We'd all love to believe that these Pistons are still that fun loving bunch that plays hard, plays the right way and just wins 'Ships. Allow me to welcome you to sobering reality and 2008. It's been 4 years since the Pistons were crowned the kings. They've gone from oh, who are those guys to ugh, not these guys again. Yes, I'm a die hard Pistons fan and even I know everyone outside of Detroit is sick of them.

My apologies if you're not on board with the concept that most casual NBA fans would just as soon see this team crumble and vanish from the foreground of the Eastern Conference. Well, tough shit sometimes this is how it goes. You know the drill about this team, they've been to SIX (count 'em) SIX straight Eastern Conference Finals. However, only twice have they advanced to the Finals and only once have they captured the Trophy.

In that time they've gone from up-n-comers with a chip on their shoulders to an arrogant often self-righteous group that has always believed in this imaginary switch they could turn on and off. Seriously, it's all we've heard about since 2005. Yes, we get it - you guys can turn the energy on and off when you so desire. Unfortunately, that "imaginary" switch is running low on power guys.

In this mini era of dominance (let's face it - this ain't dynasty) they've gone through three coaches (Rick Carlisle, Larry Brown, Flip Saunders) and are entering this season with their fourth coach this decade alone, Michael Curry. Somehow, this is supposed to convince us that despite being a "great" core group of players, it's the coach that can make all the difference. Hmm.

Also, during this time they let an NBA Finals slip through their fingertips by leaving Robert Horry wide open to steal Game 5 and the momentum of the 2005 NBA Finals. A win in that series surely would've cemented the legacy for this era of Piston Basketball. Yet, that wasn't meant to be. They've also watched a couple inferior, yet hungrier teams (Miami in '06 and Cleveland '07) TAKE, yes TAKE the Eastern Conference Finals from them. Save a few mental lapses and perhaps, they could've at least taken Boston the distance last year.

Then again, why cry over the past? It is what it is, simply put. What hasn't changed all too much during this run is the "core" players, as mentioned. Sure, they were glad to see Ben Wallace flee out of town just as he hit his downslope, but the mainstays Chauncey, Rip, Sheed and Tayshaun still linger. In some cases, you'd say that's a good thing, maybe even a GREAT thing. However, with this group you have to wonder if their time together is simply spent.

"Where do we go now?" - should be the theme of the 2008 Pistons. And let's face it, really there's only one of two directions they can go. One would be back to the Finals to FINALLY seal the deal or two to falter and fall back into mediocrity amongst the Eastern Conference. However, to predict any such season for this team is damn nearly impossible.

This team has oh-so many questions lingering over them before the ball even tips. And really who gives a damn about this regular season, because for this group - it hardly matters. Joe Dumars has made it abundantly clear that this season and every season is all about going after Championships and NOT 4th place finishes. Easier said than done.

A year older and perhaps, a year worn from trying to climb the mountain and failing yet again. The main question that will linger and haunt this Pistons team all season is their legacy. Championship windows in any sport do NOT stay open very long. The Pistons window is running against father time and if they can't answer the call this year, that legacy of which we speak has already christened to be dubbed the Atlanta Braves of the NBA.

Is this fair? Probably. Look, this team has given so many great memories over the years and I hardly intend for a Season preview to be an obituary, but facts are facts - it's win NOW or ELSE! Basically, we can't really be sure what we're going to get with the Pistons this season. That "core" group is older, the youth movement is expected, but what if they aren't ready?

On the one hand you could take the safe route and predict 50+ wins and another Central Division title. Or you could say it's the end of an era they struggle to win 45+ games and finish third in the Central. There are just way too many scenarios for this team. And really, I'm just ready to watch it unfold. And here's to moving into the great unknown for another season of DETROIT BASKETBALL!!!Subscribe to us