The original plan for the Pistons in terms of their
playoff rotation was quite simple - get the young guys
experience during the regular season, then throw
Lindsey Hunter into the mix as the season winds down.
Theo Ratliff and Juan Dixon have altered that plan
dramatically. Right now, I don't think the coaches or
the front office know quite how this will unfold when
the postseason arrives.
They seem committed to Rodney Stuckey as the backup
point, as they should. His ability to get into the
paint is sorely needed because the Pistons' offense
tends to bog down against the better teams over a
seven-game series.
Jarvis Hayes can feel comfortable with his role as the
backup small forward and could see action at shooting
guard.
I also think Jason Maxiell will continue to play,
though his minutes will be reduced.
Beyond that, it's wide open. Theo Ratliff will get
some burn when they face some bigger opponents. He'd
definitely be a factor if the Pistons play Orlando in
the second round (Dwight Howard) and the Celtics in
the conference finals (Kevin Garnett).
Hunter will get some opportunities as a defensive
spark and Juan Dixon might get a few chances to help
energize the offense.
That would leave Amir Johnson and Arron Afflalo out of
the mix, which would upset some fans (particularly
Johnson's legion of supporters).
There's one guarantee - if the Pistons don't make the
Finals, there will be plenty of people screaming that
Flip Saunders screwed up his rotation, right or wrong.