Record Last Year: 39-43, 3^rd in Central Division, 8^th in East

Who's New: SG Ben Gordon (free agent), SF Jonas Jerebko (draft), F DaJuan Summers (draft), PF Austin Daye (draft), PF Charlie Villanueva (free agent), F/C Fabricio Oberto

Who's Gone: F Amir Johnson, PF Antonio McDyess, coach Michael Curry

Free Agents: G Allen Iverson, F Walter Herrmann, PF Rasheed Wallace, C Kwame Brown (player option)

Estimated Salary Cap Status (excluding draft picks): At least $33.75 million (estimated $53.75 million) definitely committed for 09-10 (estimated $58 million cap)

Strengths: This team has some definite talent that they can build around. G Rodney Stuckey is developing into a true scorer, who can get in the paint at will and finish both near the rim and from long range. SF Tayshaun Prince is a brilliant defender (he has covered all positions except PG, and averaged a positive PER difference compared to opponents' counterparts in all 4 of those positions), who has ridiculously long arms, decent range, and, despite his slight frame, never gets hurt. SG Richard Hamilton is a genuine sharpshooter and natural scorer (career 19.3 points per 36 minutes, 17.9 per game), and he is also a pretty solid passer. Ben Gordon will likely take Hamilton's starting role, which may make him available to other teams via trade, but Gordon will be an excellent replacement. Gordon is a phenomenal scorer who excels under pressure (36.3 points per 48 minutes in clutch situations). Villanueva could be a solid rebounder and low-post offensive threat after averaging 21.7 points and 8.9 boards per 36 minutes last season. F/C Jason Maxiell can rebound and block shots well off the bench, and he's been known to eat babies (check out the T-shirt) along with weak shots (Tyson Chandler knows) for late evening snacks. Daye and Summers could possibly contribute off the bench (Daye's body needs to bulk up to allow him to use his talents in the physical NBA), and Jerebko, who some liken to Andres Nocioni, will probably continue to develop overseas. If they bring back AI, he'll offer elite scoring once again, but I'll bet they'll let him and Sheed (who has signed with the Celtics) walk.

Weaknesses: This team had some awful chemistry last year, and watching them play was a real eyesore. The huge changes in Detroit might mean more chemistry issues, but only time will tell. Selfish play from the likes of AI and Sheed, together with beef between Rip and Coach Curry (who has just been canned), doomed this team from the start last season. Sheed should be particularly ashamed of himself, mailing in game after game and his overall play smacked of apathy. His scoring average per 36 minutes was his lowest since his rookie season, and he shot a career-low 41.9% from the field, which is atrocious for a power forward. Luckily for the Pistons, his contract is up, and he can chuck up 3's and carry on with his shameful play somewhere else. Villanueva is a good start in trying to improve the post presence, but he'll need help, which the Pistons can't offer him presently. Dealing Hamilton (which apparently isn't likely to happen) could bring that help, but, as it stands, this team will have to play small-ball, and they will have to play at a high tempo, which doesn't suit Charlie V all that well. Also, while Stuckey is undoubtedly talented, he's not a true point guard, and the Pistons really don't have anyone on the roster who can run an offense like a true point guard. The biggest problem, though, will be defense. Aside from Prince and Maxiell, this team doesn't have very good defensive players, and talented guards in particular are going to light up the Pistons backcourt.

Outlook: This team's future is too difficult to predict. The Pistons have made some big changes, but there are still plenty of holes that need filling in this franchise, including a coach who can attempt to bring all the pieces together. I could see this team finishing anywhere from 5^th to 10^th in the East, and, while I predict that they'll make the playoffs, I'm not confident in any predictions I make concerning the Pistons.

Prediction: 44-40, 3^rd in Central Division, 7^th in East

-Salary Info. From HoopsHype

-Advanced Info. From Basketball-Reference & 82Games

-Additional Player Info. From ESPN & Yahoo!

Matt Barnes (G-F)

08-09 Per 36 Min. Stats: 13.6 Pts, 7.3 Rbds, 3.7/2.2 Ast-TO ratio, 42.3% FG, 34.3% 3Pt

Upside: Decent scoring off bench, versatile, match-up problems as a guard, solid rebounding as a guard

Downside: Not a good defender, career inefficiency (career 12.4 PER, when average is about 15.0), mediocre passer

Verdict: For $2 million tops and one year, this might work out well, but, if we're truly going for a team oriented around defense, this isn't the guy we need.

Rashad McCants (SG)

08-09 Per 36 Min. Stats: 18.1 Pts, 3.6 Rbds, 2.2/2.1 Ast-TO ratio, 39.3% FG, 33.3% 3Pt

Upside: Dependable scoring off the bench, athletic, usually not such a poor shooter (43.1% career FG%)

Downside: Poor shooting last year, career inefficiency (career 12.9 PER), poor Ast-TO ratio, will likely make $3 million or more next season

Verdict: Better scorer than Barnes, but a poorer shooter with less versatility, and, ultimately, not worth the money he'll command on the FA market.

Marquis Daniels (G-F)

08-09 Per 36 Min. Stats: 15.5 Pts, 5.3 Rbds, 2.4/2.0 Ast-TO ratio, 45.1% FG, 20.0% 3Pt

Upside: Good scorer, versatile, can log big minutes

Downside: Average defender, fairly one-dimensional, likely to be expensive (almost $7 million last year)

Verdict: He seems like a poor man's John Salmons, but he's probably going to be paid as much as Salmons, so he's not worth it.

Anthony Parker (SG)

08-09 Per 36 Min. Stats: 11.7 Pts, 4.3 Rbds, 3.7/1.6 Ast-TO ratio, 42.6% FG, 39.0% 3Pt

Upside: Low turnover rate, good leader, high basketball IQ, good range (career 45.8 FG% and 41.4 3PT%)

Downside: Well past his prime, slowing on both ends (particularly on D), 34 years old

Verdict: If he commands anywhere near the salary he made this past season, which was over $4.5 million, then I say hell no. If he settles for less than $2 million, I would be happy to have him for a year.

Rodney Carney (G-F)

08-09 Per 36 Min. Stats: 14.4 Pts, 3.8 Rbds, 0.8/1.3 Ast-TO ratio, 41.6% FG, 35.0% 3Pt

Upside: Versatile, decent scorer off the bench, low turnover rate, bargain price (likely less than $2 million)

Downside: Lack of experience, mediocre shooter, fairly one-dimensional player

Verdict: The price isn't too bad, but we can likely do better.

Keith Bogans (G-F)

08-09 Per 36 Min. Stats: 10.3 Pts, 5.7 Rbds, 1.8/1.2 Ast-TO ratio, 36.7% FG, 33.9% 3Pt

Upside: Above average defensively for a backup, versatile

Downside: Low FG%, limited abilities

Verdict: We should be able to do better.

Luther Head (PG-SG)

08-09 Per 36 Min. Stats: 10.8 Pts, 3.8 Rbds, 4.2/1.8 Ast-TO rate, 38.2% FG, 37.0% 3Pt

Upside: Good range, can play both guard spots, decent Ast-TO ratio

Downside: Poor shooting year in 08-09, mediocre defender, small for a SG

Verdict: For less than $1 million I would say go for it, but he wouldn't offer much to the team.

Von Wafer (G-F)

08-09 Per 36 Min. Stats: 17.9 Pts, 3.3 Rbds, 2.1/1.7 Ast-TO ratio, 44.7% FG, 39.0% 3Pt

Upside: Good bench scorer, impressive range, showed solid improvement last season, respectable on defense

Downside: Undersized at SF, limited passing and rebounding

Verdict: Was paid under $1 million last year, but will command more on the FA market. If he's cheap, he would be a great asset to add to the team. Look for multiple teams to go after him.

Gerald Green (G-F)

08-09 Per 36 Min. Stats: 19.1 Pts, 5.2 Rbds, 1.4/3.2 Ast-TO ratio, 43.9% FG, 30.4% 3Pt

Upside: Freakishly athletic, big as a guard, versatile

Downside: Hasn't played big minutes in recent years, high TO rate, limited as a SG, range needs to improve

Verdict: His athleticism is exciting, but he's much more of a SF than a SG, so he's probably not a good fit for the Bulls.

Wally Szczerbiak (G-F)

08-09 Per 36 Min. Stats: 12.2 Pts, 5.5 Rbds, 1.9/1.3 Ast-TO ratio, 45.0% FG, 41.1% 3Pt

Upside: Very good 3Pt shooter, shoots for high percentage, versatile, experienced in playoffs, above-average efficiency (career 16.0 PER)

Downside: One-dimensional, grossly overpaid last season (nearly $14 million)

Verdict: He'll certainly be taking a huge pay cut wherever he ends up, but not enough to make him a financially sound investment for the Bulls.

Ronald "Flip" Murray (PG-SG)

08-09 Per 36 Min. Stats: 17.8 Pts, 3.1 Rbds, 2.9/2.3 Ast-TO ratio, 44.7% FG, 36.0% 3Pt

Upside: Good bench scorer, decent defense, can play either guard spot

Downside: Limited as a PG, small for a SG, mostly one-dimensional

Verdict: He made $1.5 million last season, and, if he were willing to play one year as a Bull for that salary, I would give him a chance.

Final Verdict: While none of these options impresses me, I would choose between Von Wafer and Flip Murray, as all of the other options are likely to be either too expensive, poor fits, or just lack enough talent to warrant serious interest. The price, to me, has to be absolutely no higher than about $2.25 million a year, otherwise we may as well go after someone worthy of the starting role. The Bulls have been rumored to have some interest in Allen Iverson, although he has reportedly indicated a desire to play for the Memphis Grizzlies and received interest from the Miami Heat. I personally think he would cost too much, and I'm not sure our offense would develop with his shoot-first attitude in the mix. Another possibility is to look into trading for Phoenix Suns SG Jason RIchardson, who could be on the trade block. He could replace most of Gordon's offense and provide a bit more defense than Gordon did, but he stands to make well over $13 million the next two seasons, so I would balk at that price. At any rate, it's time to explore the shooting guard market.

Then here they are with Iverson gone and Rasheed Wallace aging a bit. And Richard "Rip" Hamilton can't do everything by himself. How can Detroit survive? I'll tell you why.

With two standout adds of Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva, the Pistons look like a viperous team coming into the 2009-10 season as they look to strangle their opponents.

And another good thing is that they haven't reached 30 yet, as they are both in there mid-20s, which is acceptable for this offense.

Bringing in Gordon really helps out Rip and Rodney Stuckey being the "sixth man" of the group. Gordon makes a monumental difference towards the squad. It'll look like the "good ol' days" when it was Isaiah Thomas, Vinnie Johnson, and Joe Dumars.

Now we know how Gordon can help, how the heck will Villanueva end up? I'll tell you how.

Villanueva helps replace Rasheed Wallace, who reportedly has received some pretty big attraction from the Boston Celtics, and according to ESPN.com, some appeal from the San Antonio Spurs.

Although Villanueva is probably better shooter, there is absolutely no way he can reinstate the defensive intelligence of Sheed. But besides that, the Pistons were built to be a younger and stronger team.

Wallace, I know, is the heart and soul of the Detroit Pistons, but he has to go and it looks he will...to the C's.

Many people were also lingering for the trade of Kwame Brown and Jason Maxiell to the New Orleans Hornets for Tyson Chandler and Julian Wright, but c'mon: Aren't Gordon and Villanueva better?

The Pistons look to be a powerhouse team and can be a threat in the Central Conference. But it's going to be a tougher division as the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks join the mix as both teams are dying for playoff-spot.

With Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva, Rip Hamilton, Rodney Stuckey, and Tayshaun Prince leading the Pistons, they can be that team they were: a furious one.

And Gordon and Villanueva are the first step in the progress.

All signs point to it. The Chicago Bulls have been stockpiling young, cheap players the past couple seasons. They have several expiring contracts on the roster and have yet to move them. The front office drafted two power forwards, which likely spells the end of Tyrus Thomas' tenure as a Bull. The team is comprised mostly of recent draft picks (7 players have three years or less experience entering the upcoming season). The front office has used made thinly veiled references to it, mentioning the "process" and "learning curve" that will require patience and time. Most recently, we let our top scorer from last year walk. Yep, the signs all lead to one thing.

The Chicago Bulls are rebuilding.

I know, the R word is a dirty, vile, horrible label to put on a team, and this team isn't completely hopeless just yet. The front office could still pull off some huge deal to bring in a star to complement the young nucleus of Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, and Luol Deng (his massive, long-term contract means he's a Bull for at least another two years, so we may as well accept him as our SF for the forseeable future). But, in all honesty, who can the Bulls get? More importantly, can the Bulls offer a package for a star that no other team can top? I think not.

Like I already mentioned, the writing has been on the wall for longer than we may like to believe here in the Chicagoland area. Since the Michael Jordan dynasty ended in the 90's, the Bulls have never been a legitimate contender, and whenever they got close, the front office made the wrong move at the crucial moment. Elton Brand was let go, only to bring in Tyson Chandler. When Hinrich, Deng, and Gordon stunned the NBA by shutting down Dwyane Wade in the playoffs and exceeding everyone's expectations, the Bulls spent their money on retaining Kirk Hinrich for the long haul and going balls-out for Ben Wallace. When that failed, and the Bulls had to decide to re-sign Gordon and/or Deng, they chose Deng, who has since been an oft-injured, scarcely productive flop.

Now, the Bulls are mired in mediocrity, with no substantial cap space for this season and little hope for landing a star next offseason. Sure, there are plenty of stars who will potentially hit the market in 2010, but why would they come to Chicago? Most of the top potential free agents seems to be winners, who would obviously like to play for contenders. Cleveland will probably bring back LeBron, and the rest of the top talent will likely end up with Boston, Orlando, Cleveland, Los Angeles, or another viable contender (perhaps Denver). So if we don't land a star now, and if that failure persists in 2010, we'll have loads of cap space to either waste on undeserving talent or to rebuild.

So if we rebuild, what does that mean? Well, the two best examples from recent memory are the Boston Celtics and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Both teams began with one star player (Paul Pierce and Kevin Durant, respectively), and they had to wait to slowly gather the right pieces to complement their stars. In the meantime, they cleared cap space, gutted their rosters, and collected a combination of expiring contracts and young players on rookie contracts. They then let the kids play, keeping the ones who thrived and letting go of those that didn't.

After that step is where the two teams too different approaches. The Celtics took note of two teams in miserable positions (the Timberwolves and, ironically enough the SuperSonics, who have since become the Thunder), realized that they were both ready to rebuild, and decided to throw all their efforts and cap space into getting a star from each team (Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, respectively). The all-or-nothing approach could have potentially doomed this team and forced them to start over yet again, but they won a championship the very next season, justifying their huge gamble.

The Thunder have yet to take that massive gamble, instead preferring to continue giving youngsters the opportunity to prove themselves. Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook seem to have worked their way into the nucleus alongside Durant, and new draftee James Harden will get the chance to join that core in the future. The Thunder appear willing to keep relying on draft picks to strengthen their team, and, though it has taken time, it has been working, slowly but surely. The team is clearly better than they were two years back when Durant began his career, and they still have plenty of cap space should they decide to take a gamble.

The Thunder's approach is much slower, and it mirrors the approach the Bulls themselves took after the MJ dynasty ended. Unfortunately, the "stars" the Bulls decided to build around were Hinrich and Deng, and Reinsdorf was gave them too much money and too many years to leave room for more talent, and his judgment leaves the team trapped in the middle of the conference. Luckily we have a true young star in Rose now, and we have already found a good, young complement for him in Noah.

The Bulls could, of course, pull off a move for some sort of temporary upgrade to try to contend next year, as Milwaukee did with Richard Jefferson last year. However, the Bucks found that their gamble was little more than a stall, getting them nothing more than assurance that they wouldn't get embarrassed throughout the season. The Bucks have since let Jefferson go, accepting their need to rebuild and preparing for a potentially long and painful period of trial and error to get back on track. Unless the Bulls pull off the miracle move and bring in a savior along the lines of Bosh, Wade, or Michael Redd (and I have little faith in any of these things happening), then, I have to grimace and grudgingly admit what is appearing more and more like the inevitable: the Bulls will have to rebuild. I hope we find that miracle cure, but to expect it would be naive. This team is in trouble, and the front office is faced with the decision to make one last gamble, or to prepare for the long and thankless task of rebuilding.