Antonio McDyess

Written off at the start of the playoffs (along with the rest of the Eastern Conference), the Detroit Pistons are showing signs that they're even better than the 2004 team, which won it all

They haven't commanded the spotlight, but five players are positioned to play major roles in their teams' postseason fates

On the struggling Pistons (12--10 at week's end):

Wretched excess: The reigning champs reel in yet another versatile big man

It was the summer of new destinations for a number of players besides Shaquille O'Neal. Here are 10 other significant personnel moves, listed in order of the impact they will have on the standings this season. --J.M.