NBA

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- If you're scratching your head trying to figure out how the superstar-deficient Detroit Pistons continue to lead the Eastern Conference, join the club.

Richard Hamilton and Chauncey Billups -- the Pistons' leading scorers -- aren't exactly household names. The Pistons' only legitimate "star" -- defensive stalwart and rebounding behemoth Ben Wallace -- is the team's only All-Star.

Now, name the NBA's last defensive-minded star to be universally recognized as the catalyst for a championship contender. . . . Exactly.

The ...