The Zoo Crew

We all know that pre-seasons in professional sports mean little to nothing, but sometimes it shows which teams have come ready to play. The Pistons have started this year's pre-season with a 4-1 record, with the help of some key secondary players. By giving the bench solid playing minutes this early, coach Michael Curry is turning the spotlight away from the veteran Pistons on to bench squad known as the 'Zoo Crew'. These guys have proven that they are prepared to step up to fill the older players shaved minutes.

Rodney Stuckey was one of the more neglected rookies at the beginning of the 07-08 season. After some dazzling performances toward the end of the regular season and taking control in some playoff games, he now has everyone in the league's attention. So far this year he is averaging 12.5ppg, 5.8apg, and a rookie 3.0topg, along with a stellar 23 point performance against the revitalized Miami Heat. With Chauncey Billups' age becoming a factor, Stuckey should be seeing increased playing time throughout the regular season, preparing him for his eventual takeover of the starting PG position.

Aaron Afflalo didn't see a lot of playing time last year, but he made his minutes count. Straight out of the UCLA basketball program, Afflalo also spent his first year in the NBA coming off the bench along with the rest of the Zoo Crew. Now that he has been given more of a leash, he has been one of the leading scorers so far this year. Averaging 11.5ppg, he still maintains a 1.00 3pt%, .708fg%, and .750ft%. If his 3-point shooting stays hot, it will give the Pistons the extra fire power they need when the starters are depleted.

Amir Johnson had some important desicions to make at the end of the Pistons 07-08 season. Though he is 6-9, Amir only weighs 210lbs, making him a very lean PF. Instead of packing on pounds, Amir decided to make his game more flowing, almost looking like a young Tayshaun Prince. He has averaged 4.8ppg and a solid 1.00bpg/spg in the preseason, showing that he is ready to start getting more reps with the starters.

Jason Maxiell has so far been the most productive bench player for the Pistons. His attitude on the court can be summed up by his block on Kevin Garnett in last year's Eastern Conference Finals. He fights for every rebound and is not afraid to barrage defenders with mid-range jumpers when he isn't slamming the ball in their face. Not only is he effective on offense, but his defensive presence has already helped the Pistons win many key regular season games in the 07-08 season. He is averaging 9.3ppg and 3.0rpg this preseason.

These guys along with Walter Herrman, Kwame Brown, and a still developing Cheikh Samb are the ones who will lead the Pistons at the end of the season. Although the starters have proven their abilities to win year after year, they still have not overcome their Eastern Conference Finals slump. Whether you blame it on Rasheed's lack of interest or Chauncey's big shot drought, without a solid bench performance the Pistons can count themselves out come the end of May. Trades have made the Eastern Conference tougher, but with some heightened playing time during the regular season, it is very possible that the Zoo Crew will mature into a threat to be reckoned with regardless of who is on the court.