I missed it until reading about it in the Detroit News today. Check out this block by Detroit Pistons 3rd-year forward Jason Maxiell on the Charlotte Hornets Tyson Chandler…

I (like many others) have penciled in the Celtics and the Pistons playing in the Eastern Conference Finals. Fox Sports Randy Hill analyzes the other contenders to see if any can stop this from happening.

He mentions Toronto and Washington, the current 5th and 6th seeds, but his main focus is on the current 3rd and 4th seeds…

The first development is the current 9-3 run by the Orlando Magic. Included in this extremely modest string of triumph is a victory over a winning team from the West (Denver) and a breakthrough at Detroit.

The second development is the uprising in Cleveland, where LeBron James and a few new playmates are sitting pretty with five victories in their last six games.

Read Can anyone stop Celts-Pistons collision course? at Fox Sports

The Detroit Free Press has organized some of their best photos of our favorite Detroit Sports Legends and Moments. Very cool! You can check out many photos including Justin Verlander’s No-Hitter, the Fab Five, the Best of Pistons-Bulls Rivalry, and even Joey Harrington (for lots of great sack photos!).

Visit freep.com/sportsphotos to check them out!

Above photo by the Detroit Free Press

Keith Langlois sat down with Joe Dumars recently and they covered lots of topics…

…a wide-ranging interview that touched on the All-Star selection of Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton, the state of the Pistons just past the season’s halfway point and the outlook for the season ahead as the playoffs approach.

Check it out below!

Read Taking the Temperature at Pistons.com

After reading a couple of articles previewing this game, I had a feeling this might happen. The Detroit Pistons used the depth of their starting lineup to halt the Boston Celtics home winning streak with a 87-85 win. Chauncey Billups led the Pistons with 28 points including 12 in the 4th quarter. The Celtics are talented but beyond the Big 3, they are young and Billups made them pay with his strong finish. It’s only December, so I’m not going to get too excited, but the Pistons are deeper and match up particularly well against the Celtics.

Read Pistons hand Celtics first home loss at Yahoo! Sports

Opinions on five current sports topics from yours truly…

1. Lions vs. Packers - This is definitely what a Thanksgiving matchup should be! Two division rivals squaring off. The division is virtually locked up for the Packers, but a Lions win keeps some hope alive. Plus you need to watch in case Roy Williams does get 300 yards receiving!

2. Michigan State Football - That was a big win against Penn State for many reasons, but the way the Spartans did it impressed me the most. Down 24-7, they didn’t quit and that says more than anything else to me about Mark Dantonio and his staff. The future at MSU is very bright.

3. Lloyd Carr - I always enjoyed his conversations at halftime with sideline reporters, I would not have wanted to be in their shoes. He will be missed, but it was time for him to step down. I know alot of U of M fans that are happy, but if I was a Michigan fan, I wouldn’t be. He ran a great program and really coached some high-quality kids. They had better make the right decision about the next coach, and I’m not sure that means Les Miles.

4. Football at The State - Michael Moore has opened up the State Theatre in Traverse City on Saturday morning and will be showing Traverse City St. Francis playing for a state title. A great idea for those who can’t make the trip. I am sure it’s going to be a packed house.

5. Leelanau Sports Guy’s World - I plan on spending some more time getting things cranking again, so look for a new design and more frequent posts in the near future. Thanks to all who visit and send me emails, I appreciate it!

If you want to let the me know what you think, you can always send me an email at leelanausportsguy@sportspig.com or post a comment!

Just traded links with TheHoopNews.com and upon checking out the site, I found a couple of articles that will interest Detroit Pistons fans…

Read 2008 NBA Championship - With So Much Talent, Who Will Win? at TheHoopNews

My View: I love the Pistons chances to win the East and even bring the NBA Title back. I don’t think the Celtics are going to be as good as everyone thinks. I just don’t see the “Big 3″ staying healthy the entire season. The key for the Pistons is depth, as in how much depth the bench can provide. If the youngsters can hold their own (and early indications are they will) then the Pistons starters should be able to stay fresh for the playoff battles looming with Chicago, New Jersey, Boston or Miami.

Read History of the Detroit Pistons, Their Highs and Lows at TheHoopNews

My View: A brief look back at the history of the Pistons. I really loved those “Bad Boys” teams!

Read Six Basketball Defense Tips - Defending the Basketball at TheHoopNews

My View: As a former basketball coach, I love defense. I used to love teaching the kids how to play and to take pride in their defense. And if you ask me, it still wins championships!

Opinions on five current Detroit & national sports topics from yours truly…

1. Calvin Johnson - He’s finally signed! Yeah! This is great news and finally we can get excited about the prospect of Williams and Johnson (and Furrey, I didn’t forget you Mike!) lining up in Martz offense. It was inevitable, but still, it’s good to have the contract done!

2. Drew Stanton - Ouch, done for the year! His knee injury is serious enough to have the Lions shut him down for the season. It basically ends any chance of him challenging for a starting spot next season.

3. Tigers - Tonight would be a nice time to start playing better at home and get on a nice winning streak. Alot of people are upset the Tigers didn’t make any trades, but I’m not and am glad they didn’t give up too much (re. Maybin) for average bullpen help. Zumaya and Rodney will be enough, but if the starters don’t recover from their recent lackluster performances the 7th, 8th and 9th innings won’t be as important anyway. Plus this Gary Sheffield shoulder thing might be the biggest problem.

4. Garnett - Not exactly where I wanted him to end up and it does make the Celtics better, but the favorites in the East? Let’s see how those old legs of Ray Allen hold up, and what, if any, kind of bench they can put together. I still like the Pistons, Bulls and Cavs in the East, in that order!

5. Barry Bonds - I agree, just hit them already!

If you want to let the me know what you think, you can always send me an email at leelanausportsguy@sportspig.com or post a comment!

A quick look at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas and two Pistons make the “shining” list.

3. Cheikh Samb, Detroit Pistons – Samb showed a nice touch around the basket in scoring 12 points on 6-of-9 shooting. He also rebounded well (10) and played physically despite his lanky build in Detroit’s 80-78 win over Memphis. Despite his positive play, the 7-foot-1 Samb is still most likely a season or two away from being a contributor due to his very thin 195-pound frame.

It’s nice to hear about some phsical play from Samb as he is very skinny and will need to get alot stronger to be a contributor at the NBA level. He’s not ready for the active roster yet, but he could end up being a steal from the Lakers for Maurice Evans.

4. Rodney Stuckey, Detroit Pistons – The No. 15 pick last month, Stuckey is very strong with the ball and is very smooth. He can score when he wants but does not force anything. He has a nice jumper and he can take it strong to the basket. Stuckey was 9-for-16 from the floor and 9-for-9 from the free-throw line as he led all scorers with 27 points.

I am very excited about watching Stuckey coming off the bench this season. He’s a player and seems to have a great shooting stroke. If he can provide some instant offense off the bench he will make the Pistons a much better team offensively.

Read Summer league report at Yahoo! Sports

Opinions on five current sports topics from yours truly…

1. Marissa Treece - The Glen Lake senior captured 3 more state titles on Saturday, giving her 10 in her track/cross-country career. She heads to Notre Dame this fall and we will follow along as she looks to star at the NCAA level.

Read Ten titles for Treece in the Record Eagle

2. What’s next for Pistons? - Lots of ideas are being talked about by fans including: Firing Flip, Trading Sheed, trying to trade for Kevin Garnett or Zack Randolph, and on and on. Not sure what Joe D is going to do, but I would definitely call Minnesota and see what they want for Garnett.

3. Beach Bums - A slow start to the season has the Bums in last place in the Central Division, 5.5 games back. It’s not going to get easier with 4 games against Kalamazoo looming, but the Bums are playing better and have lost a couple of close games.

4. Lions Scouting Reports - I don’t know if you have been following Killer Kowalski’s scouting reports as he is scouting a different Lion player every day, but I have and it’s been some great info. Kevin Jones is today, go check it out!

5a. Tigers finally beat Indians - Now everyone can relax a bit as the Tigers took the final two games in Cleveland to get within 2 1/2 games of Cleveland in the A.L. Central. The Tigers are showing what they are made of as they battle with injuries and keep getting big performances from Maggs and Sheffield.

5b. Two Near The Dugout, Please - Great article by Gren Eno looking back at some run-ins with Eric the ticket taker on his trips to Tiger Stadium.

If you want to let the me know what you think, you can always send me an email at leelanausportsguy@sportspig.com or post a comment!

Detroit Pistons guard Chauncey Billups was named to the All-NBA Third Team today. Billups averaged 17 points, 7.2 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game in leading the Pistons to the best record in the Eastern Conference and another Central Division Title.

Read Chauncey Billups Named to All-NBA Third Team at Pistons.com
Read Nash, Stoudamire both on All-NBA first team at Fox Sports

The NFL Draft - I am in a NFL Draft contest again this year (last year I got 1 right) and I have absolutely no idea who is going where. The Lions have many options and they have to wait to see what the Raiders are going to do before they can get really serious about the draft. I like the Lions to trade down to #4 and then get Gaines Adams. It’s the position they need the most and Adams appears to be an impact player. Read Dan Wetzel’s column The misadventures of Millen if you want to laugh and be scared at the same time!

Maggs - Is it me, or is Magglio Ordonez quietly having a great start to 2007. He’s first on the Tigers in RBI’s, 2B’s, Runs, OBP, SLG & OPS, and he’s second in HR’s and BA, but no one’s talking about him. This is the Maggs that people weren’t sure we would ever see again, but he appears to be healthy and back to normal. I now it’s early, but Maggs playing like this is huge as Sheffield and the bottom of the order struggle.

Wings vs. Sharks - The Wings are in for a tough series, that should go seven games, and I like there chances with home-ice. They struggled against the Sharks during the regular season, losing 3 of 4, but they played two very solid games to finish off Calgary and will hopefully carry that momentum into tonight’s game. On the other hand, I wouldn’t be surprised if they lost tonight either. It’s just going to be that kind of series.

Pistons vs. Magic - If Detroit is going to lose one, tonight’s the night. I just don’t see it happening. I think they will sweep the Magic and get some rest for the Bulls. Chicago is going to be the toughest team (and series) in the Eastern Conference.

High School Baseball - If you aren’t busy on Saturday, head over to Wuerfel Park to watch Lake Leelanau St. Mary take part in the inaugural Beach Bums Division 3 & 4 Invitational Tournament. The Eagles face Traverse City St. Francis at 10 AM, followed by Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart and Gaylord St. Mary’s at noon. A consolation and championship game will follow. Tickets are $5 for the entire day, and let me tell you Wuerfel Park is not a bad place to watch a game!

Random Stuff - Could less people be excited that Barry Bonds is now at 741 home runs? Seriously, no one cares outside of San Francisco. There’s not much better than Fantasy Baseball. Winning or losing, it’s just fun! I can’t wait for the Beach Bums season to start, it was exciting (and well played) baseball to watch last summer, and I look for more of the same as the Bums have added some good talent along with their “new” coach! Lots of people have Drew Stanton going very high in the draft, and I think be a good pick and could be a legitimate starter in the NFL!

Opinions on five current Leelanau and Northern Michigan sports topics from yours truly…

1. Leelanau Enterprise Sports - The Leelanau Enterprise has revamped their website and now will be posting more stories online, including sports! Check out their sports department! I of course will be linking to them often as they provide another way to follow our favorite Leelanau teams.

2. Leelanau Classic - I only wish this event would have been around when I was coaching! Lake Leelanau St. Mary defeated Suttons Bay 4-1 to capture the baseball title and Glen Lake cruised to the softball title with a 17-0 win over Suttons Bay in the championship game.

Read Korson sparks Eagles to title in the Record Eagle

3. Beach Bums ready for 2007 - Opening Day for the Beach Bums is one month from today (at Kalamazoo Kings on May 23rd) and plenty of new things are on tap as they start their second summer in Traverse City. Lots of new faces, including a new manager, should make for another exciting season in the Frontier League. See what the Beach Bums have in store for 2007!

4. NHL & NBA Playoffs - It’s never hard to get a prediction in Leelanau County for the Pistons and Red Wings. The Pistons are a popular choice to be crowned NBA Champions this summer, and the Wings well who knows. The Wings did get out of the first round, and did play pretty well, in 4 out of the 6 games. If the Dominator can hold up, they have an excellent chance in my opinion. Whatever happens Hockey Town North is buzzing with playoff excitement right now!

5. The Season Switch - Nick Edson of the Leelanau Enterprise reported last week that longtime volleyball coach Laurie Glass will be stepping down, at least for the time being, as she can’t coach and follow her daughter Alisha at Penn State because of the girls volleyball season being moved. My opinion is that it’s a shame that a few people can ruin a good thing for many. The seasons seemed to be working just fine for 99.9% of the athletes, but a couple of parents couldn’t handle their kid’s not getting scholarships.

If you want to let the me know what you think, you can always send me an email at leelanausportsguy@sportspig.com or post a comment!

ESPN: The Magazine’s latest sports city power rankings are out in the latest issue and the Pistons, Red Wings and Tigers all make Detroit proud, while the “you-know-whos”, well, they don’t. Check it out!

Read Detroit is top-rated sports city … mostly at Absolute Michigan

On a unrelated note, I found this great quote about the cancellation of the Tigers game on Thursday due to snow and wind.

“I think if we were playing, Al Gore should have been there to throw out the first pitch,” first-base coach Andy Van Slyke quipped.

Van Slyke has always been a favorite of mine due to his all-out play, but when you factor in his antics and quotes he might be #1!

Opinions on five current Detroit & national sports topics from yours truly…

1. Opening Day - What a day, Ian calls it The Best Sports Day of the Year!, and that’s hard to argue, especially this year. The Tigers were raising a 2006 AL Pennant and Mitch Albom says fans are expecting more this season. The crowd was pumped and ready to roll, but then the first inning happened. Jeremy Bonderman struggled giving up 3 early runs and it proved to be too much for the Tigers to overcome as they fell 5-3 in 10 innings to the Toronto Blue Jays. It should be a fun season for Tiger fans, but there will be games like this, especially when you play 162 of them. I was just thinking how nice it’s going to be June or July when Kenny Rogers comes back for the 2nd half of the season. That could be just as nice as making a trade, provided the Tigers can stay in it with the steady veteran.

2. Wolverines hire Beilein - It hasn’t been officially confirmed by U of M yet, just by everyone else. It’s a move that makes sense, but I think the Wolverines settled a bit and could have tried to go after a bigger name. John Beilein is coming off an NIT Championship with West Virginia and the Wolverines do frequent the NIT so that could be good combo.

3. Girls High School Season Change - My opinion is right on with Mick McCabe’s so you might as well just read this to see how I feel as well. It’s going to be a tough adjustment, ultimately it will work out, but short-term there just won’t be enough good officials and coaches.

4. Pistons/Wings Ready for Playoffs - Both teams are getting healthy and readying for the stretch run as they battle for the top seeds in the playoffs. I like the chances of both as they are playing at a high level and winning playoff style games.

5. Florida Repeats! - I lost $5 on the championship game, as I took Ohio State for some crazy reason. Well, it’s not that crazy, I cheer for the Big Ten, if MSU or Michigan is out, but still Florida is just awesome! Now we just wait and see how big of a check Billy Donovan is going to cash.

With April Fool’s Day falling on the weekend, I just completely forgot about it. Luckily some others didn’t.

If you want to let the me know what you think, you can always send me an email at leelanausportsguy@sportspig.com or post a comment!