Stuckey is the crown jewel.

They acquired the 15th pick from Orlando with Kelvin Cato for washout 2003 No. 2 overall pick Darko Milicic and Carlos Arroyo. All indications are Joe D salvaged that Milicic debacle with Stuckey, who at 6-foot-5 and 210 is equally proficient at both guard spots — but eminently capable of running the point. A Seattle native, grades prevented him from going to a big-time program, and he was ineligible his first season in college. But he averaged 24.2 and 24.6 his two years at Eastern, turning the heads of every scout that saw him.

Now he's had the benefit of averaging nearly 30 minutes over the past three playoff games, starting at point guard for the six-time conference finalist. It doesn't guarantee anything, except that Billups had the benefit of healing and Stuckey is that much more confident and wiser.

Just how far the Pistons go will still depend greatly on how Billups' hamstring holds up under duress. Nonetheless, they are far better prepared for it than ever before because of Stuckey, and we'll take it to another level by saying they'll win the Eastern Conference for the first time since 2005.

And if Mr. Big Shot does prove to be healthy and effective, it won't be a stretch for them to win their first title since 2004.