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The Detroit Pistons like being champions. And they plan on repeating last year's accomplishments again in the 2004-05 NBA season.

There was some criticism of Detroit in the playoffs. They got lucky along the way. Key players on the New Jersey Nets and Indiana Pacers got injured, helping the Pistons battle their way to the finals.

The truth is, Detroit definitely benefitted from guys on other squads getting hurt. But they were playing well regardless of what the opponents were doing. And, it's not really fair to take the benefit of the doubt away from Detroit in each instance. Bottom line, they did what they had to do, and reached the finals.

Detroit then proceeded to make a loud statement in the championship round against the Lakers. That being, the team's success is no fluke. They really are this good. You can't score on them, and they have enough offense to get the job done.

Back late last season, the Pistons were a much improved team once Joe Dumars landed Rasheed Wallace in Detroit via trade. Though it's no longer a secret, Sheed's an underrated defender. He fit perfectly into Detroit's defensive schemes. Offensively, it took some adjustments for him to fit in. And being banged up in the playoffs didn't help his shot, either. But this coming season, expect a Wallace that knows his teammates and plays up to his potential on both ends of the floor.

This season, a few guys that didn't mean too much to Detroit's roster are gone. Mehmer Okur was a nice player but coach Larry Brown was never a fan of his defense or general effort. Now on board in Detroit are Antonio McDyess, Derrick Coleman and Carlos Delfino. McDyess is trying to revive his career, and won't be expected to do too much -- which is perfect, as he'll be able to regain previous form without much pressure. Delfino is a big, defensive swingman. When Richard Hamilton or Tayshaun Prince need some rest, coach Brown expects Delfino to come in and keep things in check. And Coleman, who for several seasons has not been healthy, can be counted on to come off the bench and provide some buckets and sweet passes that he's always been able to throw.

Besides the newcomers, the Pistons core is back. Chauncey Billups scores and mans the point. Richard Hamilton, with unlimited energy, runs off a million screens and hits mid-range jumpers like no one else in the league. Tayshaun Prince defends and tries to do the little things. Wallace does everything on both ends of the floor. And Ben Wallace rebounds and plays defense better than any big man in the league.

Detroit shouldn't be a one-hit wonder when it comes to winning championships, because they handle their business the old-fashioned way. With hard work.