I think its been clear for some time that Billups is the 'straw that stirs the drink' in Detroit, setting everybody up and using his strength to bully defenders to the basket.  Phil Jackson, in his book, said that the Lakers realized too late that they should have focused on disrupting Billups instead of Hamilton.  But I'm worried that Kirk will pick up too many fouls.  He often gambles by flopping (which is legitimate- if the only way they're gonna call a charge is if the defender falls, then I understand why a defender would fall).  Sometimes he gets the call, sometimes he doesn't.  We saw how critical Kirk can be for the Bulls offense with his penetration, and I don't want to lose him for extended periods of time.  If Hinrich can tone it down, keeping himself on the floor (but giving up an extra basket or two) I think the move becomes a good one, because he'll still force Billups to work more and be less efficient that he would be against Gordon.

on the Detroit roster, but he's too volatile and lazy to be the leader.  Billups and his thug strut is, if nothing else, what gives the Pistons their team attitude.

If Rasheed ever decided to put in the effort to run more than just 3-point line to 3-point line and demand the ball a little on offense, he could easily average 25 & 10.  I salivate to think of combining Tyrus' energy and athleticism with Rasheed's shooting touch (which hopefully a good summer's workout regiment will help do).

Where have I heard this before, sounds familiar!

Yes, I agree that Billups is the straw that stirs the drink.  At least in my limited view, the Pistons have had a noticeable dropoff all season when he's not out there.

Which maybe shows a flaw in Dumars plan for the team, in failing to have a backup that is no more than a 15 minute a game player when playing a higher level team. Who knew that in the Darko trade that it would be Carlos Arroyo that the Pistons would miss most?  Although the Bulls also have a noticeable dropoff when Hinrich is out or playing poorly, credit Pax for Duhon, Thabo, and to a lesser extent, Gordon when he moves over to the 1 slot.  

tonight's game?

I am not afraid to say it, I may weep if we lose. Ok, I won't weep, but at the very least, I will be depressed for a few hours. I still remember how sad it was when we lost Game 6 to the Heat last season at home.

I don't think we can win this series, but I just want to force a game seven. I just want to be able to say that the team took Detroit the distance in the worst circumstances imaginable.

He's clearly hiding a pretty serious injury. Wonder if it will hurt his trade stock for this summer's trade? Yes, there will be a trade. Right now he can't run, can't jump, and can't shoot. What good is he? Griffin is the better choice, should Thomas be in foul trouble.

Lost tonight and you get swallowed by the Bulls' momentum in game 7.

Your dynasty of arrogance, playing down to the competition, Sheed's crooked yellow teeth during his post-whistle PMS attacks, that 3-inch gap between them they don't show at need4sheed.com, and a lucker title against a high-school drama plagued LA Fakers team is over.

Billups is bolting this offseason because no respectable player wants to stay in DUMP-troit and be underpaid by a stingy GM. How about them confrence finals with Flip Murray as starting PG? yea.. good luck with that. Sheed get some braces man your maw is ugleir than a great white shark... on a second thought, nah. Remain an ugly bum it compliments your city's image better.

it will cost me if I make my way to the UC and try and scalp a ticket?  Is there a ticket exchange on this site?