Comments on: Detroit Pistons Roundtable: Rodney Stuckey’s future

By: Big Rick

Big Rick — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 23:38:11 +0000

I think Patrick was a little bit harsh. I agree with Chris. People fail to realize that Stuckey missed a large part, (actually most) of his rookie season due to injury. So he has more like 2 years under his belt, not 3. He was a spark in the playoffs his rookie year and has improved each year since. He doesn’t finish as much as you would like him to at the rim, but he takes allot of punishment each time he drives and seldom gets the call. He should be among the league leaders in FTA but for some reason refs don’t respect his game and often swallow the whistle when he’s clearly fouled. His jumper has improved throughout the season and he’s a good rebounder for a guard. I think the biggest flaws to his game are his lack of a consistent 3-point shot, and his ball distributing. I can see him improving both of these areas in the next couple of years. I see him as a building block and a capable starter at both guard spots.

By: Zeiram

Zeiram — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 18:46:21 +0000

As I mentioned in a best case scenario Stuckey could mirror Billups. I think he has the capabilities to imitate his defense and his ball handling (turnovers). What I don´t see however are the other necessary pg skills passing, decision making, leadership. The more I watch Stuckey the more I thing he is a Wade type of player not a Billups or Deron Williams type of player. And I think right now and although ideally the Pistons have to have the latter type of player.

By: Dan Feldman

Dan Feldman — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:38:25 +0000

You are what you are by year three? How many players can you name who peaked their third year?

By: Dan Feldman

Dan Feldman — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:36:52 +0000

That’s a very interesting point, Brian. With Boozer playing for a contract this year, Williams is having an even better season that usual.

By: Dan Feldman

Dan Feldman — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:35:28 +0000

If he's extended, that new salary won't replace what he'll make next year. It will take effect the following season. So, unless you wait a year, you don't change your trade options.

But I get your point. I like Stuckey, but if you can trade him for a young, promising big man, I'd definitely be down with that.

By: Dan Feldman

Dan Feldman — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:33:27 +0000

I wouldn't lump defense in with those other attributes. Stuckey is actually a pretty good defender. He has the tools to be even better, but he's certainly not bad.

His turnover percentage has actually improved each season -- and took a big leap this year. I wouldn't bash him a ton in that regard, either.

By: nuetes

nuetes — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:58:30 +0000

Just better figure it out before his contract is up at the end of next year. I don’t think he has too much further to grow. Year 3 in the nba you basically are what you are, irrelevant of age. If he doesn’t exhibit any growth by next season you have to give up because if this is all Stuckey is you can’t win with him without a very very good star like wing player for him to compliment.

By: Brian

Brian — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:31:36 +0000

I do not know if Rodney Stuckey will ever develop into a great point guard, but we will not find out until the Pistons get serious about getting a C or PF who are real threats to score. Charlie V is the closest we got, but he is a part-time player who does not seem integral to the offense. Think Deron Williams would look as good without Carlos Boozer?

By: brgulker

brgulker — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:01:30 +0000

Rodney’s not a PG, and we’re currently spending nearly $25 million per year at SG in addition to him. Neither of those massive contracts are likely to go anywhere.
If I’m Joe, I’m seriously considering extending Rodney’s contract and then looking to ship him and/or a S&T. Right now, his contract’s too small, so we can’t get value back, but if we can sign him at the right price point, he becomes our very best trade chip (next to Tay + Wilcox’s expiring deals).
The thought of Bynum + Rip + BG as a backcourt rotation is a bit frightening, but if Stuckey can be turned into a productive big, I’ll take my chances.

Full Disclosure: I think Stuckey is massively overrated by Pistons brass, and I agree with Patrick and Mike — Stuckey would thrive in Jason Terry’s role.

By: Larry

Larry — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 23:10:55 +0000

I think Patrick Hayes nailed it. Stuckey could play for anyone and would be ideal as a “third man.” That said, I would trade him in a minute as part of a deal to land a legitimate force inside. In a peculiar way it makes me think of the Granderson baseball trade. You can make a strong case for trading a young player with real value in order to reconfigure a team so woefully out of balance.