By MICHAEL SCOTT
Special to FOXSportsDetroit.com
For the Pistons, the time is now.
We know that it's been five years (and four coaches) since they last won a playoff game. But that was then, this is now.
If the Joe Dumars wants to get back to the postseason (and save his job), it's time to be bold because the time is now.
Let's be realistic - whatever Dumars does, it won't impact Lebron's chase for a three-peat - we're just talking about making basketball interesting again in Detroit and getting into the playoffs.
New coach Maurice Cheeks walks into a situation that is, contrary to popular belief, not bereft of talent. There's superstar-in-waiting, Andre Drummond, who shocked the experts with his outstanding rookie season.
Next to him is Greg Monroe, who led the NBA in double-doubles. "Moose" might not have the same ceiling as other big men, but he is what he is, a borderline All-Star who gives full effort every night.
Many teams would kill to have Twin Towers like that, but they need help.
Drafting shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (heretofore known as "KCP") is a start. It seems as though Dumars is stuck on signing stat-stuffer Josh Smith away from Atlanta.
The only question left is who will be playing point guard?
The Pistons had high hopes for Brandon Knight when they picked him eighth in the 2011 draft. Knight has shown flashes of brilliance, but the 21-year-old is clearly not ready to run the team.
It's obvious that Detroit doesnít know what do with Knight. Dumars drafted him as a point guard, but last year, when acquiring Jose Calderon, Dumars said Knight would be better served at the '2' position (shooting guard).
Now in KCP, they're spent another No. 8 pick, this time for their off-guard of the future.
I'm no expert, but two shooting guards and no point makes for a difficult season.
At first glance, there will be at least two spots open from last season's playoff field.
Boston has dismantled their team, trading Coach Doc Rivers and future Hall of Famers Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.
Milwaukee is about to lose high-scoring Monta Ellis, and possibly Brandon Jennings. Plus, the Bucks were six games below .500 anyway.
Atlanta could drop out as well, especially if they lose Smith and strike out on Dwight Howard.
The bottom feeders don't look to be improving anytime soon.
Philadelphia made a nice trade for Nerlens Noel, but he's a 19-year-old center who stands 6 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 215 pounds. They're tanking the season.
Charlotte is still Charlotte, and Orlando has a long way to get back to pre-Dwightmare days.
That leaves Cleveland, Washington and Detroit.
The Cavs have plenty of young talent but don't want to add any expensive pieces the year before Lebron becomes a free agent again.
Washington actually had a winning record once John Wall returned after the All-Star break.
Then there are the Pistons. Good enough to make the playoffs - with one major move.
TRADE BRANDON KNIGHT, RODNEY STUCKEY AND A FIRST-ROUND PICK IN EXCHANGE FOR ... RAJON RONDO.
Let's take a closer look.
The Pistons would have a starting five of Rondo, KCP, Drummond, Monroe and Josh Smith. It's a young-but-experienced group, one that can certainly match up with any of the other non-playoff teams from last season.
A built-in bonus is, if Smith reverts to his knucklehead ways, he went to prep school with Rondo, who is arguably the best passer in the NBA.
Yes, Rondo can be difficult, but Cheeks was one of the best point guards of his era. Heck, he coached Iverson, so he knows difficult.
Rondo would have Smith, a childhood buddy, and this would clearly be his team.
If Rondo is so good, you might wonder why Boston would try to deal him. Yes, he's recovering from a torn ACL but should be as good as new.
But after the great draft night dump-off, the Celtics are rebuilding. Having a temperamental leader on a losing team is not a recipe for success.
Much as the Pistons don't know what to do with Knight, it's clear that Stuckey has worn out his welcome in Detroit. Is he a point guard? Shooting guard? Starter? Substitute? Overpaid? Underpaid?
The only thing we do know is that Stuck has one year and $8.5 million left on his contract.
The Celtics would use Knight at the point, paired with defensive wiz Avery Bradley in the backcourt.
Stuckey would probably be happy - he could pad his stats in his free agent year, or get dealt to a contender at midseason.
And since Danny Ainge is trying to acquire every single pick in next year's draft, he'd be happy with one more.
Besides, if the Pistons do make the postseason, they wouldn't be giving up a lottery selection.
The fact is, a move like this won't win the Pistons a championship. It probably won't even win them a playoff series.
That's okay. All journeys start with a step.
Give the Monroes, the Drummonds, the KCP's a taste of success, and Dumars keeps his job.
And the Pistons are on their way.
