Comments on: Jonas Jerebko: Joe Dumars and Arnie Kander advised against playing for Sweden this summer

By: Jacob G

Jacob G — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:12:44 +0000

There was a 3 year window which Gores gave Joe D (to at least make the playoffs, but more reasonably to make some noise in the playoffs). This coincides with the contracts that were awarded this offseason, Lawrence Frank’s contract, as well as future expiring contracts (BG, CV).
To that end, there was no chance for JJ to undergo any player development this offseason like he had after his rookie year; in fact, the year of recovery may have even reversed some of that development. It is a very different team this year compared to his rookie year, but it seems to me that his game has stayed the same, maybe even regressed. If the next 3 years are going to be a litmus test for this team model and Joe D as its architect, then it is important to get our young players to develop as much as possible. JJ only just turned 24 and has plenty of upside and opportunities for improvement but in too many ways he is the same player he was when the Pistons drafted him almost 3 years ago. Everyone wants to right this ship, but now that there is a finite time for doing so, it is imperative that everyone (top to bottom) do their fair share. For JJ that will mean passing on this Olympics, but does passing on a rainy Olympics in London really matter when you can go to Rio at 28, coming off a long playoff run?
Lastly, playing in the Olympics for Sweden does not offer the learning experience playing for team USA or Spain would. What JJ (far and away their best player- unless Noah…) would gain in intangibles, does not compare favorably to what he could gain during a targeted offseason training regiment tailored by the Kander.

By: steve battle creek, mi

steve battle creek, mi — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:01:45 +0000

The Mavs did this with Dirk a few years ago as well. This is not uncommon as he is being paid by the NBA team, so if they ask i think as an employee he should follow their direction. Also are we really questioning Arnie Kander?? If arnie says this is the way to go, i would follow his directions.

By: domnick

domnick — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 04:36:06 +0000

well 6th man or not.. the only concern is…. i dont want to waste a chance in making him grow on his game.. it is clear that he has a huge upside and he can still expand his game…
commiting to national team will only halt that.. and he needs time with Detroit too… so step down first and come back to national team later… the national team program doesnt die right away anyway…

By: Max

Max — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 22:47:42 +0000

I’m happy that JJ will be focused on his career in the NBA this summer.

By: tarsier

tarsier — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 21:23:37 +0000

Yeah except that JJ would be a much bigger boon to Sweden’s team than to the Pistons. I mean, I like the guy and all, but in the NBA, he is at best a 6th man on a good team.

By: Mel Crosby

Mel Crosby — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 19:09:17 +0000

Yeah I agree Obie, plus it’s not like he never played for his country in the past. JJ’s goal has always been the NBA. I totally believe JJ is for this as well. He wants to prove himself in the NBA he’s already done that in Sweden. After next season he’ll do his thang in Sweden too.

By: Obie

Obie — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:48:02 +0000

JJ is a well paid employee of the Pistons. It’s absurd to think they don’t have a voice in his decision to play international ball over the summer. They pay him millions. They have a right to protect their investment.

By: domnick

domnick — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:29:48 +0000

hmmm on the other hand… its not safe to play for your country and what happens next when the player gets hurt and can’t even help his NBA Team?
just like what happened to Yao Ming… he played Olympics and now got retired… yeah he is a hero in China.. but can’t be 100% in NBA with a chance to win championship….