Detroit Pistons 1984 Preseason Presser

[tbone963]

Hello and welcome to the 1984 Detroit Pistons Preseason Presser.
Can you believe another season has already come and gone? I feel like this past season was mere weeks. Let's get into this stream of consciousness so you can ask your questions, I can answer, and we can get back to our individual stresses.

Last year I made mention that we had a playoff-caliber squad and wouldn't you know, we slipped our way into the playoffs. While some people may have hoped we missed last year for a better lottery pick, I think that experience enlightened and motivated our players. Everyone has been in the gym all summer, getting better and pushing each other to be back in that playoff atmosphere and advance further this season.

We had some glaring issues last season and feel we've addressed most of those this offseason. The biggest one being our lack of defense in the paint. Wayne Cooper is a great defender but he's only one guy. We looked to address this issue in the draft and we couldn't have been happier when we were able to use some capital to trade up and get our guy in Kevin Willis. We were also able to grab a guard at the top of our list in Danny Young. We feel these 2 guys bring some excitement and immediate impact to our roster.

We also had a great free agency and we were able to get many of the guys we targeted. Another key thing we lacked last year was depth, making it harder for our guys to get rest and have consistent play. We addressed this issue as well with a total of 12 on our roster, all as capable as the next to pick up the baton when he's called upon.

Overall we feel this offseason has been a win and the Pistons will be in contention to be atop the East this season. We'll see you in the playoffs.

I'll now take any questions.

[WigNosy]

Steve Duin, the Oregonian...

What are your hopes for Kevin Willis' long-term career and how do you hope to ensure he lives up to those hopes?

[tbone963]

Steve Duin, the Oregonian...

What are your hopes for Kevin Willis' long-term career and how do you hope to ensure he lives up to those hopes?

Our hopes are for Kevin to develop into a top big man in this league and to be our defensive anchor for years to come. He has the potential to do so and we will ensure that by giving him all the resources he needs. He is of the same mindset and has already been utilizing those resources this offseason to ensure his rookie year is one to remember.

[NY_Magic_Garrett]

Mick 'The Motor' Maloney — 97.1 The Drive – Detroit Sports Talk.

Coach — real talk — what’s different this year? Like yeah, love the roster moves, love the grit, but we’ve heard this tune before. Why should fans in Detroit believe this ain’t just another one-and-done playoff cameo?

[tbone963]

Mick 'The Motor' Maloney — 97.1 The Drive – Detroit Sports Talk.

Coach — real talk — what’s different this year? Like yeah, love the roster moves, love the grit, but we’ve heard this tune before. Why should fans in Detroit believe this ain’t just another one-and-done playoff cameo?

What's different? Look at a calendar. It's a new day, it's a new dawn. Get some Nina Simone in your life. To answer your question, though, Terry is entering his 3rd year in the league looking tougher and fitter than ever. We've got depth that's not just a bunch of bodies, but players that could start on most teams. We've got no one over 30 on this team, which will bring energy and passion every night. Talk is cheap, we're looking to prove it on the court this season.

[IamQuailman]

Will this year be the year the Detroit Pistons rekindle the rivalry with Milwaukee? We are tired of dealing with this broke bitch @Darth Vegito led Kings

[tbone963]

Will this year be the year the Detroit Pistons rekindle the rivalry with Milwaukee? We are tired of dealing with this broke bitch @Darth Vegito led Kings

Consider the rivalry revitalized. The Kings are King-less. I wouldn't pay them much mind