His long arms make it possible for him to guard players no one else in the league is successful guarding, and he consistently scores in double figures. He is fun to watch, with his lanky frame seeming so awkward yet so graceful at the same time.

Put the guards and forwards together, and you have the core of the team that has won conference titles for years, and the NBA championship in 2004. When they all are playing well, it's magical. When they're not, they each try to take the blame by explaining what was wrong with their own play. But they are just the core of the team.

To win consistently, a team has to have good players coming off the bench. Antonio (Dice) McDyess has won the sixth man award for being such a player. Sometimes starting, sometimes coming off the bench, Dice is a good shooter and a great defender. Lindsay Hunter, a former starter who spent much of this season injured, has looked like the Lindsay of the past in spite of his injury and his age. His biggest assets are his quickness and his ability to steal the ball. Theo Ratliff returned to the

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