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Archive → February, 2009

February 7th, 2009

Live Blog: Detroit at Milwaukee

By Dan Feldman • Posted in Live Blog • No Comment
February 7th, 2009

Game Preview: Detroit at Milwaukee

Date: Feb. 7, 2009

Time: 8:30 p.m.

Detroit record: 26-21

Milwaukee record: 24-28

Detroit probable starters:

PG SG SF PF C

Rodney
Stuckey		 Allen
Iverson		 Tayshaun
Prince		 Amir
Johnson		 Rasheed
Wallace

Milwaukee probable starters:

PG SG SF PF C

Ramon
Sessions		 Charlie
Bell		 Richard
Jefferson		 Charlie
Villanueva		 Francisco
Elson

Spread: Detroit -4

Outlook: Both teams should be well-rested. The Pistons haven’t played since Wednesday, and the Bucks have been off since Tuesday.

Millwaukee is missing Michael Redd, Andrew Bogut and Luke Ridnour, so this appears to be very winnable game for the struggling Pistons.

Richard Jefferson is definitely the Bucks’ main scorer now. If Tayshaun Prince plays solid defense, Detroit should win.

By Dan Feldman • Posted in Game Preview • No Comment
February 7th, 2009

Trading for Stoudemire?

The Pistons are one of the teams talking with the Suns about trading for Amar’e Stoudemire, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.com. He also said the Bulls and Heat are the most serious in their discussions.

Chad Ford wrote the Heat are looking for cap relief, young players and draft picks. He also gave a few trade possibilities. Here’s Detroit’s:

PISTONS: Amir Johnson and Rasheed Wallace

• See this trade in the ESPN Trade Machine

Why they’d do it: Joe Dumars has the best track record in the league of rehabilitating players other teams have given up on. Under his wing, Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace thrived. Could he do the same for Stoudemire? Add Amare to young gun Rodney Stuckey and great team players such as Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince, and the Pistons are a force again in the East. 

The Suns get Wallace’s expiring contract, plus they get Johnson, a young big with a ton of potential.

Why they wouldn’t: If they stand pat, the Pistons potentially will have $20 million under the cap this summer with little competition for big-time free agents. If Amare were to bolt Detroit in 2010 or fail to fit in, the Pistons would have swung and missed on their best chance to build another contender.

The Suns wouldn’t be getting much here. Wallace comes off the books this summer, but is Johnson good enough to be a difference-maker? He’s been a little ordinary in Detroit this year, raising the question, how much longer can we focus on his “potential” and wait for it to be realized?

I think this deal would be a no-brainer for the Pistons. Ford’s reasoning for why Detroit wouldn’t do it doesn’t make much sense. If Amar’e leaves in 2010, the Pistons would have the cap room to go after somebody else. This deal basically give Detroit two chances to find the right player in 2010.

His concerns about the Suns doing it, on the other hand, seem vailid. I think they could get more from other teams.

By Dan Feldman • Posted in Notes • No Comment
February 7th, 2009

McDyess wants to come off the bench

Antonio McDyess said he prefers coming off the bench, according to Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press.

“I can analyze the game,” said McDyess, a 13-year veteran. “I sit there and get my rest, prepare and look how the game’s flowing. I can see what I need to do when I step on the floor instead of setting the pace.”

So scrap any positive thoughts I had about moving him into the starting lineup. There would just be too many players in uncomfortable roles.

Check back for a live blog of tonight’s Pistons-Bucks game at 8:30.

By Dan Feldman • Posted in Notes • 1 Comment
February 6th, 2009

Sheed to the Spurs?

ESPN’S Marc Stein detailed some trade rumblings in his column today, and one involved the Pistons:

“5. San Antonio’s desire to acquire one more big man (preferably a floor-stretching big man) to counter the Lakers and Boston is no secret.

The surprise stems from the rumbles I’ve heard about Detroit free-agent-to-be Rasheed Wallace, he who is chief among the Pistons unsettled by the realization that big changes are undoubtedly coming in that locker room, having legit interest in joining the Spurs to team up with his 2005 NBA Finals nemesis Tim Duncan.

Don’t see a real trade possibility here — given that the Pistons are unlikely to take back anything other than expiring contracts for the expiring deals possessed by Wallace andAllen Iverson unless they have a chance to trade for someone like Stoudemire or Chris Bosh– but it’s something to file away for free agency.”

Wallace would be a perfect fit with the Spurs. He takes pride in his defense, and his ability to stretch the floor would be perfect for their offense. And, most importantly, a change of scenery would re-energize him.

But as Timothy Varner of 48 Minutes of Hell pointed out, it’s pretty tough to find a workable deal between Detroit and San Antonio. Here are a couple trades that might make the most sense, and they’re not all that feasible:

Rasheed Wallace for Manu Ginobili and Kurt Thomas

First of all, I doubt the Spurs would make this deal. Ginobili is too important to them.

This trade gets the Pistons the best player possible, but they already have a log jam at shooting guard. It probably wouldn’t make sense for Detroit without also trading Allen Iverson or Richard Hamilton for a big man.

Both Ginobili and Thomas have two years left on their contracts, so the Pistons wouldn’t lose any cap space for the free agent class of 2010.

Rasheed Wallace for Kurt Thomas, Matt Bonner, Fabricio Oberto, Jacque Vaughn and draft picks

This deal probably makes more sense. It’s basically Wallace for spare parts and draft picks. All their contracts will be up by 2010, but Vaughn is the only one whose is up this year.

A caveat: Pistons president Joe Dumars probably wants to save cap room for 2010, not for this summer. But if he wants the space right now, this trade doesn’t make any sense.

The deal obviously comes down to the draft picks. Detroit gave up two first-rounders to acquire Wallace. The Spurs are in a similar position to the Pistons in 2004, so two first-rounders might make sense here, too.

San Antonio doesn’t have its 2009 first-round draft pick. But it’s probably beneficial for the Pistons to not have to pay an extra rookie until after 2010.

And the last time Detroit traded an aging big man for a distant draft pick, it was quite a steal. The Pistons traded Otis Thorpe to the Vancouver Grizzlies for a future first round pick in 1997. Six years later, that pick turned into the second-overall pick in the best draft in NBA history.

OK, maybe it wasn’t such a steal.

By Dan Feldman • Posted in Analysis • No Comment
February 5th, 2009

McDyess might start

Pistons coach Michael Curry said Antonio McDyess might move into the starting lineup, according to Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press.

If McDyess prefers to come off the bench, I wouldn’t do it. Allen Iverson, Richard Hamilton and Jason Maxiell are already in uncomfortable roles. There’s no sense in spreading that discontent.

But if he has no preference, or prefers starting, I think it’s a good move. Sometimes, Amir Johnson provides quality energy, but he’s a non-factor too often.

Detroit doesn’t seem to have any presence on the glass until McDyess enters the game. That’s why he’s usually the first player off the bench — even ahead of Hamilton.

And with Hamilton, Maxiell and Johnson, the Pistons would still have plenty of punch in the second unit.

By Dan Feldman • Posted in Notes • 2 Comments
February 5th, 2009

Professional Game Coverage: Detroit 93, Miami 90

By Dan Feldman • Posted in Professional Game Coverage • No Comment
February 4th, 2009

Game Preview: Detroit vs. Miami

Date: Feb. 4, 2009

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Detroit record: 25-21

Miami record: 26-21

Detroit probable starters:

PG SG SF PF C

Rodney
Stuckey		 Allen
Iverson		 Tayshaun
Prince		 Amir
Johnson		 Rasheed
Wallace

Miami probable starters:

PG SG SF PF C

Mario
Chalmers		 Dwyane
Wade		 Shawn
Marion		 Udonis
Haslem		 Jamaal
Magloire

Spread: Detroit -4

Outlook: There are no must-wins before the All-Star break, but tonight’s contest has some pretty big ramifications.

Winning cures almost every problem, and the Pistons sure have their problems, according to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News.

What I am seeing is a divided locker room.

In one camp are the veterans — Prince, Rasheed Wallace, Richard Hamilton and Antonio McDyess — the guys who have been here for the better part of the six-year run of success.

In another camp are the younger players — Jason Maxiell, Amir Johnson, Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo. They came aboard late in this run and are kind of stuck on an island between the veterans and a third faction.

Allen Iverson — the new guy.

These troubles are certainly understanding, considering the Pistons aren’t used to struggling. And the fact that their last two losses came against the teams that knocked them out of the Eastern Conference Finals in the last two seasons just compounds the disappointment.

That’s why tonight’s game is so pivotal. The Heat, who beat Detroit in the conference finals three years ago, are also a reminder of Detroit’s recent shortcomings.

Of course, the Pistons could always turn around later in the season. But the longer it takes, the more likely serious chemistry problems develop.

The Pistons main focus will be slowing Dwyane Wade, who leads the NBA with 28.5 points per game. The Heat are just 7-11 when Wade scores fewer than 27 points.

But leading a group of underperformers and young players, Wade can do more than just score. He averages 7.1 assists, five rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.5 blocks per game.

Rodney Stuckey will have the first chance of guarding Wade, according to Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press.

Expect Tayshaun Prince, Richard Hamilton and Arron Afflalo to guard Wade, too.

By Dan Feldman • Posted in Game Preview • No Comment
February 3rd, 2009

Fixing All-Star Weekend

The Two Man Game asked the members of the TrueHoop Network how to change All Star-Weekend. Jeremy Wagner of Roundball Mining Company had my favorite idea:

 I would like to see players other than guards participate in the skills challenge.  How fun would it be to watch Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Dirk Nowitzki, LaMarcus Aldridge and Lamar Odom battle it out?  There could also be a big man division with players like Tim Duncan, Dwight Howard, Nene, Amare Stoudemire, Pau Gasol and Marcus Camby.

The last change to the competition format would be a pentathlon. There could be a skills challenge, three point shootout, trick shot shootout, race four lengths of the court with a basketball and then maybe the Mikan Drill (60 seconds to make as many layups as you can alternating hands with each shot).  Whoever wins would be given the title of The Most Complete Player in the NBA or Most Versatile Player in the NBA.  A financial bonus is this could be held at a second venue resulting in more ticket sales.

Here are my ideas:

Get rid of the sophomores (in the Rookie Challenge). Would you rather see Kevin Durant and Co. beat up up on some first-year players or get a chance to see Kevin Love, Marreese Speights, Eric Gordon, Mario Chalmers and Joe Alexander in extended action?

An old-timer’s game. I’m not talking about a bunch of guys standing out of the way so Julius Erving can try to dunk. I want to see some guys who aren’t that far from their retirement and are still competitive enough to want to win.  This may mean former All-Stars like Michael Jordan, Reggie Miller, Karl Malone, Dennis Rodman, David Robinson, Hakeem Olajuwan, Glen Rice, Scottie Pippen, Rik Smits, Antoine Walker, Mitch Richmond, Nick Van Exel, Terrell Brandon  or Alonzo Mourning. Or this might mean role players who are still in shape, like P.J. Brown, Robert Horry, Kevin Willis, Toni Kukoc, Jon Barry or Clifford Robinson. A good mix of the two groups would provide the best game.

Also, a Two-on-two tournament between players from each state and country (that has two player represented in the NBA). Games would be short, probably to seven. This could bring some March Madness-type Cinderella stories to the weekend. And think of the potential for jersey sales. Here’s a look at what teams might look like:

Alabama: Ben Wallace and Gerald Wallace
Alaska: Carlos Boozer and Mario Chalmers
Arkansas: Joe Johnson and Derek Fisher
California: Ray Allen and Tayshaun Prince
Connecticut: Ryan Gomes and Marcus Camby
Delaware: Joey Graham and Steven Graham
Washington D.C.: Delonte West and Kevin Durant
Florida: Amar’e Stoudemire and Vince Carter
Georgia: Dwight Howard and Josh Smith
Illinois: Dwyaye Wade and Andre Iguodala
Indiana: Greg Oden and Zach Randolph
Iowa: Nick Collison and Patrick O’Bryant
Kansas: Earl Watson and Maurice Evans
Kentucky: Rajon Rondo and Greg Buckner
Louisiana: Danny Granger and Paul Millsap
Maryland: Jeff Green and Rudy Gay
Massachusetts: Demetris Nichols and Courtney Sims
Michigan: Jason Richardson and Kenyon Martin
Minnesota: Joel Przybilla and Devean George
Mississippi: Al Jefferson and Mo Williams
Missouri: David Lee and Larry Hughes
Nevada: C.J. Watson and Ricky Davis
New Jersey: Shaquille O’Neal and David West
New York: Carmelo Anthony and Elton Brand
North Carolina: Chris Paul and Josh Howard
Ohio: Lebron James and Kevin Martin
Oklahoma: Shelden Williams and Jake Voskuhl
Oregon: Ronnie Brewer and Ime Udoka
Pennsylvania: Kobe Bryant and Jameer Nelson
South Carolina: Kevin Garnett and Raymond Felton
Tennessee: Brandan Wright and J.J. Redick
Texas: Chris Bosh and LaMarcus Aldridge
Virginia: Allen Iverson and Keith Bogans
Washington: Brandon Roy and Rodney Stuckey
West Virginia: O.J. Mayo and Deron Williams
Wisconsin: Caron Butler and Devin Harris
Argentina: Manu Ginobili and Luis Scola
Brazil: Nene and Anderson Varejao
Canada: Steve Nash and Samuel Dalembert
China: Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Dikembe Mutumbo and Didier Ilunga-Mbenga
Dominican Republic: Fransisco Garcia and Al Horford
France: Tony Parker and Boris Diaw
Germany: Dirk Nowitzki and Chris Kaman
Italy: Andrea Bargnani and Danilo Gallinari
Lithuania: Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Linas Kleiza
Netherlands: Dan Gadzuric and Fransisco Elson
Nigeria: Emeka Okafor and Ime Udoka
Puerto Rico: Carlos Arroyo and Jose Barea
Senegal: DeSagana Diop and Cheick Samb
Serbia: Peja Stojakavic and Aleksandar Pavlovic
Slovenia: Rasho Nesterovic and Beno Udrih
Spain: Pau Gasol and Jose Calderon
Turkey: Mehmet Okur and Hedo Turkoglu
Ukraine: Kyrylo Fesenko and Oleksiy Pecherov
United Kingdom: Ben Gordon and Luol Deng
Virgin Islands: Raja Bell and Tim Duncan

By Dan Feldman • Posted in Analysis • No Comment
February 2nd, 2009

Professional Game Coverage: Cleveland 90, Detroit 80

By Dan Feldman • Posted in Professional Game Coverage • No Comment
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