Detroit Pistons 1987 Preseason Presser

[tbone963]

Hello everyone and welcome to our preseason presser for the 1987-1988 season. While I like to get these things over with and get back to focusing on the team; I've hear murmurs that some people appreciate a more open and thorough presser than we've given in past seasons. I hear their concerns and am more than happy to talk at length about a team I'm proud of.

I think the best place to start is the core of this team. Not just the core, but the foundation: our rock. Of course this can only be the one and only, Terry Cummings. I don't need to tell you Terry's story or what he means to this team. Since coming to us in '82, he's continued to improve and has taken on a leadership rule that surpasses age. Plays where we need him without any complaint and always gives his best for the team. We returned Terry's commitment with an extension last offseason.

Terry is only one guy though. As much as he's able to do, we know he wouldn't be able to reach his potential without some help. That brings us to '84 where we made some trades to bring Kevin Willis and Alvin Roberston home to Detroit. They got to work immediately, complimenting Terry's play while also taking some of the burden off of him. These two have shown a commitment to the city of Detroit and a passion for the game that can't be taught. Some may think we have some difficult decisions this offseason, but I'll tell you right now; We have every intention to restrict and sign these guys to a long term deal. We see this core doing great things together.

The following year we made a deal to get our current and future pg in Rob Williams. Spending a year behind Michael Ray Richardson gave Rob the tools and confidence to become one of the best floor generals in the league. Facilitating the game and getting his teammates an open shot is his primary goal, but he can also take over and score at will. Another core member who we extended last season. He has affirmed our decision by improving leaps and bounds in training camp.

Last year, we knew we had to find a piece to compliment these guys and take them to the next level. We succeeded in this search when we traded for Larry Nance. He has exceeded expectations and given us another scorer next to Terry who can take over games when needed. It's a joy watching him play and take time to give the young guys advice.

We had high expectations last season and unfortunately those were cut short by losing to the Knicks again in the playoffs. We know this is a great team, but how can we improve? One of the answers to that question is spacing. We have guys that can dominate the paint, but we need a little help on the outside. That lead us to Mike Sanders. Mike is the spacer we think will help open up the other guys' games. With his experience and scoring ability, along with some lock-down defense, we think he's the spark we need to set these fireworks off. He's already been in the gym and building a repertoire with the rest of the team.

We traded for Kurt Nimphius for some help in the front court and then made a bunch of veteran pickups in free agency to fill out our depth. Mike McGee and Bill Willoughby will give more help with spacing. We're excited to have Chuck Nevitt and Pat Cummings back on the team to help defend the glass. Alvan Adams has the experience and iq to set the game's pace. Then we brought in Norm Nixon and Allen Leavell for experience and insurance for the point. Each being able to facilitate the game as needed.

We think this group of guys is something special. Each contributes something individually that improves the team as a whole. Our expectations are the same as ever: become NBA champions. We will put in the work to accomplish this and make the people of Detroit proud.

I'll now take any questions.

[WigNosy]

Steve Duin, the Oregonian:

Any concerns about Kevin Willis? His production took a dip in the pre-season; does that speak to a lack of focus, change in role, new offensive schemes, or do you think he'll be able to return to form?

[LazyTitanSmash]

Who the center piece of your team this season?

[Mike Lowry]

Do you think your chances for winning it all are a lock or more cinderella?
If the latter, what do you think you need to address to get the upper hand on the competition?

[tbone963]

Steve Duin, the Oregonian:

Any concerns about Kevin Willis? His production took a dip in the pre-season; does that speak to a lack of focus, change in role, new offensive schemes, or do you think he'll be able to return to form?

I wouldn't take anything that happened in preseason at face value. We use that to try different schemes and positions for guys. We think Kevin will continue where he left off from last season: Averaging a double-double while being in the top echelon of rebounders in the league.

[tbone963]

Who the center piece of your team this season?

The easy answer is the guy who's always our centerpiece: Terry Cummings. What the other guys bring to the court is all to compliment our build around Terry. A better answer, however; is that the entire core is our centerpiece. Kevin, Larry, Terry, Alvin, Rob, and now Mike. These guys work with and for each other. They make each other better and push each other for greatness.

[tbone963]

Do you think your chances for winning it all are a lock or more cinderella?
If the latter, what do you think you need to address to get the upper hand on the competition?

While I think we have the talent to win it all, I think Cinderalla is more our story; especially in regard to preseason rankings. I think the addition of Mike Sanders helped us address some of our weaknesses, along with filling out our depth with good and experienced talent. I think it'll come down to health and a good gameplan against whoever we see in the playoffs.