State of the Pistons Address (March 8)

Twenty-three games to go. Five back-to-backs. Two games versus Miami. Two games versus Indiana. One game each versus Dallas and Phoenix. The most crucial part of the Pistons' regular season schedule has arrived.

Despite a 2-2 showing on their last road trip, the Pistons remain two games ahead of both San Antonio and Dallas for home court advantage throughout the playoffs. And at 48-11, they still have a chance to reach 70 wins, although I don't think that should be their focus.

To clinch home court and to be at an optimum level once the playoffs begin, the Pistons should concentrate on the following points:

1. Limit distractions.

There are no more west coast swings, so travel frenzy can no longer be an excuse for fatigue. There are no reasons for the mountainous numbers of technicals being whistled. I realize they need to have conversations with the referees, but they need to put a leash on the tempers while doing so. The game's just not as fun when you're frowning after every call.

2. Trust the bench.

It's a testament to Fip's will to win that he plays the starting five so much. But their legs must be fresh come playoff time. The minutes of Chaunce, Rip, Tay, 'Sheed and Ben all hover around 36 per game. If Flip could curtail that to just 32 per game -- that's only one or two more minutes, say, for each time they come out -- it would make a world of difference. Not only would their legs rest, the bench players would gain more confidence out on the floor. And Flip would have more freedom to experiment with different combinations out there, too. Which leads me to my next point.

3. Develop a substitution pattern.

In the playoffs, chemistry is everything. I like having Lindsey and Tony Delk at backup guards, but will they play together? Will they wreak havoc as a trapping backcourt like Lindsey did in the 2004 playoffs with Mike James as his fellow pitbull? (I think we miss James more than people realize, by the way. He was a terrific defender.) And between Mo Evans and Carlos Delfino, who plays 2 and who plays 3? I think Delfino has shown himself as an exceptional defender -- especially against guys like Dwyane Wade and Vince Carter. What about Dale Davis? Will he play solely against Shaq? Will Kelvin Cato get any minutes when he's healthy? These are all things that should not be left up in the air until mid-May. The tricky part for Flip will be experimenting while continuing to win. If he does the latter, I don't see any reason why he shouldn't be Coach of the Year.

4. Give 'Sheed more of a yellow light than a green one.

I'm hesitant to say this, just because I think 'Sheed is our most talented player. Still, he gets in those modes where he tries to shoot himself out of a slump, and it ends up hurting the team. I suggest, if he misses three 3-pointers in a row, send him to the block, and let him get his groove going there. He feeds off emotion and rhythm. Let him get those in the post, backing down, drawing fouls, frustrating defenders with his sky-high release. Not behind the arc.

5. Resurrect Big Ben.

On the last road trip, Ben averaged just 6 ppg, 10 rpg, and less than one block per game. Uncharacteristic, to say the least. I can't say he's been uncharacteristic at the free throw line, but he has been worse than normal. It's easy to find his troubles at the charity stripe comical. During the All-Star Game, he missed drew all air on one and LeBron shot him a puzzled look. Ben smiled and said, "That's what I do." His stats of late haven't been too laughable, though. He's made just 14 of his last 44 attempts.

6. Keep the starting five healthy!

Each of the starters has been on the floor for tip-off in all 59 of the team's games: the only team in the league to boast such a statistic. Knock on wood, and give kudos to the team's trainers Arnie Kander and Mike Abdenour -- without question, two Piston legends.