Fri Jun 20 09:33:39 2008

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Detroit Pistons 2008 Draft Preview

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(Sports Network) - The draft is not going to change the Pistons, who lost for the third straight time in the Eastern Conference finals. Detroit owns the 29th and 59th overall selections.

The window is closing on the veteran Pistons. Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Rasheed Wallace may have had their last ride together in the postseason. One of them may be moved in the offseason, and the likely candidate is Wallace,

Hamilton led the Pistons in scoring (17.3 ppg) in 2007-08, while Antonio McDyess grabbed a team-best 8.5 rebounds per game and Billups averaged a club- high 6.8 assists. The 33-year-old Wallace posted 12.7 points and 6.6 rebounds and Prince averaged 13.2 points, 4.9 boards and 3.3 assists.

Jason Maxiell, Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo with have bigger roles in the 2008-09 campaign. Maxiell is a hard-nosed forward and is strong around the basket, while Stuckey can score and Afflalo is a tough defender.

Best player available is the way the Pistons will go with their picks. A big man who has a chance to develop would be ideal for Detroit late in the first round. Don't be surprised if the Pistons go with a foreign player in round one.

2007-08 Results: 59-23, lost to Boston in Eastern Conference finals.

Key Player(s): Arron Afflalo (Guard), Chauncey Billups (Guard), Richard Hamilton (Guard), Jarvis Hayes (Forward/Guard), Lindsey Hunter (Guard), Jason Maxiell (Forward), Antonio McDyess (Forward), Tayshaun Prince (Forward), Rodney Stuckey (Guard), Rasheed Wallace (Forward).

Team Needs: New faces.

Draft picks: 1st round (29th overall), 2nd round (59th overall).