The Pistons are hoping they didn't trade one ballhog for another.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH
THE DIVISION TITLE?
Nothing, really. Just chalk it up to Detroit's obsession with this year's model. The point guard's new, the shooting guard's new, the small forward might be new (if anyone steps up to take ownership of the job). The center could be new too, although Cliff Robinson hears that every season. But even with all the fresh faces, the Pistons might not miss a beat as long as Chauncey Billups can stay healthy.

STARTING FIVE
Jerry Stackhouse for Rip Hamilton had heads shaking in Motown. It's actually a good long-term move, but it may not be so rewarding this season.

Central Division

1. Hornets

2. Pacers

3. Pistons

4. Raptors

5. Bucks

6. Hawks

7. Bulls

8. Cavs

Scouting Report Index

Ben Wallace, PF: Count on it: 13 boards a game, two years running
Michael Curry, SF: Brings energy on D, but better off the bench
Zeljko Rebraca, C: Add a point for Robinson, who'll see quality minutes
Richard Hamilton, SG: Second in NBA last year in FT shooting (88.5%)
Chauncey Billups, PG: Should just stick to shooting threes (39.4%)

BENCH
Robinson -- if they're lucky. Tayshaun Prince joins Chucky Atkins, Jon Barry, Corliss Williamson on the NBA's top-scoring bench.

GLOBAL VIEW
Rebraca (Yugo.) had a 50.5 FG%
as a rook, 13th in the NBA.

FREEWHEELIN' WITH WALTON
They'd better hope that Wallace really is a young Hakeem.

This article will appear in the November 11 issue of ESPN The Magazine.