NBA preview: Central
Normally when a team wins a championship, the coach worries about what Pat Riley once called "The Disease of Me."
Players suddenly believe they're better than they are, as if they were the reason the team won the title. They try to do too much. They want more playing time, more shots and more money. They start playing for themselves instead of the team.
The NBA champion Pistons seem well-equipped to guard against that type of selfishness, as they possess a beautiful blend of strengths and talents.
Rasheed Wallace and Ben Wallace are both team-oriented players who control games with their defense. Richard Hamilton is the team's leading scorer, but he doesn't dominate the ball and works as well without it as any player in the league.
The one player who coach Larry Brown might be worried about this season is Chauncey Billups.
Billups is an offensive-minded point guard who probably shoots more than Brown would like. Coming off of an incredible Finals MVP performance, Billups will be anxious to take the next step in his career – to make the all-star team and sign a huge contract, neither of which he's done.
The key to the Pistons winning the strong Central Division – and an NBA championship – could well be Billups. If he can continue to defend, run the club and make good decisions, Detroit can defend its title.
1. Detroit Pistons
The rich get richer. The Pistons' ferocious front line got even scarier in the offseason when general manager Joe Dumars signed Antonio McDyess to back up the Wallaces. McDyess gives the Pistons another big, quick shot-blocker, strengthening an already terrific defense.
The Pistons' scoring comes from the backcourt of Billups and Hamiliton, each of whom will be brimming with confidence after great playoff performances last season.
2. Indiana Pacers
The Pacers begin the season with injuries to key players, including Reggie Miller and Jermaine O'Neal. But once they get healthy, this is a team to be reckoned with.
Indiana's defense – led by Ron Artest – is the strength of the team. But if the Pacers are to improve on last season's strong effort, they must get better offensively. Stephen Jackson will provide athleticism and perimeter shooting, and Jamaal Tinsley is improving at the point.
This might be the year Jonathan Bender begins to make an impact. The young 7-footer showed some confidence a year ago and needs to continue his development to give the Pacers another consistent weapon.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
Eric Snow is exactly what the Cavaliers needed. They're a young team, and LeBron James is still learning how to play. Snow gives Cleveland a veteran point guard who can run the club and provide much-needed leadership in the locker room. His presence will allow James to get out on the wing and run the floor rather than handle the ball against pressure.
Drew Gooden had an outstanding preseason, and he must fill the shoes of the departed Carlos Boozer. Zydrunas Ilgauskas had a difficult time adjusting to Paul Silas' defensive schemes a year ago, but he should be much more comfortable this time around.
4. Milwaukee Bucks
In an offseason full of high-profile personnel moves, Brian Skinner's defection to Philadelphia went largely unnoticed. But the Bucks will miss Skinner's inside presence significantly. He clogged the lane, defended and rebounded well and gave Milwaukee toughness and inside scoring.
The Bucks will rely on the shooting of Michael Redd and Keith Van Horn for scoring, with help coming from Toni Kukoc and Desmond Mason. But it's tough to win without an inside presence.
5. Chicago Bulls
Year 7 of the Post-Michael Era is upon us, and the Bulls are still searching for a playoff berth.
There's plenty of young talent on the roster, including first-round picks Ben Gordon and Luol Deng. But in order for this team to win, young big men Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler must develop into consistent pros.
Kirk Hinrich had an outstanding rookie season and will run the point. Newcomer Andres Nocioni will bring some toughness at the wing spot, something coach Scott Skiles will love.
The potential is there for the Bulls, but they have to start putting it together.
