1. The team has just not been playing with the same defensive intensity it maintained last season. They seem to think they can turn it on and off, and this has led to a lot of slow starts and fourth quarter comebacks that fall just short. We've had trouble getting scoring off the bench. Not having Ben has hurt a lot. That said, I think things are looking up now. Ben's coming back, McDyess has stepped up his game and should be effective off the bench and Delfino is starting to come on.
2. I'm less concerned than I was a few weeks ago. Brown has been starting to give him meangingful minutes and he's played well each time. I did think he'd be farther along now, but that was mostly based on the pre-draft hype. He's right where Dumars and company said he'd be. I'm confident he'll be a fine center and terrific defensive player. He's not that great of a scorer or rebounder, but that could improve with time. I doubt he'll every be great at either, but he could make it to better than average.
3. Delfino is probably the key to the season. He's shown explosive scoring ability. Really, only Hamilton and Billups are comparable. He's inconsistent and seems to let minor injuries keep him out longer than he should. If he can play consistently, he could be hugely important to the success of the team.

 

Justin hit the nail on the head on all accounts. Great post!:clap:

 

Originally posted by <b>JazzMan</b>!
1) Who or what is the main threat to you repeating as champions? Detroit has struggled a little so far – does the tag of champions make it harder, or have injuries/suspensions been the biggest problem, or are you just yet to regain your chemistry?

Our biggest threat is ourselves. We won the championship by playing hard, playing together, and outhustling people everynight. Playing together hasn't really been a problem, but the energy and intensity has. Hopefully once the whole team is back together they'll get back to their old ways- and no better place to start then tomorow against San Antonio.

2) How many of you are starting to doubt for the first time that Darko will ever be any good? There are promising signs, but is it taking longer than you thought? How concerned are you?

The doubts were starting to creep in earlier in the season. But he's actually playing his way into the rotation now. He got first half minutes against Houston and nobody was even in foul trouble.

And when he's been in the game his play has also been encouraging. In the last week he's had to guard Shaq and Yao, and neither were able to score on him. He's also changed a number of shots in the lane and has the lateral mobility to really guard the pick and roll well. His offense is still a step behind the curve, but he's looking more and more like he could be a dominant defender one day.

3) How much of a factor can Delfino be? Can he be the important spark off the bench, or is he restricted to being a role-player this season?

I watch Delfino play, and I can't find anything wrong with his game. He does everything. He has one of the smoothest jump shots in the league and he can jump out of the building. He plays the passing lanes very well and is even a nice passer.

He struggled with man to man defense early- but mainly for mental reasons. His focus is improving and you can see him getting better every game.

He think he'll be playing big minutes by the end of the year- and contributing in a big way.