Washington, D.C. -- If you're covering the Pistons, you're sure to get a pile of suggestions as to which player to trade.
Pretty much everyone has been mentioned recently. And considering the way this team has played, that's no surprise.
Richard Hamilton is a leading target, if that's the right word. Heck, even last summer's free agent acquisitions, Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva, have gained steam. Neither has done the job, in the eyes of the fans.
Then, there's Tayshaun Prince. He, too, has been a top target.
And, I happen to agree.
Rookies Austin Daye and Jonas Jerebko are playing with as much effort and passion as anyone on the roster.
Now, whether they will ever develop into star players remains to be seen. But in the short-term, one, or both, are capable of filling Prince's spot in the lineup.
But here's the flip side: Finding a team to take on Prince and his $11.1 million salary for this season, and next, won't be easy.
Most teams are shedding salary, not adding.
His injury situation this season also doesn't help.
Still, on certain teams -- championship-caliber teams -- Prince could be worth the price. He has championship experience, is a good locker room guy, plays hard, and can pose difficult matchup problems.
In defense of Arenas
Will Bynum knows Gilbert Arenas , the embattled Wizards guard who was suspended indefinitely by the NBA for violating the league's gun rule (players are not allowed to bring firearms to any NBA facility).
Bynum played briefly with Arenas at Arizona, and the two worked out with other NBA players in Chicago last summer.
"Wrong is wrong and to have guns in the locker room is wrong," Bynum said. "The situation was a tough situation."
But Bynum wants this to be known about Arenas.
"He was always a great guy on and off the court," Bynum said of Arenas. "Always had fun, nothing violent. He didn't mean anything violent (with this situation), I know that 400 percent."
Villanueva can't understand
Seeing Villanueva at his locker after Monday's debacle against the Bulls pretty much summed the Pistons' plight.
Villanueva has been in the NBA five years and never has been on a team with such a lengthy losing streak --13 entering play Tuesday).
"This hurts, this hurts a lot," Villanueva said. "It's a frustrating time. Guys want to win."
When asked why it's gone so wrong, Villanueva was struck.
"I don't know," he said. "I can't put a finger on it. I just don't know."
By the numbers
1 Baskets Charlie Villanueva made in 11 attempts Monday against the Bulls
10M Scoring plateau in the NBA reached when Ben Gordon scored at 3:51 of the second quarter last Saturday
18 Pistons shooting percentage from 3-point range (2 for 11) Monday against the Bulls, a season low
Maxiell's minutes
Jason Maxiell has had quite a ride lately, going from bench to starter and back to the bench. His minutes the last six games:
| Date | Opponent | Minutes |
| Dec. 31 | Chicago | 6 |
| Jan. 5 | Dallas | DNP |
| Jan. 6 | San Antonio | 25 |
| Jan. 9 | Philadelphia | 20 |
| Jan. 11 | Chicago | 5 |
| Jan. 12 | Washington | 18 |
No defense
Opponents have been shooting a high percentage against a Pistons defense that hasn't been very imposing:
| Date | Opponent | Pct. |
| Dec. 27 | Toronto | 52 |
| Dec. 29 | New York | 51 |
| Dec. 31 | Chicago | 47 |
| Jan. 5 | Dallas | 44 |
| Jan. 6 | San Antonio | 58 |
| Jan. 9 | Philadelphia | 57 |
| Jan. 11 | Chicago | 57 |
| Jan. 12 | Washington | 44 |
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