Well, A+ Joe D. It took some luck and predictably unpredictable drafting, but you got Brandon Knight. He was one of the 4 players I didn't we had a chance of getting. Granted, it's another guard, but you gotta take the BPA. This grade goes higher if you can get rid of Rip, Gordon, or Stuckey. Higher than an A+ you ask? We will have to invent one. Z? Do you think it just rolls around to Z?
COLLEGE CAREER
As for the type of player Knight is, he averaged 17.3 points and 4.2 assists per game as a freshman at Kentucky. He will not be a classic pass-first PG, but more of a scorer like Derrick Rose or even Chauncey B-B-B-B-BILLUPS!!! He also improved dramatically as the year went on. He was named Most Outstanding player of his region in the NCAA Tournament. All SEC, All SEC Freshman team, and actually broke last year's Kentucky Freshman scoring record. Dude is legit. Oh, and he eliminated Ohio State.
HIGH SCHOOL
I am a big recruiting fan, so I have known about Brandon Knight for a long time. And Knight was the number one player in the country for a majority of his senior season. He was also only the third junior to be named Gatorade Player of the year, joining Greg Oden and Lebron James. He won the award again as a senior. When the final recruiting rankings were released, he was the #6 player over all to both Scout and Rivals.
NEXT SEASON
Who knows? Tracy McGrady averaged 23 minutes per game. Will Bynum? 18.4. Then add in starters Rip and Stuckey. Something's gotta give. I have to hope Knight gets major minutes, if not starts from day one. You now have 2 legit building blocks in Knight and Monroe. Austin Daye and Jerebko are nice pieces. That's it. I would keep Stuckey if I could get rid of Hamilton and Gordon. Imagine a starting 5 of Knight, Stuckey, Daye, Monroe and Big Ben. Good and young with Ben's defense. Is it a playoff team? Probably not, but it's a start. Plus they have two more picks. The third pick of the second round (#33 overall) and the 22nd of round 2 (#52 overall).
Overall, I give it an A+. He wasn't supposed to be there at #8. Hell, he didn't even work out for Detroit. But it was like Nick Fairley. I didn't even consider him when Detroit was on the clock, because I never thought he would be available. Until I say Jay Bilas' "Best Available" ticker, I figured we would draft a Morris brother, or Kemba Walker. I am stoked. I also wouldn't be surprised if he's traded soon. He doesn't fit the biggest need right now.
Showing posts with label Pistons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pistons. Show all posts
Thursday, June 23, 2011
2011 NBA Draft Primer
It’s that time again, Pistons fans. Time for Joe Dumars to throw a dart and select the newest members of our team. For every triple-20 (Monroe, Jerebko) he throws, he also hits the wall (Darko, Daye, the narcoleptic Walter Sharpe). Rarely does he hit a solid 15 to close it out (Stuckey). So it is more exciting than the NFL draft in that you never know what’s gonna happen.
My love of the NBA draft started in 1991 when Larry “Grandmama” Johnson was drafted by Charlotte first overall. I watched him beat Duke in the NCAA Final, and was a huge fan. Plus I had a teal starter Hornets jacket. This one in fact...
I thought I was the SHIT in that jacket. And as it turned out, I was. I got pooped on by a seagull on the left shoulder while feeding the fish outside Reflection's restaurant in Belleville. Ironic, huh Alanis?
Anywho.... My love continued when Chris Webber went number one overall in 1993. Timeout aside, I loved Webber. I saw him play in Ypsi when he was a senior at Country Day when my sister sang the National Anthem. Then he got traded right away for Penny Hardaway. My first introduction to the business side of sports.
Up next was 1995. I was at my dad's softball game when I heard the Pistons got Grant Hill. As much as I hated Duke (and still do for that matter) I liked Grant Hill. Of course had I known the teal era was forthcoming, my excitement would have been tempered.
The next big one for me was 2003. Darko. Fuck.
So now I will provide my guide to tonight's festivities.
The Pistons draft 8th (barring a trade, more on that in a bit) in one of the weakest drafts in recent memory. How weak? A mormon that will shoot anytime after he reaches mid-court is a lottery-lock.
There are 4 players that have a less than 1% chance of lasting until 8th.
Kyrie Irving-PG Duke. Almost a lock to go #1 to Cleveland.
Derrick Williams-F Arizona. High floor/ low ceiling.
Enes Kanter-C Kentucky/Turkey. Looks like a randomized create a prospect from NBA Live.
Brandon Knight-PG Kentucky. Joins Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, and John Wall as Calipari PGs.
Any of those guys in Detroit would get an A+ in my book. Another way to get an A+ is for Joe D to get rid of any of the following: Rip, Ben Gordon, Villanueva. They are expensive and shitty. Give up what you have to. Take on bad contracts. Just ship them out.
Assuming Detroit still picks 8th, there are some talented players available. I will break them down into grade-levels.
A
Jonas Valanciunas- Lithuanian (hello bias) C with huge upside. He has buyout concerns, so he may slip. Otherwise he's a top-5 talent.
Bismack Biyombo-Conganese. Congolian? Congan? He's from Congo. He brings blocks and dunks. A local favorite.
Jan Vesely-Huge Czech SF that projects to Andrei Kirilenko when he was still good.
These guys have A upside and huge bust potential. This team needs to swing for the fences.
B
Kemba Walker-UCONN PG. Undersized, but can definitely score. Led UCONN to the Title.
Chris Singleton-Florida State SF. A personal favorite, but may be a reach at #8.
Tristan Thompson-Texas PF. Meh. Should be good, not great.
Kawhi Leonard-SDSU SF. Like Thompson with slightly more boom/bust potential.
C
Marcus Morris or Markieff Morris Kansas PFs. Twinsies that will be seperated. How will they react. Marcus is the better player, fwiw.
Klay Thompson-Wash. St SG. Son of NBA player. Drug charges. Skinny. Good shooter.
F
Jimmer Fredette-BYU SG. National sensation. Adam Morrison but short. DO. NOT.WANT.
Anyone else gets an F as well. I can't see it being anyone else which means it will be some 5'6'' Eskimo with great intangibles.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Pistons are mercifully eliminated
I hate when math takes this long to confirm common sense, but any dwindling hope of the Pistons making the playoffs is D-E-D, dead. Despite a horrible roster, bad coaching, and anarchy in the locker room, they made it until April 1st. It's like a condemned prisoner going to the doctor. The fate was sealed long ago, but it was drawn out too long.
The upside of this is that draftniks like myself can start looking ahead to June 23. Detroit is currently in position to draft ninth, but anything can happen in the lottery. So assuming they can do no worse than 9th, let's see who could be sitting on the bench behind less talented players in October...
Players who will be gone...
This section is for the elite prospects that will be top 5 draft picks in alphabetical order. Keep in mind the NBA draft is much more about upside than the NFL draft.
Harrison Barnes-The number one player coming out of high school, he started slow for UNC but came on in the spring. He scored 40 against Clemson in the ACC tournament, and is an elite SF.
Kyrie Irving-The freshman PG from Duke missed most of the season with a foot injury, but has shown that he's an elite prospect. He averaged 17.5 ppg on a loaded Blue Devil team.
Perry Jones-Another player one year removed from high school, Jones didn't have the type of impact at Baylor that many people expected of him. He is still extremely athletic, and a top-5 lock should he declare.
Enes Kanter-Imagine how messy your situation is if Calipari can't get you into Kentucky. Kanter's status was different because he is from Turkey and already played some pro ball. He is big, athletic, and has huge upside.
Derrick Williams-A rare player who spent a whopping 2 years at Arizona. He is somewhat undersized at 6'8'' 240 lbs, but can score and rebound with anyone. He would have been a lottery pick last year, and should go top-5 this year.
Best of the rest
These are the players that could have an immediate impact, but are a notch below the players listed above.Once again, players are listed in alphabetical order.
Terrence Jones-Another Kentucky player in the top ten. He is slightly undersized, but has good range. He has a boom/bust aspect that is unmatched by the players listed.
Kawhi Leonard-Relatively unknown to most fans, he has been on NBA radars for 3 years. He became a bigger name as SDSU earned a 2 seed. He should be solid, if not unspectacular.
Donatas Motiejunas-One of two Lithuanian big men who should be lottery picks. I haven't seen him play, but he's supposedly good.
Jonas Valanciunas-The second Lithuanian Sensation. Again, I am trusting the mock drafts I have read. I am part Lithuanian, so I don't want to see him in Detroit.
Kemba Walker-The UCONN PG was the best player in college this season if you ask me. He dominated in the Big East, the Big East Tournament, and has UCONN in the Final Four. He can get his shot whenever he wants, and should be a good pro.
That would be my top 10. If I had to put money on who ends up a Piston, it would be on Jimmer Fredette. He would fit in with the rest of the Pistons in that he needs 30 shots a game to score 30. I would have included Jared Sullinger, but he says he's staying at OSU.
If I were to put them in order, it would be:
Let's hope the lottery works out, and they get a top-5 pick.
The upside of this is that draftniks like myself can start looking ahead to June 23. Detroit is currently in position to draft ninth, but anything can happen in the lottery. So assuming they can do no worse than 9th, let's see who could be sitting on the bench behind less talented players in October...
Players who will be gone...
This section is for the elite prospects that will be top 5 draft picks in alphabetical order. Keep in mind the NBA draft is much more about upside than the NFL draft.
Harrison Barnes-The number one player coming out of high school, he started slow for UNC but came on in the spring. He scored 40 against Clemson in the ACC tournament, and is an elite SF.
Kyrie Irving-The freshman PG from Duke missed most of the season with a foot injury, but has shown that he's an elite prospect. He averaged 17.5 ppg on a loaded Blue Devil team.
Perry Jones-Another player one year removed from high school, Jones didn't have the type of impact at Baylor that many people expected of him. He is still extremely athletic, and a top-5 lock should he declare.
Enes Kanter-Imagine how messy your situation is if Calipari can't get you into Kentucky. Kanter's status was different because he is from Turkey and already played some pro ball. He is big, athletic, and has huge upside.
Derrick Williams-A rare player who spent a whopping 2 years at Arizona. He is somewhat undersized at 6'8'' 240 lbs, but can score and rebound with anyone. He would have been a lottery pick last year, and should go top-5 this year.
Best of the rest
These are the players that could have an immediate impact, but are a notch below the players listed above.Once again, players are listed in alphabetical order.
Terrence Jones-Another Kentucky player in the top ten. He is slightly undersized, but has good range. He has a boom/bust aspect that is unmatched by the players listed.
Kawhi Leonard-Relatively unknown to most fans, he has been on NBA radars for 3 years. He became a bigger name as SDSU earned a 2 seed. He should be solid, if not unspectacular.
Donatas Motiejunas-One of two Lithuanian big men who should be lottery picks. I haven't seen him play, but he's supposedly good.
Jonas Valanciunas-The second Lithuanian Sensation. Again, I am trusting the mock drafts I have read. I am part Lithuanian, so I don't want to see him in Detroit.
Kemba Walker-The UCONN PG was the best player in college this season if you ask me. He dominated in the Big East, the Big East Tournament, and has UCONN in the Final Four. He can get his shot whenever he wants, and should be a good pro.
That would be my top 10. If I had to put money on who ends up a Piston, it would be on Jimmer Fredette. He would fit in with the rest of the Pistons in that he needs 30 shots a game to score 30. I would have included Jared Sullinger, but he says he's staying at OSU.
If I were to put them in order, it would be:
- Irving
- Kanter
- Barnes
- Williams
- Perry Jones
- Walker
- Leonard
- Valanciunas
- Motiejunas
- Terrence Jones
Let's hope the lottery works out, and they get a top-5 pick.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Lol Pistons. Just Plain Lol
(I realize that most of this is old news)
Well, it finally happened. A local team has surpassed the Lions as the laughing-stock of the Detroit Sports landscape. So congrats, Pistons. You have made the Lions (and most other professional sports teams) look like the Pats/Yankees/Steelers/Lakers/et al. A team with so much recent success, and an NBA championship as recently as 2003-2004, now looks like any team from any sports movie until the 1 hour mark. They are the Cleveland Indians before they found out about Rachel Phelps. They are the Texas State Fighting Armadillos before the bar fight.
So what caused them to go down faster than a cheerleader on a Friday night? There are many reasons:
- Joe Dumars
- Charlie Villanueva
- Ben Gordon
- Rip Hamilton
- Joe Dumars
I think the blame is mainly on Joe Dumars, if I didn't make that clear above. He signed the other people on the list to insane contracts. Like Charlie Sheen insane. This we know. Despite being overpaid, this roster has talent. But not elite talent. And seeing teams like Boston, Miami, Chicago, New York, Orlando, OKC, Dallas, and to a lesser extent San Antonio atop the standings is not surprising due to them all having at least one Superstar. I exclude the Spurs because I fucking hate the Spurs. Tim Duncan with his George Mikan bank shots. Tony Parker is French. Manu Ginobli looks like cousin Balki. But everyone else has player/s that could be the star on any team. Detroit has a few nice 3/4/5 options on decent teams. Does anyone think Ben Gordon would ever get the ball in Miami? Would Tayshaun average 10 minutes per game in Boston? Hell, they barely do here, and we're terrible.
Ben Gordon was signed to a 5 year 58 Million dollar contract prior to last season. He has started 41 of his 125 games as a Piston. Villanueva makes 7 Million per year. He has started 27 of his 138 games in two years. So obviously, there were problems coming into the year. Then the last few weeks happened....
The trade deadline was the one chance for optimism. The chance to unload guys like Rip and Tay. To pick up expiring contracts/younger players/draft picks. It's the one time I was actively searching for Pistons news all year. And the rumors were flying. Tayshaun to Dallas for Caron Butler's expiring contract and a first round pick? Pistons decline. Rip to Cleveland for 12.6 Mil and a 2nd? Rip declines (although the Pistons were to give up a lottery protected 1st in 2012(which would have been protected) so it isn't as bad) even though he thinks Kuester is a career assistant coach? Jebus, if that doesn't scream bitter, I'm not sure what does. Oh, maybe this, He also turned down a buyout and the ability to go play with Derrick Rose in Chicago.
 |
| Have another, Rip! |
But at least the veteran players are committed to finishing strong. Yeah, about that.... What a shambles. I have seen better organizational control at USC. The Lohan family thinks the Pistons are dysfunctional.
I would venture to say that leaves Detroit as a lottery team come draft time. They are currently in line for the 8th spot based on record. That leaves them out of the running for guys like Jared Sullinger, Enes Kanter, etc.
There really is no silver lining to be seen. They are saddled with disgruntled, overpaid players. No chemistry. A coach who has lost control of his team. No owner. A GM that rewards mediocre players like they have incriminating photos of him. I guess the only thing worth watching is the freak show. Does Rip go all Sprewell on Kuester? Does CV31 steal a teammates eyebrows? The opportunities are endless!
Monday, January 10, 2011
What is a Johan Petro, and Why Do I Want to Kiss Him on the Mouth?
Johan Petro is apparently a 2.13 meter tall, 112 kilo Center currently playing for the New Jersey Nets. According to his wiki, he is a French National Team member of Guadeloupean descent. But Chris Mannix from SI.com informs us that he is the key to getting out from under Rip Hamilton's contract. The latest news on the 15 player/3 team trade has the Pistons getting rid of Rip and receiving Troy Murphy, Johan Petro, and a first round draft pick. Troy Murphy is important because his contract expires after this year, and fills the big, goofy, white guy quota missing since Jonas Jerebko
went down. Or he seeks a buy out, and we don't have to deal with him at all.
This is just the next step in my plan of World domination. Check out my holiday wishlist...This would be 3/3. This would give the Pistons 2 first rounders in the 2011 NBA Draft, and taking a quick peek at an early mock draft, those two picks would be Harrison Barnes and Josh Selby, though the Lithuanian in me would want Donatas Motiejunas. I realize the Nets pick wouldn't be as good, since their team would improve with Chauncey, Rip, and Melo joining Lopez, but its all there is to go off of. It would also allow Ben Gordon to earn his contract, which is a good thing.
These things tend to fall apart with so many teams/players/contracts/agents involved, but sources say its fairly close. We just can't forget about Matt Geiger costing the Pistons Allen Iverson
when he was still good in 2001.
went down. Or he seeks a buy out, and we don't have to deal with him at all.This is just the next step in my plan of World domination. Check out my holiday wishlist...This would be 3/3. This would give the Pistons 2 first rounders in the 2011 NBA Draft, and taking a quick peek at an early mock draft, those two picks would be Harrison Barnes and Josh Selby, though the Lithuanian in me would want Donatas Motiejunas. I realize the Nets pick wouldn't be as good, since their team would improve with Chauncey, Rip, and Melo joining Lopez, but its all there is to go off of. It would also allow Ben Gordon to earn his contract, which is a good thing.
These things tend to fall apart with so many teams/players/contracts/agents involved, but sources say its fairly close. We just can't forget about Matt Geiger costing the Pistons Allen Iverson
when he was still good in 2001.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
A quick recap
There have been a few interesting tidbits the last few days, but nothing really worth its own post, so I will lump them all together here:
The Michigan coaching search is still a circus with Jim Harbaugh
going to the 49ers. The latest rumors have them linked to Les Miles. He's batshit
crazy, but has a better track record than Hoke, so I would be ok with that.
Speaking of Michigan, the first and certainly not last signs that the coaching situation is going to affect the long term success were announced on National TV yesterday at the Army All American Bowl. Three players, who were at one time thought to be Michigan leans committed elsewhere. Kris Frost, a WR/LB from NC committed to Auburn. FL S/OLB/Valedictorian Wayne Lyons declared for Stanford. Previously committed Army Player of the Year RB Dee Hart officially announced his intentions to go to Alabama
. Rivals.com calls Michigan the "biggest loser" of the Army Bowl. Add to that the wavering commitments of other recruits, and, well, fuck....
On to brighter news. Lions Rookie of the Year candidate Ndamukong Suh (Vote for him here) will not be playing in the Pro Bowl due to a shoulder injury. It sucks, but I'd rather him be healthy for next season.
The Pistons are starting to get included in trade scenarios, citing their desire to shed salary. This one has Rip leaving, and Troy Murphy's expiring contract coming. I would jump on that. And if you think Detroit is giving up too much talent, add in Chris Wilcox or Jason Maxiell
. ZING!!!
The Tigers are still being linked to Starting Pitchers. The most intriguing option I have heard is Brad Penny.
Verlander, Porcello, Scherzer,Penny, and Coke/Galarraga is a strong rotation. With Matt Garza going to the Cubs for a huge prospect package...umm....package of prospects, the trade market is looking expensive.
The Michigan Basketball team takes on the Semi-pro team, the Kansas Jayhawks today at 4:30 on CBS. I am receiving word that despite the recent transgressions, Kansas is still considered an NCAA team. My bad. They feature the Morris twins, Marcus and Markief, freshman guard, Josh Selby, who missed nine games for violating NCAA rules, and freshman guard Royce Woolridge. Woolridge is only averaging 3.9 minutes per game, but is the son of former NBA player and Detroit Piston, Orlando Woolridge. He was on the receiving end of a nasty posterization by Michael Jordan in 1990...
In non local news, what a crazy day in the NFL yesterday. I will sum it up with Marshawn Lynch's run...
The Michigan coaching search is still a circus with Jim Harbaugh
going to the 49ers. The latest rumors have them linked to Les Miles. He's batshit crazy, but has a better track record than Hoke, so I would be ok with that.Speaking of Michigan, the first and certainly not last signs that the coaching situation is going to affect the long term success were announced on National TV yesterday at the Army All American Bowl. Three players, who were at one time thought to be Michigan leans committed elsewhere. Kris Frost, a WR/LB from NC committed to Auburn. FL S/OLB/Valedictorian Wayne Lyons declared for Stanford. Previously committed Army Player of the Year RB Dee Hart officially announced his intentions to go to Alabama
. Rivals.com calls Michigan the "biggest loser" of the Army Bowl. Add to that the wavering commitments of other recruits, and, well, fuck....On to brighter news. Lions Rookie of the Year candidate Ndamukong Suh (Vote for him here) will not be playing in the Pro Bowl due to a shoulder injury. It sucks, but I'd rather him be healthy for next season.
The Pistons are starting to get included in trade scenarios, citing their desire to shed salary. This one has Rip leaving, and Troy Murphy's expiring contract coming. I would jump on that. And if you think Detroit is giving up too much talent, add in Chris Wilcox or Jason Maxiell
. ZING!!!The Tigers are still being linked to Starting Pitchers. The most intriguing option I have heard is Brad Penny.
Verlander, Porcello, Scherzer,Penny, and Coke/Galarraga is a strong rotation. With Matt Garza going to the Cubs for a huge prospect package...umm....package of prospects, the trade market is looking expensive.
The Michigan Basketball team takes on the Semi-pro team, the Kansas Jayhawks today at 4:30 on CBS. I am receiving word that despite the recent transgressions, Kansas is still considered an NCAA team. My bad. They feature the Morris twins, Marcus and Markief, freshman guard, Josh Selby, who missed nine games for violating NCAA rules, and freshman guard Royce Woolridge. Woolridge is only averaging 3.9 minutes per game, but is the son of former NBA player and Detroit Piston, Orlando Woolridge. He was on the receiving end of a nasty posterization by Michael Jordan in 1990...
In non local news, what a crazy day in the NFL yesterday. I will sum it up with Marshawn Lynch's run...
Monday, December 20, 2010
My SEMS Holiday Wish List
No matter your beliefs, most people celebrate a holiday where you receive gifts around this time of year. I fall into that category as well. I am going to try to not get stuck with socks again by making my wishes known.
I want the whole RichRod situation resolved. I am firmly in the keep him camp, but am smart enough to realize that I am in the minority. So whatever Dave Brandon decides, just be 100% committed to it. The worst thing that could happen is some wishy-washy press conference pledging allegiance "for now" or "for the immediate future". Either fire him, or give him 2 more years (minimum), but make it concrete.
I want the Lions to win out. I realize that means Drew Stanton plays well, and Patrick Peterson will most likely be gone by the time they draft, but I want to see Detroit be more than an off season afterthought for the top free agents. Too many times, the Lions had to overpay to bring in marginal talent. This offseason is going to be crazy, (barring a miracle), and I want to see top players make this their first visit for a change. KVB signed here, but he'sold a veteran, and had a long standing relationship with Jim Schwartz.
I want the Pistons to blow it up. All of it. Trade everyone you can. Rip? Gone. Tay? So long. CV and BG? Hasta and La Vista. Keep Greg Monroe, Stuckey, and maybe Jonas Jerebko. Get young players with upside and draft picks. The Iverson trade was supposed to open up money for Bosh/Wade/David Lee/et al. Instead they signed two guys who have started 5 games combined this year. I love Joe Dumars for the early 90's, and 2006, but yikes.
I want the Red Wings to keep doing what they do. I don't know enough about hockey to feel I can make the right changes.
I want the Spartans to remember one thing.
I want the Tigers to make a big trade. Not Aubrey Huff or Jarrod Washburn big. I mean Miggy/Dontrelle big. The Tigers have a few very desirable prospects in Turner, Oliver, Castellanos, Crosby, and Fields. Use them. I remember being livid after I heard they gave up both Andrew Miller and Cam Maybin to acquire Cabrera and Willis. They haven't necessarily panned out, so my position on baseball prospects has softened when it comes to the Tigers. Acquire an impact starter or corner outfielder. I am sick and tired of seeing the Twins make the postseason.
For NCAA football, I want to see Auburn beat Oregon........then get the title stripped in May when the real Cam Newton story breaks. Something has to happen to start cleaning up the game, and Reggie Bush giving back his Heisman isn't enough.
For Ndamukong Suh and Calvin Johnson, I want Pro Bowl starting spots. Suh came into the year with huge expectations, and has lived up to the hype so far. Calvin amazes me week to week, and despite the record, makes the Lions worth watching nationally.
For Jahvid Best, Brandon Graham, Matt Stafford, Troy Woolfolk, and Darryl Stonum, I want speedy recoveries.
That's about it. I don't want to seem greedy...
I want the whole RichRod situation resolved. I am firmly in the keep him camp, but am smart enough to realize that I am in the minority. So whatever Dave Brandon decides, just be 100% committed to it. The worst thing that could happen is some wishy-washy press conference pledging allegiance "for now" or "for the immediate future". Either fire him, or give him 2 more years (minimum), but make it concrete.
I want the Lions to win out. I realize that means Drew Stanton plays well, and Patrick Peterson will most likely be gone by the time they draft, but I want to see Detroit be more than an off season afterthought for the top free agents. Too many times, the Lions had to overpay to bring in marginal talent. This offseason is going to be crazy, (barring a miracle), and I want to see top players make this their first visit for a change. KVB signed here, but he's
I want the Pistons to blow it up. All of it. Trade everyone you can. Rip? Gone. Tay? So long. CV and BG? Hasta and La Vista. Keep Greg Monroe, Stuckey, and maybe Jonas Jerebko. Get young players with upside and draft picks. The Iverson trade was supposed to open up money for Bosh/Wade/David Lee/et al. Instead they signed two guys who have started 5 games combined this year. I love Joe Dumars for the early 90's, and 2006, but yikes.
I want the Red Wings to keep doing what they do. I don't know enough about hockey to feel I can make the right changes.
I want the Spartans to remember one thing.
I want the Tigers to make a big trade. Not Aubrey Huff or Jarrod Washburn big. I mean Miggy/Dontrelle big. The Tigers have a few very desirable prospects in Turner, Oliver, Castellanos, Crosby, and Fields. Use them. I remember being livid after I heard they gave up both Andrew Miller and Cam Maybin to acquire Cabrera and Willis. They haven't necessarily panned out, so my position on baseball prospects has softened when it comes to the Tigers. Acquire an impact starter or corner outfielder. I am sick and tired of seeing the Twins make the postseason.
For NCAA football, I want to see Auburn beat Oregon........then get the title stripped in May when the real Cam Newton story breaks. Something has to happen to start cleaning up the game, and Reggie Bush giving back his Heisman isn't enough.
For Ndamukong Suh and Calvin Johnson, I want Pro Bowl starting spots. Suh came into the year with huge expectations, and has lived up to the hype so far. Calvin amazes me week to week, and despite the record, makes the Lions worth watching nationally.
For Jahvid Best, Brandon Graham, Matt Stafford, Troy Woolfolk, and Darryl Stonum, I want speedy recoveries.
That's about it. I don't want to seem greedy...
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Here's to hoping Greg Monroe starts slow
It sounds crazy that I would want the Piston's #7 overall draft pick to have a somewhat steep learning curve. It's nothing personal, hell I'm sure he's a fine young man. But this year has been emotionally draining when it comes to Detroit rookies. Take Brennan Boesch for example. He hit .342 with 12HR and 49RBI posting a .990 OPS before the All Star break this year. Everyone was crowning him the Rookie of the Year and comparing him to Ted Williams (not kidding, heard it more than once on 97.1). What did he do after the ASB? He hit .163 with 2HR, 18RBI, and a .459 OPS. Wha? Will the real Brennan Boesch please stand up?
Now let's take a look at Jahvid Best. After 2 games he racked up 268 total yards and 5 TDs. In his last 4 games he has 266 total yards and 0 TDs. Don't get me wrong, his overall stats are impressive. I'm not trying to hate on what he's done. But his first two games were so impressive that people were thinking Pro Bowl. Now? Not so much.
I am obviously ignoring what Ndamukong Suh and Austin Jackson bid this year. I will argue that their performance has been steadier without the unexpected breakout that Best and Boesch had. I hope Monroe becomes a solid contributor this year. 12ppg and 6rpg maybe? Am I setting the bar too low? I'm fine with it if I am. I have seen first hand what the expectations of an unbelievable start can bring.
Now let's take a look at Jahvid Best. After 2 games he racked up 268 total yards and 5 TDs. In his last 4 games he has 266 total yards and 0 TDs. Don't get me wrong, his overall stats are impressive. I'm not trying to hate on what he's done. But his first two games were so impressive that people were thinking Pro Bowl. Now? Not so much.
I am obviously ignoring what Ndamukong Suh and Austin Jackson bid this year. I will argue that their performance has been steadier without the unexpected breakout that Best and Boesch had. I hope Monroe becomes a solid contributor this year. 12ppg and 6rpg maybe? Am I setting the bar too low? I'm fine with it if I am. I have seen first hand what the expectations of an unbelievable start can bring.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Jonas Jerebko out 5 months
Detroit Pistons' second year forward Jonas Jerebko will miss at least five months with a torn achilles tendon. Jerebko suffered the injury in Detroit's first preseason game of the year against the Dream Team Harlem Globetrotters Miami Heat. When I reached Jerebko for a comment, he said something in Swedish, and I don't speak that language. I'm guessing it was something along the lines of "I'm disappointed, sure, but the team will be just fine without me. I'm just looking forward to coming back stronger both physically and mentally." since that's what most athletes say in times like these.To get you through the next five months, here is a Jerebko Mix (now with 100% more 50 Cent)
I am really hoping this isn't the first documented case of the Southeastern Michigan Sports jinx.
I am really hoping this isn't the first documented case of the Southeastern Michigan Sports jinx.
Blir bättre snart, Jonas. Vi kommer att sakna din jäkt.
(Get better, Jonas. We will miss your hustle.)
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Illitch to buy Pistons???
The Detroit News is reporting that Mike Illitch will be buying the Pistons within the next 30 days...
Story here....
Story here....
Please be true....Please be true.....Please be true....
More on this as it develops. (always wanted to say that)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Remember Me? Bill Curley
Boston Bill Curley. Although he only played in
Without Bill Curley, Pistons' fans would never have experienced the following...
Scot Pollard Mehmet Okur
Eric Montross Darko
Jud Buechler Primoz Brezec
Brian Cardinal Walter Herrmann
Kornel David Jonas Jerebko
Ratko Varda Zeljko Rebraca
Thank you? Bill Curley currently runs the Bill Curly Basketball Clinic (I know, right?).
For your contribution on and especially off the court, Bill Curley, Thank You. You may have never played in Portland, but you truly are and were a Trailblazer.
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