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**Austin Kent** · 10-04-2006, 01:43 PM

Quote:

There's no doubt about it -- the Pistons' bench was a problem last year.

And the coaching staff knows that must change if the Pistons want a different result from last season's playoff collapse.

"We're hoping that our bench is going to be able to develop and give us minutes," Pistons coach Flip Saunders said Monday. "I think that's going to be a main emphasis through training camp and even the beginning of the season."

Call it a lesson learned the hard way.

Quote:

Saunders would like to get the bench players close to averaging 100 minutes as a unit this season.

"If you can get your bench playing 90 to 100 minutes," Saunders said, "now you're in a situation where you're cutting guys down considerably."

To do so, Saunders must allot about 30 minutes a night to McDyess, who will be even more of a "sixth starter" this season, as well as to newcomer Murray, who will back up Billups and Richard Hamilton.

Free Press

**STUCKEY!** · 10-04-2006, 02:28 PM

To say hes going to use the bench is one thing, to do it is a whole other story

JoeD · 10-06-2006, 09:55 AM

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...132/SPORTS0202

I just read this. The author says all the starters last year complained when they got taken out of games. I never thought of that... maybe this is the reason why our bench has sucked since we won the championship, through two different coaches.

I thought Flip was being stupid not playing the bench, but I guess he was just cowed by the players.

**Austin Kent** · 10-06-2006, 11:56 AM

That's a really good point JoeD. Good Find. I think it is without question that Flip Saunders needs to wear the pants in the relationship. Our former leader, Ben Wallace is gone. If Saunder is worth his salt, he'll jump on the opportunity to reclaim the position he is getting paid for. Billups and Hamilton can be leaders, but Saunders is in command.

crazyfan · 10-07-2006, 01:52 AM

Who's there on the bench? Mcdyess if Nazr starts and Ronald Murray. who else is good enough to be relied upon?

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