Well, the Palace crew is now 2-0 in the preseason. Great win last night, despite the preseason status. However, it seems the bigger story around the media is the replacement refs’ free throw blunder:
The replacement referees caused confusion in the first quarter of the Pistons’ 113-104 preseason win over the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday night. Ersan Ilyasova was fouled while shooting a jumper and awarded two free throws. During the next timeout, more than 90 seconds later, the officials decided he had been taking a 3-pointer, and gave him another shot.He …

The signing of Ben Gordon was almost immediately followed by news that the Pistons were signing Bucks forward Charlie Villanueva to a 5-year contract worth $35 million, according to ESPN.com.
It’s a good thing this happened after the Gordon signing, because this move give Joe Dumars a smidgen if his reputability back. I have always liked Villanueva and believe he is grossly underrated. $7 million a season is fair for Chuck’s talent level and will be a bargain when he continues to improve. Really, the guy’s a potential all-star.
But Ben Gordon, …

I am in denial. Apparently, Joe didn’t read my heart-warming letter. One year is one thing, but signing this guy for five years? Plan on five more seasons just like the last one (or until the Pistons can unload that massive contract).
From Yahoo! Sports:
The Detroit Pistons have reached agreement with free-agent guard Ben Gordon(notes) on a five-year contract worth around $55 million, a source with knowledge of the talks told Yahoo! Sports Wednesday evening.
The Pistons are continuing to negotiate with forward Charlie Villanueva(notes).
July 8 is the first day free agents …