We solicited advice for what the Pistons should do this off-season, and here are some suggestions you came up with:
• I love Rasheed (Wallace), but he wants to have fun, not be serious, be lazy, and then complain when things do not go his way. I love (Antonio) McDyess, but his age and energy are becoming problems. They would both be good bench guys. We need some hungry, young, big vets. Points in the paint are lacking. Jim Clements, Grayling
• What the Pistons should do is do a sign-and-trade with the Clippers to get Elton Brand. Trade 'Sheed's expiring contract for Brand and get the dominant low-post scorer that is sorely needed. Keep McDyess. Try to convince him to stay at least for one more year if he has it in him. ... Keep the rest of the core unless a deal that will make us significantly better arises. Next, get rid of Flip Saunders. Replace him with Avery Johnson or, here is a shocker, Jeff Van Gundy. Michael Feldman, Ann Arbor
• I'd come back with the core of the team intact. Joe Dumars did that last year, and he was rewarded with a 59-win season. ... As far as Flip is concerned, I'd keep him. He's got another year on the contract. He didn't blow Game 6 against the Celtics or let LeBron (James) score 29 out of the last 30 points in Game 5 of the 2007 showdown with Cleveland. However, it looks like I might be in a minority with that opinion. Philip Shaw, Dresden, Ontario
• As far as Flip Saunders goes, I wonder how effective he really is when it seems like no one is listening to him in the locker room, let alone on the court! I don't know if he is the right personality to handle the swagger of this group of Pistons and make them stay focused on each and every game they play throughout the season, let alone during the playoffs. Jude Grigal, Garden City
• It is selfish for Rasheed to coast out there and turn it on and off when he wants to. He's got to be comfortable at being an offensive workhorse for Detroit. I'm not accusing him, but sometimes he appears like he's half-stepping it out there, and just playing for his paycheck. Aaron Cox, Los Angeles
• I don't think they should blow the team up. ... But what I do believe needs to happen is Joe (Dumars) needs to get a big-name free agent or make a trade before the season starts. Clearly, getting 'Sheed to play in the post is like pulling teeth, but he does too many other things well to just get rid of for nothing. ... (Rodney) Stuckey needs 30 minutes, but as good as he is now, and will be, he's not ready for 30 minutes at the PG position. Billie Burrus, Detroit
• Simply put, the Pistons are the Atlanta Braves of the '90s. We pushed Larry Brown out the door and cost us 2-3 more championships. Bring in Isiah Thomas -- and only as coach. Fredi Bello, Dearborn
• The Pistons should trade Rasheed Wallace. They probably will not get fair market value but should accept the best offer. Amir Johnson's and Jason Maxiell's minutes should increase dramatically next year, which means Rasheed's minutes would drop anyway. Split the guards' minutes evenly between (Chauncey) Billups, (Richard) Hamilton and Stuckey the way the Bad Boys did with Thomas, Dumars and Vinnie Johnson. Ken Wieczorek, South Plainfield, N.J.
