Greetings Piston Fans,

I've lived in LA for about five years but was born and raised in Michigan and follow the Pistons closer than ever before (though I admit I am an equally die-hard Lakers fan--but they're in different conferences so leave me alone). Perhaps living in California and constantly being drenched in beautiful weather and sunshine has got me feeling more optimistic in general, but I was thinking it would be a good idea to start a topic regarding all of the good things the Pistons fans have to look forward to this season:

First and foremost, I am absolutely thrilled with the passion and hunger this roster has. With the exception of Tayshaun, who is developing symptoms of Rasheed Wallace Disease (giving half-hearted effort, resting on laurels, throwing up bricks and shooting abysmally), our players are playing with some actual energy. For those of you who have watched only Pistons games for the past few seasons, energy is a noun and it is described as vigorously participating in an activity. The Pistons two laziest and complacent players (Chauncey and 'Sheed) are gone and that leaves room for the players who really give an effort to win. Of our current roster, everyone but Tayshaun gives not only effort, but extreme and crazy amounts of it. The rookies, J-Max, Rip, BG, Bynum, Stuckey (who it looks like most people here are against), Kwame, Wilcox (steal), and even Ben Wallace are all going to bring hustle to every game and I am elated about this. No longer will we have to suffer through games where the Pistons look disinterested and go down by twenty points in the first half of the game. What's more, even if the 'Stuns are down by a lot of points, they have the drive to actually contest and try to get back into the game and win.

What are you excited about for this year's team?

I don't know about you but I'm excited with the new Lakers!

It would be interesting to see Bryant and Artest play together. I don't see any problems between the two since both are competitive and would be working with each other on the same side now.

Odom, on the other hand, might see a decrease in playing time and hopefully, won't be too distracted with his off court affairs.

This will likely be moved to around the NBA, but of course I cannot turn down an opportunity to talk about the Lakers. I see no problem whatsoever with Ron Artest being in LA. Too many people are buying into the idea that he could cause havoc because he's been known to be a few fries short of a happy meal. While this may be the case (he's literally insane), I'm convinced Ron Ron will be as agreeable as possible in order to win and make the team better. Sort of like what Allen Iverson promised, but instead he'll actually DO it. The guy took a freaking pay cut to be on the Lakers! He desperately longs to win a championship and he will be on his best behavior to make sure that happens. By the way, he's been on pretty good behavior since Sacramento. I see Ron as an upgrade over Ariza in both scoring capabilities and defense.

Lamar is in the same boat as Ron in that he, too, desperately wants to be on the Lakers squad.

f you dislike Prince you're going to thoroughly disappointed with Artest. Half-hearted efforts and dismal shooting are his specialties. Ariza is the better player.