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Random Thoughts By Matt Dery

1. The Pistons are 5-3 since benching Rip Hamilton. That is 5 wins and 3 losses, and easily could be 6-2 if not for a meltdown at the end of the Boston game last week. The team seems to have a nice identity now with Tracy McGrady at the 1 and Rodney Stuckey (finally) at the 2.
Plus, the game plan does not have to change and guys seem to all be on the same page. Throw in Austin Daye and Greg Monroe playing valuable minutes down the stretch of games and all of the sudden, the team is worth talking about again for most fans.

2. As far as John Kuester goes? He was winning in a rout over Rip on this issue until Saturday night. Sending Jerry Hendon to go talk to Hamilton for him was a mistake. He should have done it himself. This gives Rip an "out" to cry foul and receive some support in that locker room and from some of the fans. Plus, Rip had a relationship with that writer and the story made Kue look bad. Pistons brass cannot be very happy with how that all went down. Winning cures all, though, and the team is playing its best ball of the year right now.

3. Playing for the Tigers, working in the front office for the Tigers, or coaching for the Tigers must be awesome. The team is teflon when it comes to media coverage and with the fans. I now see why people like coming here and joining the organization. Free passes are lying around like sunflower seeds on the dugout floor. Dave Dombrowski is a very smart guy, and he knew when to run that bootleg this weekend in regards to the Sparky Anderson jersey retirement announcement. It was a touchdown with no defenders in sight!

4. Driving home from work after the Pistons game last night and listened to Todd Wright on our air on SNR. I always liked him at ESPN Radio and now with us.

5. Victor Martinez will be hitting third for the Tigers by June 1.
Mark it down.

6. Jay Cutler is not a good QB, but he is extremely tough. I don't buy this toughness issue at all. Bears fans are passionate, but this is not the brightest group in my opinion.

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