[chsbletz]

I realize, just as all of you do, that only exhibition games have been played thus far, but I'm confident that the Pistons will be a real load for opponents this season. They are using the pre-season to give their prospective bench players---Flip Murray, Carlos Delfino, Antonio McDyess, Lindsay Hunter, and Jason Maxiell---plenty of playing time and, thus far, they have been coming through admirably. I suspect the starting group may be a little weaker, without Ben Wallace but, if I'm right about the bench coming through in the regular season, I look for them to be a significantly better team. Also, a fringe benefit of increased playing time for the bench players will be that the starters will be much fresher for the playoffs than they were last season.