Pistons stand in James’ way, just as they did for Jordan

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – LeBron James has drawn many Michael Jordan comparisons, from their breathtaking talent to their No. 23 jerseys.

Another James-Jordan link will be added today when the Cleveland Cavaliers face the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the NBA playoffs: Before Jordan became a champion, he was fodder for the Pistons in three straight postseasons.

Detroit eliminated Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the 1988 Eastern Conference semifinals and in the conference finals the next two seasons. Jordan finally got past the Pistons in his seventh NBA season, in 1991 – and one of the game’s greats went on to win his first of six titles as a 28-year-old guard.

After ending Jordan’s seasons, the Bad Boys won two titles in three trips to the NBA Finals. The current Pistons are hoping to send the 21-year-old James, in his third season, home en route to their second championship in three consecutive appearances in the finals.

James said he doesn’t look at Cleveland’s matchup against the Pistons in terms of him taking the same path as Jordan.

“But Detroit will be a team that, in order to get to the promised land, we’ll have to beat because they’re going to be around a long time, especially for the first part of my career,” James said Saturday.

Joe Dumars has encountered both stars, first as leader of Detroit’s “Jordan Rules” defense, now as Detroit’s president of basketball operations.

“There are similarities the way things are set up now – but only for me,” Dumars said. “These guys don’t understand that parallel.”

The Pistons don’t care because they have said since October they’re on a mission to win it all after coming one quarter short of repeating last year in Game 7 of the finals at San Antonio.

Detroit hosts Game 1 today after a three-day break following a quick first-round series with Milwaukee. Cleveland had only Saturday off between winning at Washington in overtime of Game 6 and playing at The Palace.

“We have one day to prepare for them, and to go up there and try to get a win,” James said.