Bill Davidson, Joe D. and Michael Curry … on the same page with the Pistons

Crystal ball gazing …

Instead of back-sliding this year, keen NBA observers SHOULD actually be expecting the Pistons … to improve this season.

* Dumars defends lack of Pistons’ roster moves:
The No. 1 question, though, that hit the Pistons as they completed the first half of their preseason bus tour — which made stops in Lansing, Grand Rapids and Traverse City Wednesday — was this: With the same players coming back, how does this team take a step forward?

The answer: It starts with a new coach (Michael Curry), a rejuvenated attitude and a new commitment, and some significant growth from within — specifically, larger roles for second-year guards Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo, the two featured players on the bus tour.

* Four Pistons seek one spot:
“We are looking at how we can inject our young guys into the rotation more, giving them a solid role and still get the most out of our veteran guys and be as efficient as possible,” Curry said.

* Davidson speaks with Mitch Albom:
Q: How about the best coach you ever hired?
A: That’s a tough one. (He laughs.) I wanna say Michael Curry. (He laughs again.)

Q: Why — because he hasn’t proven you wrong otherwise?
A: No, no … I know Michael. And I have complete confidence in Michael. And I know that the Pistons are gonna be a much different team this year than they were last year — because of the coaching.

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6 years straight … and, still, counting.
UPDATE:
* Pistons’ Dumars to keep nucleus together in ‘08 [Fri Sep 19 2008]

Tags: Arron Afflalo, Bill Davidson, Joe Dumars, Michael Curry, Rodney Stuckey