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Detroit Pistons 2009 Draft Preview

(Sports Network) - Pistons president Joe Dumars is coming off a disastrous year in which he jettisoned the underrated Flip Saunders for the untested and unproven Michael Curry and compounded that mistake with the ill-conceived Chauncey Billups-Allen Iverson trade.

Gone was Detroit's legendary balance, defensive prowess and chemistry, not to mention the run of six straight trips to the Eastern Conference finals. So, needless to say, this is a big summer for Dumars.

Trading for Iverson did give Dumars plenty of cap space and the team seems to be targeting Chicago sharp-shooter Ben Gordon. As for the draft big man Rasheed Wallace isn't likely to return and Antonio McDyess could also leave via free agency meaning Dumars will be in line for a big body with the 15th overall pick.

Options could include Gonzaga forward Austin Daye and Ohio State Center B.J. Mullens.

Mullens has the size and soft hands to develop into a legit center and help Curry start rebuilding his frontcourt. A number of sources say the Pistons have a promise in place to take Mullens, so if anyone else has designs on the big man, they will have to move up past No. 15.

Detroit was a bit player in the big three-team deal that sent Richard Jefferson from Milwaukee in San Antonio. The Spurs sent forward Fabricio Oberto to the Pistons in the deal and Detroit shipped forward Amir Johnson to Milwaukee.

Players under contract: G Arron Afflalo; G Richard Hamilton; F Jason Maxiell; F Tayshaun Prince; F Walter Sharpe; G Rodney Stuckey; F Fabricio Oberto.

Draft picks: 1st round (15th overall), 2nd round (35th overall, 39th overall, 44th overall)

Detroit Pistons

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Detroit Pistons
Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge each scored 20, and Portland nearly blew a 20-point lead in the final quarter before holding off Detroit, 87-81, at the Rose Garden.

Scoreboard

Wed, Nov. 18FINAL
Detroit (5-6) 81
Portland (8-4) 87

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