1. Today is the first day that Pistons players can workout at the practice facility in Auburn Hills. The lockout is not officially over, but the players can be on the floor, just without coach's supervision. Many fans are wondering why the team is not hell-bent on using the league's new "Amnesty" clause, which would allow a contract to be terminated without it affecting the team's salary cap number. There are some obvious candidates too (Rip, Charlie V, and Gordon), yet, the Pistons are under the 58 million dollar cap at the moment and would likely rather trade one or two of those players than just slash one. If the Pistons were over the cap, it would be a different story.

2. I hope fans give this team a chance. The Pistons have struggled the last two years and attendance is down. Now, the lockout and more uncertainty and not a lot of patience with the fans. I'm telling you, rookie Brandon Knight is going to be excellent and Jonas Jerebko (if he resigns) alongside Greg Monroe will be intriguing to watch. The arena will also have some new technology and tweaks that fans will like.

3. I watched MSU play Florida State last night and Tom Izzo has to be happy about the kind of defense that this team plays. They were ferocious. Excellent on close-outs on the perimeter and they hustle. Brandon Wood and Travis Trice combined for 59 minutes and just a pair of turnovers, which was good to see. But, this club is thin up front. I'm underwhelmed by Adreian Payne and Derrick Nix.

4. I do not agree with people that the Lions will get waxed by the Saints on Sunday. New Orleans did look like world-beaters Monday night, but I do not think they will dominate Detroit like they did the Giants. The Lions front four (even without Suh) should get to Brees a little bit, and I think Justin Durant is a key in slowing down Darren Sproles.

5. Detroit News columnist Lynn Henning is on twitter. It is the gift that keeps on giving.

6. Hope to see many of you at Calihan Hall on Monday night. UDM hosts St John's and the great Dick Vitale will be in the building and will have the court named after him. I am honored to be the emcee for the 6:15 ceremony and could not be more excited.