ERST LESEN! » who has represented the sport as an a

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- After returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2009 and being swept in the opening round by the eventual champions, the Detroit Pistons have a pretty obvious challenge ahead.This young team has the potential for more growth in Stan Van Gundys third season as coach and could certainly advance further in the postseason if things break right. But the Pistons should take nothing for granted.Its a new year, and we have to go through the process. You cant skip steps, Van Gundy said. We made the point to guys -- this isnt a continuation of last year, we dont start at 44 wins and the eighth seed in the playoffs and try to climb. You start at zero wins and no guarantee of anything.Detroits 44-38 mark last season was good enough for a long-awaited postseason berth, and a four-game loss to Cleveland wasnt too much of a downer after everything the Pistons had accomplished. With Andre Drummond back and signed to a long-term contract, Detroit has a solid nucleus to build around, but the next step wont necessarily be easy.The Pistons return their starting five of Drummond, guards Reggie Jackson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and forwards Tobias Harris and Marcus Morris. They expect to be without Jackson for a while at the beginning of the season because of knee and thumb problems.While the Pistons have a long way to go before standing toe to toe with Cleveland atop the East, there appears to be enough parity among the conferences other playoff-caliber teams that a move up the standings is plausible for Detroit.Here are a few more things to watch with the Pistons this season:DRUMMONDS FREE THROWSDrummond has made 38 percent of his free throws for his career, a figure thats caused Van Gundy to take his star big man out of games at crucial moments. Drummond has used virtual reality in an effort to improve at the line, but it remains to be seen if his offseason work will pay off.JACKSONS INJURIESJackson averaged 18.8 points and 6.2 assists last season, forming an impressive point guard-center tandem with Drummond. The Pistons announced Oct. 10 that he would miss six to eight weeks after receiving platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. If Jackson is able to come back on that timetable, hed still have a chance to contribute plenty this season, but the Pistons want to make sure they dont fall too far behind while hes out.NEW ADDITIONSDetroit signed guard Ish Smith in the offseason, and his role figures to increase while Jackson is out. The Pistons also brought in forward Jon Leuer and drafted 6-foot-11 forward Henry Ellenson out of Marquette in the first round.NEXT STAR?Stanley Johnson averaged 8.1 points a game as a rookie, and at age 20 has the potential for a big leap this season and next. His athleticism on the wing could become a real asset if he develops into a more consistent player at both ends.QUESTIONSVan Gundy said recently the backcourt rotation was still an issue entering the season. Darrun Hilliard showed poise when called upon last season in limited duty, and 6-foot-7 rookie Michael Gbinije could add versatility if he proves hes ready to play at the NBA level.Those two spots Im not totally clear on right now going into the season, Van Gundy said. I know what were doing at center, I know what were doing at the three and the four primarily. Its, what are we doing at the one and the two off the bench?---Follow Noah Trister at www.Twitter.com/noahtrister Air Max 90 Sale Ireland . "We have always prided ourselves on the way we play defence. Having two big pieces back is going to be a key for us moving forward for years to come," said Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen. Wholesale Air Max 90 Ireland . Following a lopsided 5-2 loss against the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night, Paul MacLean told reporters that "theres a lack of focus, theres a lack of leadership and theres a lack of preparation" with his struggling team. That came on the heels of Bryan Murray taking the unusual step of going into the locker room at the Prudential Center and addressing the players himself. http://www.clearanceairmax90ireland.com/ . Those lessons were more than enough to overwhelm the Utah Jazz. Lou Williams scored 25 points and the Hawks continued their offensive upswing as they rolled to an easy 118-85 victory over the Jazz on Friday night, winning their third straight and for the fourth time in five games. Nike Air Max 90 Ireland . According to a report from the Winnipeg Free Press, the Bombers will name Acting GM Kyle Walters to the post full time. Nike Air Max 90 Womens Ireland . The Swede became the first golfer to win the PGA Tours FedEx Cup and European Tours Race to Dubai in the same season. "It is still taking a little time to sink in what Ive achieved this week as was the case when I won the FedEx Cup but then it just kept getting better and better as the days went on and I am sure this will be the same," he said. BARCELONA, Spain -- Kim Andersen of Denmark has been elected president of World Sailing, beating incumbent Carlo Croce of Italy and Paul Henderson of Canada.The 59-year-old Andersen is a longtime sailor who has represented the sport as an athlete and senior administrator. He was elected Sunday at World Sailings General Assembly in Barcelona, Spain.With international business experience as a CEO, vice president and managing director of a number of international companies, Andersen has pledgeed to make the governance of World Sailing more transparent.ddddddddddddHe says: This is an exciting day for World Sailing. Today marks a turning point in the history of our sport. We have a lot of work to do and I am focused on uniting our sport so that each and every country continues gets the right tools and knowledge they need to develop our sport worldwide. ' ' '