Quick on the Trigger

Joe Dumars doesn't like to mess around it seems. Looks like he knew what he wanted, knew who was available and jumped at the chance to get them as soon as possible.

Nothing is final, only because it can't be until next week, but Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva have agreed in principal to be the newest Pistons to wear the red, white and blue. Gordon will reportedly be making $55 million over five years and Villanueva will be making $35 million over five years as well, according to mlive. That leaves about $4 milion left in cap space to sign someone else. I'm looking at you McDyess.

I don't know if this was the best move but I don't think it was a bad move. I would have to rank it as a good solid move, a B+. One that improves our team, and not just for one year. This move screams 'stepping stone' to me. I hear a lot of people wining about how we needed a superstar on the team to really compete. But lets not kid ourselves, after last season the Pistons are not in a position to add one player and get back to competing for the Conference Championships. This is a move that will add young talent, with upside, that we can keep building on. Next year these players will be here and if we have good pieces in place maybe we can get a free agent to add to the mix.

I haven't been a NBA GM in quite some time so I can't say exactly what Dumars is planning. But I have a sneaking suspicion that Hammilton might end up getting traded. I just think Gordon and his contract are going to want to be a starter finally. And after all the troubles with fitting guards into the lineup last year I just don't think Dumars wants to have a scenario where that can happen again. Don't forget little Will Bynum's performance at the end of last season. He deserves some minutes as a back up in my eyes. Will he be pushed to the end of the bench again?

All and all I guess I'm happy with this move. I think this will be a settling in year, a year where attitudes are readjusted, players mesh and a new identity is built for the Pistons.

A new coach that could come as soon as Tuesday would be a great thing in my eyes as well (looks like Avery Johnson, sorry Lambeer). We need all these new Pistons to be able to meet soon with each other and the existing members of the club. I think it will be important that everyone starts right from the beginning being on the same page. Everyone needs to know who plays where, who the coach is, are they a backup or a starter, are we running or are we going to take it half court. Last season was just so chaotic, so all over the place. This new team needs to know right off the bat...this is not going down like last year.