Who is this Rick Carlisle guy, anyway?

And how about this guard named Jerry Stackhouse, who seems to have rediscovered himself and who is actually beginning to enjoy passing the ball? Or how about Clifford Robinson, the former small forward who's currently playing center -- and who's now been in the league for something like 412 years?

Finally, who are these Detroit Pistons? Surely not the same group that's bickered, refused to play defense and done nothing but lost for the past five years. And certainly not the same team that this so-called expert predicted to finish just above Cleveland and Chicago in the Central Division. "Barely," was the word I believe I used.

Yet the Pistons aren't only one of the NBA's most improved teams, but they are clearly one its best.

And let's start with Carlisle. All I know about him was that he was a heck of a player at the University of Virginia and he's good friends with Larry Bird. I also know he had been an assistant under Bird in Indiana, and that when Carlisle was hired in Detroit, I asked, "What are the Pistons thinking?"

Well, apparently they were thinking that they wanted somebody who could push today's sensitive athletes without offending them. They wanted someone who could convince men such as Stackhouse and Jon Barry that, yes, defense does matter. They wanted somebody who could "relate to the modern day player."

So far, Carlisle has done exactly that. And a lot of folks who know him say that after five minutes of talking to Carlisle, they feel like lacing up their sneakers and taking part in rebounding drills.

That type of enthusiasm apparently is not lost on Carlisle's players, as the Pistons are winning by executing the most fundamental aspects of the game. In fact, they play a lot like ... and Detroit fans will hate this ... well, like the Boston Celtics of the 1980s (not coincidentally, Carlisle was on some of those teams as a player).

In other words, not only are the Pistons playing with some real fire, they're playing with some real brains. Pass. Cut. If you don't have a good shot, by golly, pass. What a concept, huh?

The result? Stackhouse is no longer just shooting, but he's hitting big shots -- and yes, bending his knees and shuffling his feet on defense. Dana Barros isn't just senselessly launching three-pointers, but is running the team as a real point guard should. The players off the bench aren't making anyone cringe with fear when they enter a game -- but Barry, Chucky Atkins and even rookie Randy White all know their roles, and perform them well.

Then there's Robinson, who has forced opposing centers to guard him on the perimeter, where he is burning them with long jumpers and pinpoint passes. Kinda like another Piston center who used to roam the three-point arc (hint: His last name was Laimbeer).

Look, I'm not saying it's time to fit these Pistons for championship rings. I'm not even guaranteeing a playoff spot, although that seems highly likely at this point. But the Pistons are worthy of your attention, and yes, they're even a joy to watch. In fact, they may have become the most unselfish group of guys in the league.

And whoever thought a team with Jerry Stackhouse would be called that?

PLEASANT REMINDER

If you're favorite team currently stinks, just remember ... the Milwaukee Bucks started 3-12 last season before advancing to the Eastern Conference finals.

WIZARD REVISION

Those of you who have been reading the newsletter since the summer have been reminding me of what I wrote about the Washington Wizards. I said that if Michael Jordan stays healthy, they'll win 40-plus games and make the playoffs.

What do have to say for myself now? Well, if Jordan stays healthy, the Wizards will win 40-plus games and make the playoffs. Jordan has proved me right by getting better as he gets in better shape. The more flab he loses and the more flexibility he gains -- both of which will come via playing -- the more like the Jordan of old he will become.

The rest of the Wizards, meanwhile, has proved me dead wrong. Christian Laettner, Richard Hamilton and Courtney Alexander have all pretty much stunk. But I still expect one of them to step forward before too long -- and maybe all three. If that happens, look for Washington to rattle off 7-10 wins in a row. And that's something the Wizards will need to do if I'm to be right about their playoff chances.

A quick final Wizards note: You have to love Popeye Jones. Not only is he one of the nicest men you'll ever find, he is selfless and a great role model for young players everywhere. And what a great nickname.

TEENAGE THINKING

I rarely agree with anything Danny Ainge says, but his thoughts on high schoolers entering the NBA was right on the money. Ainge, a former player and coach, is now a commentator for Turner Sports, and one that usually drives me nuts. But he and former coach John Thompson (also now a Turner commentator), watched Washington Wizards center Kwame Brown and pretty much shook their heads.

Ainge said that the Wizards should be happy because Brown was taking "baby steps," and that's all you can expect from a kid straight out of high school. He said that Brown was still learning the very basics, such as the proper way to set a pick and how to get into a defensive stance.

Actually, it was Thompson with whom I agreed the most. Thompson stressed that players aren't paid to learn the fundamentals -- that once they reach the NBA they should already know how to play the game. High schoolers entering the NBA "is bad for basketball at every level," Thompson said.

Those of you who have been reading the newsletter for some time know I wrote those exact words. And again, it's no fault of the high school kids, who are only doing what the rest of us would do -- seizing an opportunity. But NBA general managers just need to stop drafting these kids.

SHORT ON SHORTS

I'm sorry, but L.A. Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal's comments after being fined for wearing out-of-control baggy shorts were just too funny.

"Would all the kids then wear John Stockton shorts? No, they wouldn't. They would laugh at me, and I wouldn't be their favorite player any more. I'd be the laughingstock of big men," O'Neal told the Associated Press, dabbing his eyes with a paper towel to pretend he was crying.

The AP also reported that after O'Neal was finished saying that, he pulled his shorts up so high that they covered the bottom half of his No. 34.

NOT SO FOXY

Reader Ken Gaska took issue with comments in last week's newsletter in which I said the Lakers were likable champions. I said that players such as Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant and Rick Fox were not only good players, but first-class decent citizens.

But Gaska wrote that Fox isn't such a nice guy. "The crap he pulled on Scottie Pippen in that big playoff series a while back was so juvenile I wished that basketball had "enforcers" like in hockey. That way somebody could go slap the headband off Fox's head." Ouch.

Gaska added, "I just started receiving the Amico Report and I enjoyed the whole thing, except I must be missing the sarcasm on that Laker segment. I like Kobe, as he is very down to earth. Shaq isn't that bad. ... I can't believe the Rick Fox part, though. He is hated."

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

FROM PETE DANTLEY
Q: What's the real story behind the trade of Elton Brand to the Clippers? Even Jerry Krause can not possibly be that enamored of Tyson Chandler, especially after Chandler's embarrassing decision to talk trash during garbage time of a game the Bulls were losing. It's not as if Brand was at the end of his career or a thug or had cornrows. He averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds -- and he's just 21 years old! I could see if there were some draft picks or an all-star -- or even starters in the mix -- but there is no way the Bulls got fair return in this trade. Any truth to the rumor that a bald ex-GM named Jordan wanted Elton, and Krause traded Brand to the Clippers out of spite? Did David Falk whisper in somebody's ear? Was Bulls management really afraid they couldn't re-sign Brand? Does anybody think Marcus Fizer will produce Brand's numbers? Did the Bulls trade Brand because they knew they could get Oakley?

A: Pete, to answer your questions: Possibly, possibly, I doubt it, no, and let's hope not. Truth is, you brought up some very valid points about that trade, and aren't alone as a frustrated Bulls fan who seeks answers. Unfortunately, I don't have them. And I'd be willing to bet Jerry Krause doesn't, either.

I do, however, have some advice. Stick with them. Yes, that's coming from me, a recognized Bull basher. But I saw the Bulls play Golden State recently, and I liked what I saw from young players such as Trenton Hassell, Brad Miller, and even Eddy Curry. Besides that, there will probably be a new management team in place soon. Maybe even Scott Layden (see next question).

FROM CLIVE WATSON
Q: My Knicks are looking awful and I believe a lot of it has to do with general manager Scott Layden. Between the money wasted on Allen Houston, the re-negotiated contracts of Shandon Anderson and Howard Eisley, the $4.5 million exemption given to Clarence Weatherspoon and moneys gained from the retirement of Luc Longley and Larry Johnson couldn't the Knicks have enticed Chris Webber to come to New York? Seems like the whole thing wasn't given much thought by Layden. When you add on the wasted draft picks and the size issues I would give Layden an "F." Creativity and basketball smarts appear to be lacking. Your opinion please on the job done by Layden.

A: Clive, I think you pretty much said it all, but I'm all for giving Layden at least another offseason. I mean, there was no way Chris Webber was going anywhere but Sacramento. Not with the luxury tax, anyway. I agree that Houston received WAY too much, but Anderson has been one of the Knicks' better players so far. The problem is in the middle, where the Knicks are either injured or lacking in depth.

Layden definitely has "basketball smarts." Give him one more year before you call for his head. After all, the Knicks probably will.

VONTEEGO WATCH

This is the regular segment of the newsletter in which I update the status of Philadelphia 76ers backup guard Vonteego Cummings.

Vonteego is pretty much bolted to the end of the bench, as he rarely plays in anything but garbage time. Still, with all the injuries suffered by guards such as Allen Iverson and Aaron McKie, the Sixers brass probably knows keeping Cummings as an insurance policy is a good idea. Cummings is averaging 3.3 points on 29.7 percent shooting from the floor.

This week's Vonteego fact: Vonteego's says his favorite actor is Chris Tucker.

SAM'S SLAMS

Omar Cook signed with Dallas, so those of you who accused me of wanting to be his agent can resume your name-calling. But I will not be deterred. Omar belongs in the NBA, period. ... Since Omar is signed, I will now make a push for somebody to sign one of my other all-time favorites, Eldridge Recasner, who was recently waived by Charlotte. ... You really have to like what you've seen from Kevin Garnett, Wally Szczerbiak and the rest of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Garnett has proven that if it means winning, he'll take less shots and get his teammates more involved. That. folks, is the sign of an all-time great, a la Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, etc. ... The Celtics are definitely improved, but the idea of having someone named Milt Palacio as the third-leading scorer has to make Red Auerbach cringe. ... One fan recently wrote to ask what became of former Creighton standout Rodney Buford. Your answer: Rodney signed with Memphis just last week. ... Through Nov. 21, the Chicago Bulls had lost 22 straight to Western Conference teams. ... Check out collegebasketballnews.com, NBA draft guru Chris Monter's site on, you guessed it, college basketball.

CONTACT AMICO

E-mail questions and comments to me at amicoreport@hotmail.com. I will try to answer all questions in the newsletter, but you must include your full name.

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