|
Pistons might have multiple All-Stars
(AP)
Updated: 2006-01-18 10:40
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - The Detroit Pistons have had only one All-Star the past
three seasons despite being one of the NBA's best teams. That may soon change.
Detroit Pistons
guard Chauncey Billups (R) drives past Boston Celtics guard Delonte West
during the first half of their NBA game in Auburn Hills, Michigan January
16, 2006. [Reuters] | With the top record in the
league, the Pistons might have multiple All-Stars next month for the first time
in six years.
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers said Detroit's entire starting five should be
on the Eastern Conference team Feb. 19 in Houston.
"They have stars," Rivers said Monday before losing to the Pistons 94-84.
"Who is the one guy? Is it Ben Wallace? Is it Chauncey (Billups)? Is it Rip
(Hamilton)? You can make a case that Tayshaun (Prince) is the MVP of their
team."
"I think all of them should be on the All-Star team," he added. "That's how
I'm voting. I'm not joking. I'm voting for all five of those guys."
Fans vote for the All-Star starters, and the Pistons are not expected to
crack the starting lineup with one player when the polls close Sunday. Head
coaches will select the reserves. They're prohibited from voting for their
players, and their choices will be announced Feb. 9.
If Detroit (30-5) maintains the best record in conference, Flip Saunders will
coach the East.
Ben Wallace hopes to be an All-Star for a fourth straight year, and would
like some company.
"We have guys that deserve to go as much or more than me, so at least two of
us should be All-Stars," he said. "All-Stars are elite players, and obviously,
we're an elite team."
Detroit hasn't had two All-Stars since 2000, when Grant Hill and Jerry
Stackhouse were selected. It hasn't had three since 1992 — Isiah Thomas, Joe
Dumars and Dennis Rodman.
The Pistons, who have advanced to the conference finals three straight years,
won the 2004 NBA title and fell just short of repeating last year.
|
