Pistons host Jazz
by Kevin Sawyer on Dec 19, 2008 6:54 PM CST
433 comments
By Kevin Sawyer
Jazz: 16-11 (6-7 road)
Margin: +3.6 ppg (+0.2 road)
Last 10: 5-5 (margin +1.4)
Pistons: 14-9 (7-4 home)
Margin: +0.3 ppg (+1.1 home)
Last 10: 6-4 (margin +1.7)
Oppo research:
Tonight, Detroit gets the first major test of the small ball era, against a team it hasn’t beaten in three years. The Jazz are a balanced, deep team that gets it done at both ends of the court. Again, the Pistons encounter a team that is not at full strength. Carlos Boozer is a game time decision, and won’t be at 100% either way, Deron Williams is struggling with his game, and the Jazz have been this season’s biggest disappointment, aside from, well, the Pistons.
The Jazz play a very physical game, and are adept at luring their opponents into a similar approach. With Boozer out, Paul Milsapp has produced a rough facsimile of his production, and the Jazz have continued to thrive in the paint. Expect a slow, though not necessarily low scoring, game tonight.
That said, Coach Jerry Sloan may be moving in a different direction. Kyle Korver played most of the second half in a comeback win against New Jersey on Wednesday. The Jazz have been reluctant to utilize their perimeter game, but if Ronnie Brewer sits, one has to assume that approach will change considerably. The Jazz employ several capable three point shooters (Okur, Williams, Korver, Miles) who might get the greenlight if Boozer is unable to play.
The Drama:
This is a huge game for Detroit, and a very winnable one. There is no team more susceptible to the small ball approach than the Jazz, whose opponents shoot 27 free throws per game. Breaking a three-year mini-jinx would be a major coup for coach Curry.
Keys for Detroit:
Make Free Throws: The Pistons can expect to go to the line 30 times tonight. The difference between shooting 83% and shooting 60% amounts to seven points in this scenario.
Watch the three point line: The coaching staff has watched enough game film to know what Utah does. That said, all the preparation in the world is meaningless if Korver goes 7-9 from long range.
Let AI be AI: Iverson has gotten to the line 14 times and averaged 32 ppg against Utah the last three seasons. I wanna see him go Tripucka on these punks.
Question of the game:
Do Sheed and Prince still play for this team? If so, it ain’t showing up in the stat sheet.
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I’ve got a feeling Stuckey goes off tonight. You know he’s gotta be up to face Deron. More than anything, I hope Maxey gets some PT. Milsapp/Maxiell and Stuckey/Deron is good basketball.
by UTEP2STEP on Dec 19, 2008 7:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Im tired of getting beat by Utah. Bedhair always kills us. Please, Sheed, not tonight.
by Lucas on Dec 19, 2008 7:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
So does Tay guard Memo? Who guards Tay? The match-ups will be interesting to watch in this one.
by Jim on Dec 19, 2008 7:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
This small ball thing with prince at the 4 would be awesome if tay were an above average to elite scorer at his position. Could u imagine if nba 4s had to guard lebron, for instance? But with tay all u do is turn an elite wing defender into an average pf defender and only hurt them a little on the other end.
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 7:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
anyone know where i can a get a live stream?
by willy on Dec 19, 2008 7:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Utah makes the 1st substitution to match up…
by Jim on Dec 19, 2008 7:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Jim – they still have millsap and okur on the floor I thought…
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 7:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Forty…I know, I meant Price subbing in to match up with the 3 guard line-up.
by Jim on Dec 19, 2008 7:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
http://www.justin.tv/mckctv2
Password: detroitsports
by Garrett on Dec 19, 2008 7:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
@willy: found this
sop://broker.sopcast.com:3912/50613
catch is that you have to go download the player from www.sopcast.org
it only took me like 5 minutes to download and install
by Sean W. on Dec 19, 2008 7:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Jim – ah, thought u meant putting in a sf for one of their bigs
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 7:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
huh, Bynum is out of the doghouse, apparently.
by Mike Payne on Dec 19, 2008 7:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Lol @ curry: we play less maxiell than ever but now are less “finesse” and more “grind it out?”
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 7:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
turns, fires, fills it up! count that baby and a foul!
by Lucas on Dec 19, 2008 7:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Tay is inspiring me. Good lord. Awesome post moves.
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 7:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Who is that devastatingly handsome man who just checked in for the Jazz? I’m a straight man, but my god he is beautiful.
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 7:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
That was what you would call a good start.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 7:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
lol .. rob g… u must be talking about the jazz’s own ashton kutcher
by Sean W. on Dec 19, 2008 7:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
No, this is a sober assessment. Ashton Korver? Is that his name? He’s dreamy.
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 7:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Rob g – I know how we can match up. Ashton doesn’t have a chance.
With how well utah’s offense came out of the gate, I’m pretty happy with being up 10…
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 7:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
It seems Tay is posting a lot more on the left block this year. Very nice quarter for him.
Don’t forget Utah was down 27-7 after the 1st quarter to New Jersey last game and came back and won.
by Jim on Dec 19, 2008 7:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Granges: I got it from you! Haha! Granges is the source of the sweet, sweet feed.
by Garrett on Dec 19, 2008 7:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Well, at least one of our starting PFs is playing on the block.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 7:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Off topic:
Uhm why is Joe Liberman’s wife an ESPN sideline reporter?
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 7:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Huh, Kwame is out of the doghouse too.
by Mike Payne on Dec 19, 2008 7:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 7:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Is it me, or is Curry using our talent a little better this game?
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 7:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I’ve been reading all kinds of stuff about Jerry Sloan this week via links at TrueHoop. He said something great in one of the interviews about loving rebounding because it was a chance to “compete for possession of the basketball”. Sloan is alright.
And I used to think Maxiell and Milsap were about the same player. Now I wish it were true.
by joejoejoe on Dec 19, 2008 7:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
OT: This made me laugh out loud, from Ball Don’t Lie on Yahoo…
“They’ve started to call Corey Maggette ‘Bad Porn’ at various Warriors boards. Their justification? ‘Sure, there’s penetration and scoring, but are you really happy with what you’re seeing?’”
by Jim on Dec 19, 2008 7:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Rob G – sometimes there’s nowhere to go but up!
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 7:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Rob G, no Amir is buried. Curry is a moron. Get with the program here at DBB. All Amir all the time.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 7:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Hey, there’s a real coach in the building. How you doin Johnny B?
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 7:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I was always told that hugging is a foul.
by Big Mike on Dec 19, 2008 7:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I love seeing Stuckey pull up for that 18-footer off the dribble.
by Garrett on Dec 19, 2008 7:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I was almost sure Kwame was gonna lose the ball under the net.
by Sean W. on Dec 19, 2008 7:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Big men passing to big men? 10 point edges in points in paint? Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the curry!
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 7:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
The routine travel per year quota is now filled
by Lucas on Dec 19, 2008 7:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I love when we get the Fox Sports Detroit feed because their mic’s are so close to the court you can hear the player reactions after a bad call. And that was certainly a bad call.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 7:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Wow, Devin Harris has 23/3/5 at the half against his former team Dallas.
by Jim on Dec 19, 2008 7:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
That exchange was created by Maxiell battling for the ball underneath. Why, again, isn’t he playing more?
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 7:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
We’re playing so physical it’s awesome.
by Big Mike on Dec 19, 2008 7:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Jim – I think that’s one of the worst trades ever
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 7:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I’m sick of hearing about dwill or cp3. That’s silly. Now dwill or rs3…
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 7:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Is it weird that I heard the “big boy’s proud to be a michigan thing” song in my head when the auto bailout was announced
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 8:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Is there an executive in sports that works the media better than Joe D?
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 8:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Was that Rob Parker talking to Joe D?
Don’t listen to him Joe!
by Jim on Dec 19, 2008 8:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I never watch Deron Williams play, but he’s pretty good at the game of basketball.
by Garrett on Dec 19, 2008 8:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
@OM: Yes. Mark Cuban. Since he OWNS the media.
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 8:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Om – chad ford doesn’t think so
Deron – we get it. You’re the greatest pg in the universe. I’m sorry. Now stop it!
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 8:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
There are a lot of good young PGs in the NBA today. CP3, Devon Harris, Stuckey, Deron Williams, Derrick Rose, OJ Mayo, Chris Quinn…
by joejoejoe on Dec 19, 2008 8:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Our Environment Canada group is calling our current super snow storm “Snowmageddon”. What’s up with that?
by Garrett on Dec 19, 2008 8:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
that half ended on a little bit of a sour note but even though i missed most of the second quarter it does seem that the team is playing well at the moment so who knows? maybe i was wrong about my curry worry.
by andyfrombrooklyn on Dec 19, 2008 8:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
This is my first chance to watch the small ball starting lineup. I like it! It sets an aggressive tone. As long as he starts subbing at around the 6min mark, I’m all for it.
I like his rotations so far. That scoring drought was more a matter of missed open jumpers.
Really like this all-attacking-all-the-time Pistons. Both ends of the court.
by Quick Darshan on Dec 19, 2008 8:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Garnett gets switched off on deng and starts clapping in his face like a douchebag. If the league can outlaw the fingerwag, it should also make kg’s histrionics illegal. I can’t remember hating another player as much (ok, that’s a lie, I hate wade more).
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 8:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I give Curry credit for being more consistent the past week or so. I’m still no fan of the small lineup as a route to a championship but maybe it does set a good tone to start games in the short term.
by joejoejoe on Dec 19, 2008 8:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
At least Wade is just thrashing around hoping to get a foul. KG is antagonizing people. And being a gigantic douche.
by Garrett on Dec 19, 2008 8:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Forty – how could you hate Wade and KG… when Varejao walks this Earth, sullying it with his presence. Every time he checks in, I choke back vomit and pray that whatever town he is in suffers from a Godzilla attack.
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 8:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I think any list of players to hate is incomplete without Kendrick Perkins.
by Gabe on Dec 19, 2008 8:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Nice exchange on ESPN as they showed clips of Devin Harris working the Mavs…
Bill Walton to Avery Johnson: That’s why you’re sitting here. Because you traded the guy.
Avery to BW: Or maybe I’m sitting here because I didn’t want the trade.
Nice.
by Quick Darshan on Dec 19, 2008 8:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Joakim Noah belongs on the hate list too. And Shaq.
by Quick Darshan on Dec 19, 2008 8:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Let’s make the all-hate DBB team.
PG:
SG: Wade
SF:
PF: KG or Varejoaaaaua
C: Perk
I’d put Boobie at the one and Kobe at the 3, but I leave it up to y’all
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 8:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Rob g – mea culpa! And don’t forget douchioni.
Avery j +1
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 8:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Man, will we ever beat this team?
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 8:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Wherever the Pistons struggle… Prophecy_Projectz is there…
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 8:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Is it a shot if you slam the ball off the underside of the rim? That was a weird drive by Deron Williams.
by joejoejoe on Dec 19, 2008 8:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Tayshaun doesn’t look so smooth lately.
by joejoejoe on Dec 19, 2008 8:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Rob G, the Varajoke comment made me and my girlfriend laugh out loud.
We need a starting spot for “Oaf” on the all-hate team for Shaq.
This Rip on Williams thing isn’t working. I thought Stuckey did a really nice job on him in the 1st quarter.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 8:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I nominate Kidd for pg…
And Curry for SF.
by Shinons on Dec 19, 2008 8:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Rasheed is a T waiting to happen right now.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 8:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
AI really taking it back to 01.
And D-Wade taking it back to 06 over on ESPN
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 8:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Is it too much to ask for consistency from officials on how they call a game? I don’t know how Stern rules the league with such an iron fist and these morons are still allowed to run around and affect games so badly.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 8:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Sheed with a shot. I would enjoy it if he got to double figures this game.
by Greg on Dec 19, 2008 8:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Tayshaun’s worst effort I’ve seen in a while…
by TDP on Dec 19, 2008 8:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Ok, so here it is. The votes are in. The all-hate team:
STARTERS
Kidd
Wade
Ginobli (thanks to my wife)
KG
Shaq
BENCH
Boobie
Nocioni
Varejoa
Perk
Noah
Jackasses. the whole lot of ’em
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 8:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
So Rasheed you see your teammates getting stuffed in the paint. As an all-star 4 who can be a low presence you dont wanna get low like a South record? No? Didnt think so….
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 8:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I’ve only been watching this game for 5+ game-time minutes since I got home from work, but man… these refs aren’t calling this game both ways. At all.
by TDP on Dec 19, 2008 8:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
That ticket zone commercial was hilarious. With the added effect that the BF was wearing a Ben Wallace Bulls Jersey. What a horrible Boyfriend lol…
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 8:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I know he’s kinda irrelevant at this point, but I still really dislike Derek Fisher. Back up pg?
by Shinons on Dec 19, 2008 8:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
With all the money Okur makes, that motherf***er can’t afford a comb?
by TDP on Dec 19, 2008 8:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
These calls are starting to get a bit frustrating
/understated
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 8:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
This game is tighter than the white man’s wallet….
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 8:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
How about Reggie Evans on the all hate team?
by Jim on Dec 19, 2008 8:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
What was the pump fake for, Tayshaun? Was Kirilenko going to block your shot from 15 feet away?
Quit being a pu$$.
by Joel on Dec 19, 2008 8:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Rondo with a 15:1 ast/to ratio today + 4 steals + 4 offensive boards
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 8:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I think we might need an All-Hate Weekend. Full coverage provided by that douche that does color for Boston… Tommy whatshisface. Tommy point!
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 8:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I think Utah had one TO in the third quarter after 11 in 1st half. Hope they start making mistakes again in the fourth.
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 8:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Um, how can we have an all-hate team without Captain Jack, JO, and Artest? Isn’t that obvious or have we all gone soft?
I kind of hate RJ, and no Pierce, really? I’d put him over Ginobli, to heck with what Mrs. Rob G says.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 8:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Pat Riley would have to be the coach of the All-Hate Team…
by TDP on Dec 19, 2008 8:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
reply to Rob G…………..
Let’s make the all-hate DBB team.
PG: rayjon rondo, dan “boobs” gibson, stepshit marbury, tony parker
SG: Wade, emanuel ginobli, raymond “jesus shuttlesworth” allen
SF: ronny artest, paul pierce
PF: KG, anderson “side show bob” varejow, timothy duncan
C: Perk, shaq “diesel” oneil, glenn “crybaby” davis
I’d put Boobie at the one and Kobe at the 3, but I leave it up to y’all
there i helped fill it in……..
by joe6pack on Dec 19, 2008 8:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
TO my wife’s credit, she also suggested Pierce. She f’ing hates him.
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 8:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Little off topic here – but since its my first time up north, does Detroit do anything special for new years?
Anything notable happening anywhere near?
Any of the casinos worth going to? And even if not, any suggestions as to which to check out and or which to avoid?
by Lucas on Dec 19, 2008 8:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Love our effort on the boards right now. We should call it the battle of Max vs. the entire state of Utah.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 8:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
It could be an all-hate weekend. With special guest appearances by McHale, Alonzo Mourning, and the Chicago Luv-a-bulls.
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 8:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
No Bobbie Gibson on the hate team, or Horry?
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 8:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
It doesnt feel as strong around here anymore, but I hate Lebron too
by Lucas on Dec 19, 2008 8:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Om – was thinking the same thing. If only there were another big man on our team who liked to clean the glass.
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 8:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Jackson, Rivers, or Riley as the all hate team coach?
by Lucas on Dec 19, 2008 8:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Oh hell yes does Alonzo Mourning belong on the all-hate team. F*ck that guy.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 8:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Shorter joe6pack: I hate the Celtics. All of them.
by joejoejoe on Dec 19, 2008 9:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
HOLY SNAP
Did anyone just see that Wade shot at the Buzzer????!!!!!!
Of course not….
Time was expiring on the shot clock, the Laker bounced it off his foot, he scrambled just before the halfcourt point and chucked it up and it went in at the buzzer
D-Wade is back people.
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 9:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Shinons…wasn’t that the theme music when we won the title in ’04 though?
by Jim on Dec 19, 2008 9:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Wow, Joe just drove the bus all over Darko. Then Joe backed it up and reversed over Darko and then he drove over him again.
by LawyerBoy on Dec 19, 2008 9:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
And Scalabrine.
I liked that one not because of any particular animosity toward Scalabrine, but because it would make Boston fans’ blood boil. Kinda like talking bad about Welker.
by Shinons on Dec 19, 2008 9:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Shinions, how can the entry music for the All-Hate team be the intro music from the year we won the title? Every time I hear that song I’m reminded of our 5 game sweep of the Lake Show. You have to find a new song.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 9:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I can’t hate on Timmy D. Even when they beat us in ‘05. I just can’t hate on by far the classiest guy to ever dominate in the NBA. Absolutely flawless game on both ends of the floor; team player, clutch, THE best leader of maybe all time…
KG on the other hand, well, I don’t know how you couldn’t hate him.
by Joel on Dec 19, 2008 9:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Here’s my all man-crush team:
Rondo
Kobe
Prince
Lebron
Amare
Oh we play small in Forty man-crush world
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 9:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Wow, best pass I’ve seen out of Rip in a long time.
by Greg on Dec 19, 2008 9:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Good defense Afflalo…dude can guard pg’s and small pf’s well.
Nice piss to Dyess for the dunk!
by Jim on Dec 19, 2008 9:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Shinons…wasn’t that the theme music when we won the title in ‘04 though?
True true. My bad. Still, it’s really obnoxious.
by Shinons on Dec 19, 2008 9:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I love dyess so much. He stands for everything that is good in basketball. I couldn’t imagine seeing him play on another team (past teams excluded).
by Big Mike on Dec 19, 2008 9:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Guess who has the best seats at the all-hate game? The CEOs of Ford and GM, and Matt Millen
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 9:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
you guys with the hate list…focus on the game yeah there all dicks but lets win this game.
by andyfrombrooklyn on Dec 19, 2008 9:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
OT: Best file photo ever. And it just happens to be a former Spartan:
by LawyerBoy on Dec 19, 2008 9:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I might have missed it, but did no one nominate Antoine Walker for the All Hate Team?
by Jim on Dec 19, 2008 9:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
andyfromB: sorry, I will focus my mental energy on making the pistons win now, since I do have that power…
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 9:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
shit i forgot to add robert “will smith” horry, stephen jackson, jermaine oneal, and vince carter to the all hate team.
by joe6pack on Dec 19, 2008 9:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
i hate the guy with the bad hair and bad breath
by andyfrombrooklyn on Dec 19, 2008 9:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Jim, that was a major oversight.
Rob G, lay off of Mulally (CEO of Ford), he revived Boeing and is doing a pretty good job with Ford all things considered. Notice they don’t need the money that GM and Chrysler do. They were just up on Capitol Hill as a show of solidarity because if GM goes down, they’re taking Ford (and the entire industry) with them.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 9:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Rob g: concentrate on dwill going back to the bench. If we combine our powers, we can do this. Form of: an expiring contract. Shape of: a smallball!
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 9:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
-infinity for the Palace music guy for the Mariah Carey Christmas song.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 9:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Jim: that’s why he’s one of the officials at the all-hate game
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 9:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I was only about 45 minutes late on that.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 9:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I think Amir was responsible for Rasheed getting that tech. KEEP HIM ON THE BENCH!
by RP on Dec 19, 2008 9:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Shouldn’t Stuckey be back in the game to play D on Williams?
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 9:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
o.k. i got to check out it is to frustrating .
by andyfrombrooklyn on Dec 19, 2008 9:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if curry knows the reason the offense has stagnated is because his pg is on the bench being accountable (yes foul trouble, but he should be back at this point)
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 9:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
The officials should all be wearing KG #5 jerseys at this point, that’s how much I hate them.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 9:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Soooo…the starters are blowing this. What kind of punishment can Curry dish out? Oh, wait…Antonio is out there. Maybe the responsibility will fall entirely on him.
by RP on Dec 19, 2008 9:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I hate Michael Curry. I hate Michael Curry. I hate Michael Curry. I hate him so so so so much. Like he murdered my dog. I hate him.
by Joel on Dec 19, 2008 9:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I am so glad to have Dice (and his offensive boards) back…
by Shinons on Dec 19, 2008 9:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Am I the only one who gets nervous when AI shoots a 3? It just doesn’t quite look right….
by Garrett on Dec 19, 2008 9:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
A pretty impressice performance by nies et al. We have no answer…or do we?
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 9:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I never thought I’d see Mehmet Okur getting more calls off the dribble than Allen Iverson.
by joejoejoe on Dec 19, 2008 9:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Stuckey was on the bench for about 4 minutes too long.
Nice play by Rip.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 9:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I’ll tell you what doesn’t look right… the Pistons turning the damned ball over so goddamned much
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 9:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
We should ease up on curry a bit for this – this officiating is unconscionable
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 9:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Well Jack Nies does have a history of hosing this team. But christ what a collapse. I reboot my laptop we were up 7, come back and now we’re down 4.
Okur owns this team’s soul
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 9:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Seriously, Sheed? A step-back fade-away 3? God.
by Garrett on Dec 19, 2008 9:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I can’t help it, I have to yell:
WHY IS STUCKEY ON AK WHILE RIP IS ON WILLIAMS? HOW DOES THIS MAKE ANY SENSE WHATSOEVER? EARTH TO CURRY, COME IN CURRY!
ARGH!
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 9:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
shoulda checked out when i said i hate the fucking jazz fuck them
by andyfrombrooklyn on Dec 19, 2008 9:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Forty, I had to review a memo that revolved around the word “unconscionable” so many times this semester. Please dont ever post that again.
by Lucas on Dec 19, 2008 9:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I quit on this game. Curry should bench me. It’s a good thing I’m not sitting courtside, I wouldn’t be allowed back.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 9:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Oh fuck these calls, let them play
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 9:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I quit because of the officiating, if that wasn’t clear.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 9:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
AK47 looks like my retarded cousin, but he can ball
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 9:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Why does Utah own us? I just don’t get it. This is like half a decade now. Even when we were the shit, these guys owned us. Makes no sense. D-Williams looks all-world.
by Joel on Dec 19, 2008 9:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Sheed for 3….Stuckey with the steal and layup!
by Jim on Dec 19, 2008 9:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
(I thought you weren’t allowed to step out of bounds then come back in and touch the ball?)
by Garrett on Dec 19, 2008 9:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Dont look now but OKC is going to win a game
by Lucas on Dec 19, 2008 9:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Ok Sheed that was the worst time to shoot a 3…ever
by Greg on Dec 19, 2008 9:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Wow. Thanks for that, Sheed. You miss a 3, you make a 3, you make another, then you miss a HUGE one. And then Deron Williams hits a really tough turnaround with 2 seconds left? Man.
by Garrett on Dec 19, 2008 9:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Shit. No more talking bad about D-Will on DBB.
by Shinons on Dec 19, 2008 9:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
sheed… he can make me so happy at times… and then cry soon after
by Sean W. on Dec 19, 2008 9:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Sheed’s a dumbass, what the hell were you thinking…
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 9:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Just think if you didn’t have all those BS and-ones.
by TDP on Dec 19, 2008 9:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Rip is the man this game no questions asked
by Greg on Dec 19, 2008 9:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Rip baby! What a good game so far.
Gotta give Curry credit for the nice inbounds play.
by Jim on Dec 19, 2008 9:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Greg – with 5 seconds on the shot clock, open in the corner, after you’ve brought the team back with your three point shooting?
Overtime!
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 9:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Best game of the year so far, even though Curry tried really hard to mess it up.
by Garrett on Dec 19, 2008 9:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I’m so happy for Rip – it’s about time he gets his time in the spotlight!
by SRP on Dec 19, 2008 9:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
richard “the ass ripper” hamilton saves the day………….for now.
by joe6pack on Dec 19, 2008 9:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Do we have enough players for the OT? Isnt everyone in foul trouble?
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 9:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Um, we have really bad foul trouble, by the way. It’s infuriating if you look at the box score and see how not in foul trouble Utah is.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 9:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
sorry for swearing, but that was awesome :) sometimes games are just worth it, win or lose.
by Gabe on Dec 19, 2008 9:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
As a large man I understand exactly how it has to feel to realize youre guarding Deron Williams 1 on 1 and he just backed out for an iso.
by Lucas on Dec 19, 2008 9:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Williams and Okur with 27 and 23 hurts more.
by TDP on Dec 19, 2008 9:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I don’t mean to spoil all this greatness that is this game but looking at the box score i noticed we only had 10 bench points, 6 of which are from Dice. There is no way we can continue to play games like this without burning out 1 or more of the starters come playoff time.
by Sean W. on Dec 19, 2008 9:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I think the ref just choked. No way he doesnt foul out Rasheed given the chance right there.
by Lucas on Dec 19, 2008 9:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Glad the real AI has finally made it to Detroit.
by Shinons on Dec 19, 2008 9:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Its thin ice and all offense here on out
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 9:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I know what it feels like to be Republican. I really hate other countries right now.
by TDP on Dec 19, 2008 9:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Sean, we bitch about that between games and then when games arent close. Right now we only care about winning.
by Lucas on Dec 19, 2008 9:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Well… can’t really argue with that one. Crap.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 9:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
AK47 looks like Ivan Drago from Rocky 4
by joe6pack on Dec 19, 2008 9:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Come on…call it both ways refs! Dyess just got smacked.
by Jim on Dec 19, 2008 9:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
How is that not a foul? Seriously? I want to punch something.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 9:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
LOL how is that not a foul?
And Im glad Sheed went out with an actual foul, opposed to the judgment calls.
by Lucas on Dec 19, 2008 9:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
That no-call epitomizes this entire game. Some mu’uhfu’ken BS.
by TDP on Dec 19, 2008 9:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
If this were NBA 2K9, my controller would be smashed to shit right about now.
by TDP on Dec 19, 2008 9:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
That’s an impressive hoop from tay after a rough outing. F dwill!
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 9:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Too bad Sheed didn’t lay out Williams instead. Double OT, here we come.
by Greg on Dec 19, 2008 9:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
1.4 is too generous (after watching the replay)
by Lucas on Dec 19, 2008 9:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Well, he does have like 8 threes on the year. That’s way more than Amir has.
by Shinons on Dec 19, 2008 9:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
What a good game, all bullshit aside.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 9:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
My satisfaction? I’m not bald like Deron Williams is…
by TDP on Dec 19, 2008 9:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Wow, I need a better look but i really do think Williams has a tat that is exactly the black panther tat I used to get out of 50 cent machines at grocery stores, skating rinks and pizza buffets back in my younger days.
by Lucas on Dec 19, 2008 9:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
There at the advantage cause we’re in foul trouble. Love the heart the team is showing in spite of its mental mistakes (What up Sheed…)
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 9:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Shinons – agreed, how does curry not draw up amir for the pick and pop three there? Has he heard of john hollinger?
:)
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 9:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
2 Close games tonight, this and the Heat-Lakers game
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 9:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Who is our ast coach that looks like stephen a?
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 9:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
That was the worst call of the night that just sent Rip to the bench. That was some shit.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 9:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Saw the replay, retracted.
And now Stuckey is gone. We all gon die.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 9:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Haha Forty half the time I see that guy I think it’s Stephen A.
by Greg on Dec 19, 2008 9:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Also, I don’t know how anybody that’s impartial can look at this box score and think that this game was officiated squarely.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 9:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Utah fouls more then any team in the league, yet we have 3 guys out right now.
by Jim on Dec 19, 2008 9:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
@ Forty:
Probably Stephen A. He needs the work…
Damn@ Losing like this….
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 9:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I’m praying for a coronary/embolism for Nies.
by TDP on Dec 19, 2008 9:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
See ya Dice, on a charge away from the ball. My remote is broken.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 9:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
We dont even have enough players on the court??!!!
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 9:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Utah fouls when they play basketball? Who knew?
by Greg on Dec 19, 2008 9:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Wait…are they not sending AI to the free throw line on that?
by Jim on Dec 19, 2008 9:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Why are Korver and Herrman not guarding each other? Dont these coaches know anything?!
by Lucas on Dec 19, 2008 9:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
the foul situation reminds me of 05 and 06 battles with the heat in the ECF.
by joe6pack on Dec 19, 2008 9:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
If a fan were asked to pick the starting lineup for the Pistons, it might look like what we have on the floor right now
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 9:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
refs seem to want the jazz here , no?
by andyfrombrooklyn on Dec 19, 2008 9:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
The 2006 dallas mavericks think the refs have been questionable. The ‘01 kings think someone’s on the take. Byron russell thinks nies wouldn’t have called the pushoff either.
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 9:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I’m going to punch the next referee I see in the face. Irregardless.
by TDP on Dec 19, 2008 9:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Hey, that short white guy in street clothes at the end of the bench might be in next.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 9:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
@ Lucas:
Too much white boy on white boy swagger?
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 9:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Lucas: are you referring to the power of two beautiful men engaged in basketball battle?
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 9:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
And that’s the downside to this lineup. Not enough offense.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 9:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I’m sorry, but any center or power forward that legitimately go an entire game without fouling (Okur and AK) suck for not being aggressive. Or the refs suck. You decide.
by Greg on Dec 19, 2008 9:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
The dog is already hiding. I’m pretty sure the neighbors are going to start knocking soon.
by TDP on Dec 19, 2008 9:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Well Amir doesn’t have any fouls. Take that.
by Shinons on Dec 19, 2008 9:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Rob g – I think curry and sloan don’t want to blind us with handsome. I’m already pretty revved up for a possible triple ot (not the celtics lurker). I might pass out if that matchup happens.
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 9:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
what did amir do to deserve this fate?
by andyfrombrooklyn on Dec 19, 2008 9:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
TDP: my dog does the same thing. a lot more this year, too
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 9:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I’m from Iowa. I apologize to everyone for Kyle Korver.
by TDP on Dec 19, 2008 9:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
What the hell we just got Punk’d by Ashton
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 9:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
kyle kover the kutcher criuse lovechild
by andyfrombrooklyn on Dec 19, 2008 9:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I dont really see what that foul does….
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 9:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
oh this was a huge waste of fucking time should a got out a long time ago
by andyfrombrooklyn on Dec 19, 2008 9:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Oh the job that rim did to Fabios shot was just nasty
by Lucas on Dec 19, 2008 9:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
TDP – apologize for your silly caucus system too!
by Shinons on Dec 19, 2008 9:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Dammit. Do they ever miss free throws? Seriously.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 9:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
fuck kyle “ashton kutcher” korver for making that 3
by joe6pack on Dec 19, 2008 9:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
There will be some fines handed out for this one. Dumars better ban any post-game interviews.
by TDP on Dec 19, 2008 9:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Well. Again, I can live with this. They battled.
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 9:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Fabio looks like he’s going to cry….
Its like the heavens opening for rain… :(
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 9:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Great game, wish the refs hadn’t been so bad. But these teams were battling. Fun to see.
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 9:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
That decision to foul AK with 17 seconds left was really stupid. I’d rather hope to get a stop and have 3 seconds to tie it (at the minimum) than risk a 2 possession game. Gah.
by Greg on Dec 19, 2008 10:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Good effort all things considered…..
Sheed’s still a retarded dumbass though
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 10:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
yikes… great game
both teams played hard
haha but damn, again, they always only beat us by a little.. this time in double OT
by Mannie32 on Dec 19, 2008 10:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
okay NOW am I allowed to bitch about the lack of bench production?
by Sean W. on Dec 19, 2008 10:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully we come out pissed and actually win a Sunday game at Atlanta. That would make it a solid week overall.
by Jim on Dec 19, 2008 10:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
too bad dumars didnt resign that memhet okur guy back in 2004.
by joe6pack on Dec 19, 2008 10:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Before tonight Utah was a below .500 team without Boozer.
So what has small ball given the Pistons
5 games
3 wins against the 3 worst teams in the EC
2 losses – One against the worst team in the EC and the other at home against a team with a losing record without their star.
I can hardly wait until the Pistons start playing teams with winning records with this lineup, especially on the road.
Can anyone say lottery? Its possible.
by Mike on Dec 19, 2008 10:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I’d be a conspiracy theorist and say the refs fixed the game, but Utah is completely irrelevant.
by TDP on Dec 19, 2008 10:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Iverson puts up 38 and is a minus 10.
That could the most minus for a Pistons player who scored over 35 since Kelly Tripucka. LOL
by Mike on Dec 19, 2008 10:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I’m going to start grading AI’s defensive effort on how few fouls he give. 1 foul in a game like this tells you something.
by JBump on Dec 19, 2008 10:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
My suggestion is for all Pistons fan to forget about Johnson, because Curry has.
Curry will go down with small ball.
If Sheed is playing like this in Dec I can only imagine what he will be playing like after the all star break.
Trade Amir now.
by Mike on Dec 19, 2008 10:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
“I can hardly wait until the Pistons start playing teams with winning records with this lineup, especially on the road.
Can anyone say lottery? Its possible."
I agree with money mike, whats gonna happen when we start playing the better teams on the road or even at home for that matter, since we dont even defend our home court like we used to.
by joe6pack on Dec 19, 2008 10:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Lotta people had monster game’s tonight
Some key ones
Vince: 34 and 10
Devin the dude: 41 against the Mavs
D Wade: 35
Iverson: 38
by prophecy_projectz on Dec 19, 2008 10:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Garrett – I need your live stream wisdom. How can I watch the Michigan game tomorrow on FSD? Will it be on justintv.com?
Signed,
Confused in Boston
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 10:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Well that was entertaining. At least it wasn’t as bad as the last couple of years watching Flip get schooled by Sloan.
What a bunch of BS calls on our guys all through the game and at the end. Let them play.
by Tim on Dec 19, 2008 10:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
It’s like coming out of a bar fight and your hair isn’t even messed up.
by JBump on Dec 19, 2008 10:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I am watching the Cavs at the Nuggets
After the first qaurter it appears that a Billups team still can stop Lebron who had 14 in the first quarter.
by Mike on Dec 19, 2008 10:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Also LAC and Indy go to double overtime in which Z-Bo drops 34 with 16 boards.
by Shinons on Dec 19, 2008 10:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Forty, If you have Comcast the game appears to be on replay on the FSA from 7-9 pm if you order the sports package (Channel 262, I think). I usually just order the sports package for $4.95 per month and then just shut it off after since that’s cheaper than going to the bar.
If that isn’t an option, then I would check the UMHoops.com comment section or MGoBlog for a link to the feed.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 10:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
On a side note
Will the Lions win this weekend?
New Orleans is only 1 – 6 on the road.
So this will be the game if the Lions are going to avoid a perfect season.
by Mike on Dec 19, 2008 10:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Thanks OM. Might just hit up a bar.
Fired up for llp yet? Win convincingly and we’re ranked I think, given attrition of teams in the 20-25 area (someone lost I recall…)
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 10:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Great game. Tough loss. You guys rip Curry (and for good reason). But you have to give him credit too when he coaches a good game. His rotations were good. His decision to press and keep the ball out of Deron Williams’ hands, got them back in the game at the end. He drew up some good plays when they needed a bucket. Stuckey had a jumper to win it. Just didn’t go down. In the end, they just ran out of bodies.
by Quick Darshan on Dec 19, 2008 10:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
i’m seein’ a team in progress… despite most of u thinking something else
by Kian on Dec 19, 2008 10:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Forty: You might want to try to stick with http://www.justin.tv/mckctv2. Granges said the guy shows all Michigan sports (but gives preference to the Wings). So I’d check that, too.
Tough loss, but it’s better than being blown out.
by Garrett on Dec 19, 2008 10:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Sunday’s game is at Atlanta.
The Pistons still are winless on on Sunday this season and Atlanta is 10 – 2 at home.
After that the next two games are softies again.
Home to the Bulls who are 3 – 11 on the road
The home to the Thunder.
by Mike on Dec 19, 2008 10:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Hell yeah, I’m fired up. I think the starting 5 should be Grady, LLP, Manny, Shep, Sims. I think they’d play LLP out front on the 1-3-1. I’m really interested to see how the rotation changes. I could honestly care less about the rankings. It would be nice to get there, but last time we got there we choked and died and missed the tournament. I care about where we’re at when it’s selection Sunday not in December.
by Other Matt on Dec 19, 2008 10:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
That was a game. I’m happy with what I saw, in spite of the turnout. Well played, kudos to Michael Curry.
by Mike Payne on Dec 19, 2008 10:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
OM – agreed, should be a fun game to watch. In other michigan sports news though, Beaver just decommitted. Sad face.
by Forty on Dec 19, 2008 10:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Why Johnson has had 5 consecutive CD-DNPs
The last game that Johnson played in was against the Knicks.
In that game he was part of the unit that rallied the Pistons late in the game.
During the rally Amir attempted to take a charge from Chandler. (It would have been his 2nd charge taken that game).
Amir was at the proper spot in time and Chandler barreled into him and got the bucket. He also got the call as he knocked Amir to the court while Amir was stationary attempting to take the charge.
The Knicks announcers said it was a bad call.
While Amir was lying on the court after being hit by Chandler Amir shnowed a lot of emotion and pounded the court a few times.
Curry took him out about a minute later and Amir has not played since.
Curry has even less emotion than Saunders and he has even stated that the Pistons have to play with their brains and leave their emotions off the court.
Trade Amir now.
by Mike on Dec 19, 2008 11:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
All-hate team:
PG: Damon Jones
SG: Manu Ginobili
SF: Antoine Walker
PF: Anderson Varejao
C: Shaq
Honorable Mentions:
Bruce Bowen
Matt Harpring
James Posey
Robert Horry
Eddie House
Glen Davis
by Yahtzee on Dec 19, 2008 11:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
My ultimate hate team:
Varejao
Varejao
Varejao
Varejao
Varejao
and coming off the bench… Boobie.
by Rob G on Dec 19, 2008 11:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
The insertion of Stuckey into the starting lineup and getting Dice back has really pushed us in the right direction.
Even though Tay makes good plays a lot, he also whines a lot also, which really pisses me off. Tay’s whining, Rip’s pouting, and Sheed’s temper really make me wish Stuckey played any position but pg, so we could have traded one of those three and kept Billups.
by Restructer_It on Dec 20, 2008 12:10 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
when I shoot myself in the head tomorrow, my suicide note will point the blame at Michael Curry for turning the Pistons into a small ball gimmick bullshit team.
Fire Curry.
by Boney on Dec 20, 2008 12:28 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
It’s all so easy for people on this board to say “Bring (insert AI, Rip, or Tay) off the bench.” But, in the real world, how do you suggest Curry broaches this conversation with said All-Star? Especially since the lineup is getting off to huge starts every game.
by Quick Darshan on Dec 20, 2008 12:53 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
@QD:
Let’s role play:
“Tay, you are the captain of this team. You are its heart and soul and if you should fail, this team will fail on your shoulders. I want you to bring your heart for no less than 32 minutes per game. I won’t start you at the beginning, but the beginning starts with you. 8 minutes in, the game changes and you take control. I expect no less from you.”
“The league may never have seen a captain come off the bench, but our competitors bench will never have seen Tayshaun Prince as he drops 25 a night on x team’s 2nd unit and later 1st unit. I have a plan, Tay, and you are the executioner”
QD: the lineup that is getting off to huge starts every game is performing brilliantly, but still flawed. our failure is in rebounds, 2nd chance points, blocks and defense. We’re failing that because we’re playing a skeleton at the 4. He’s more than capable at the 3, but if he can’t handle james/pierce, how is he going to keep Milsap/Okur from a double-double?
What is working with small ball? Our 3 guard lineup. Everything else has been a statistical failure.
The successes are apparent, like Rip and Iverson coexisting and killing it, but we’ve got some serious front-court issues that need to be addressed, and that Tay at the 4 is failing.
by Mike Payne on Dec 20, 2008 1:23 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Tough loss, but Curry had them ready to play tonight. The offense has been improving since the small ball starting lineup was implemented and this game also demonstrated that this team is capable of being physical on the defensive end. I see progress.
by Nick T. on Dec 20, 2008 7:32 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I agree with the sentiment that progress was evident, I loved what i saw from this team late in the game. A week ago I didn’t think they could compete with any playoff team, right now they still can’t beat Boston, Cleveland or Orlando, but I think they can compete in the playoffs. I hope I have something nicer to say next week.
by Kriz on Dec 20, 2008 8:11 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
mike crazy anecdote abiout amir and the knick game. everybody fouls out and still no amir. what did amir do to curry ? what an asshole.
by andyfrombrooklyn on Dec 20, 2008 9:26 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
all-hate team
rondo
boobie
lebron
big baby
varejao
by jay_uno on Dec 20, 2008 9:35 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Obviously, it was a damn good game. Some notes:
- Not enough Afflalo. 17 minutes in a double overtime game?
Did everyone note how he was the only defender able to bother D-Will?
And there were two possessions late where Iverson had the ball up top, drove, and the double team came off of Stuckey leaving him wide open threes. Stuckey missed both shots. (One of the two was at the end of the first overtime.) Afflalo was on the bench for both possessions, and had he been on the court in Stuckey’s place, I think he knocks down at least one of the two.
- Once you have Afflalo on D-Will, you no longer have to double. That’s the whole beauty of the matchup.
But twice in the second overtime, Afflalo had D-Will baffled, and the Pistons sent another defender. Both times, D-Will found the open man and the Jazz scored. One of the two plays was when Iverson came off of Korver and allowed the big three that sealed the game.
- Too many minutes for Iverson. And almost no minutes for Iverson running the point.
The two things go together. If you want Iverson to spend stretches drawing double teams, you need to rest him on the bench rather than resting him on the court off the ball.
Run a Stuck/Rip/Tay offense with Iverson on the bench.
And spend stretches with Iverson on the floor with just Iverson/Afflalo in the backcourt. No Stuck. No Bynum. Just Iverson/Afflalo/Tay and two bigs. Iverson initiates the offense, and Afflalo hangs out behind the three point line to catch and shoot.
It’ll draw double teams. It’ll draw foul shots. It’ll put the opposition guards in foul trouble. It’ll create wide open looks for Afflalo and Wallace and/or McDyess.
I don’t mind losses right now, especially a double overtime loss to a good team. But I do want to see progress and the roles we’re going to need in the playoffs getting properly defined.
Afflalo needs reps because we’re going to need him come playoff time. Iverson needs reps playing point with shooters surrounding him, because we’re going to need that come playoff time.
by Petey on Dec 20, 2008 10:09 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
@Kriz
Haven’t they beaten the Cavs already? ;)
by Kian on Dec 20, 2008 10:12 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
There are really three different ways to look at this game. First, the positive way. It was a tough, double-OT game against a quality team, and moreover a quality team that has managed to beat Detroit consistently over the last few years. One shot that rims out stays down for us, or vice-versa for them, and we win, not them. A lot of guys played well. We showed a lot of heart coming back, especially near the end of regulation. We only lost after ’Sheed, Rip, ’Dyess, and Stuckey all fouled out. There was even a Kwame sighting. The players are figuring out how to work with the new system and personnel. It will gel even more later.
Negatives. As noted above, the Jazz are barely a .500 team without Boozer; we were at home, and thus our last 7 games have all been against teams we should have beaten and we’ve only gone 3-4, just barely winning a couple of those three. Small ball is a gimmick that can’t work in the playoffs or against good, bigger teams — note the discrepancies in rebounding, points in the paint, and yes, fouls. Free Amir! Or alternatively, um, maybe our bench really isn’t as good as we thought/hoped. And stop with the technicals already.
Finally, a middle ground. The jury is still out on this system. Detroit is playing better, but not well enough to go far in the playoffs. They need to get better, but will they? It’s unclear. Hey, maybe there will be another trade. Or further experiments with the rotation. Maybe KG will pound his head into LeBron’s chalk/talcum powder, prompting a fight that gets several Cavs and Celts suspended for the season. . . .
by Toledo Joe on Dec 20, 2008 10:23 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
“Negatives. As noted above, the Jazz are barely a .500 team without Boozer; we were at home, and thus our last 7 games have all been against teams we should have beaten and we’ve only gone 3-4”
And our next game is on Sunday, so it’s a forfeit…
by Petey on Dec 20, 2008 10:30 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
OT, but may I suggest a moment of silence to mark the passing of Dock Ellis, the only pitcher in MLB history to throw a no-hitter on acid.
by Petey on Dec 20, 2008 10:37 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I’m surprised there was no Flip Murray or Nazr Mohammed on the All-Hate team.
For me…
All-Hate Team = Duke.
by Quick Darshan on Dec 20, 2008 10:42 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
“Small ball is a gimmick that can’t work in the playoffs or against good, bigger teams — note the discrepancies in rebounding, points in the paint, and yes, fouls.”
Agree.
Three guard lineups are only good in moderation. We’ve got four excellent guards. Let’s normally only play two at a time. Rip/Stuckey works. AI/Afflalo works. AI/Rip works (a little bit). AI/Stuckey works (a little bit).
Limit AI’s minutes, and it’ll all fall in place. Iverson gets to play during crunch time, but he doesn’t get to play 40mpg.
“And stop with the technicals already.”
Disagree.
Didn’t you note how Roscoe went wild AFTER the tech, just as the FreeDarko Macrophenomenal prophesy predicts…
by Petey on Dec 20, 2008 10:43 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
@Mike Payne:
Tayshaun to Curry (when reading, remember that players are abnormally confident, especially when they are as intelligent as successful as Tay is.)
“I think I help my team more when I’m on the court. We’ve been getting off to quicker starts. We give up a few offensive rebounds here and there, but we create more turnovers.
By the way, who are you thinking of replacing me with? Amir? Please! You’re worried about ME getting pushed around in the post. At least, I’m a threat to score. I’ll accept Dyess or Maxiell maybe.
Why not bring AI, Rip or Stuckey off the bench? Or better yet. Let’s keep us all in the starting lineup. Make them adjust to us, not us to them."
Okay, some of that sounded more like me, than Tay (the digs at Amir). But, my point is that these players wouldn’t be at the level they are at if they didn’t have supreme confidence. It’s easy to say that they sacrifice for the team. But, when they in their mind have the utmost confidence that the best thing for the team is for them to be in the lineup at the start of the game…
by Quick Darshan on Dec 20, 2008 10:49 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Petey:
Fair point about ’Sheed and techs. But I worry about suspensions down the road.
by Toledo Joe on Dec 20, 2008 11:02 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
OT: 2 40 n OM, LLP FTW
(written in code to a couple UM fans on here)
by Quick Darshan on Dec 20, 2008 11:11 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
@Quick Darsahn:
I hear what you’re saying re: unrealistic-ness of bringing Tay off the bench. But, having watched every game since the small ball switch, I think the real problem it creates isn’t Tay at the 4, but Sheed as the lone big man at the 5 (and same problem with Dice). Tay’s done okay as PF, and I think it would work if we had a great rebounding and defensive center (like dream scenario would be a D. Howard). But we don’t. And because we’re small and not physical in both the front court and back court we get slowly ground down as the game goes.
by Gabe on Dec 20, 2008 1:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
“it would work if we had a great rebounding and defensive center (like dream scenario would be a D. Howard)”
I think Hakeem would fit in better.
“I hear what you’re saying re: unrealistic-ness of bringing Tay off the bench. But, having watched every game since the small ball switch, I think the real problem it creates isn’t Tay at the 4, but Sheed as the lone big man at the 5 (and same problem with Dice).”
Tay should play the 3.
We should play only two guards at a time most of the time.
It shouldn’t be complicated.
There are two possible scenarios where Curry might be crazy like a fox.
1) He’s planning on moving Tay back to the 3, and playing small is just his way of easing the AI/Rip novella by expanding mpg for guards.
2) He’s planning on moving Tay back to the 3, and playing small is just his way of easing the wear and tear on the legs of Sheed and Dice.
If Dumars/Curry know the correct destination, I’m willing to defer to their judgment on how best to get there. The worry is that they think smallball is a permanent solution…
by Petey on Dec 20, 2008 1:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Finally, a middle ground. The jury is still out on this system. Detroit is playing better, but not well enough to go far in the playoffs. They need to get better, but will they? It’s unclear. Hey, maybe there will be another trade. Or further experiments with the rotation. Maybe KG will pound his head into LeBron’s chalk/talcum powder, prompting a fight that gets several Cavs and Celts suspended for the season. .>>
The Pistons are playing better against lousy teams and while at home.
Look at the January schedule. If we are still ahead of the Nets and Heat come Feb 1st then we have a chance at finishing hiher than 7th seed at best in the EC.
In any case with $35 million in cap space avaiable next summer it would be better if the Pistons wound up in the lottery then having to face either the Celtics, Cavs, Magic or Hawks in the first round and get humiliated with the SB in the playoffs.
No GS Warrior miracle coming to Detroit.
by Mike on Dec 20, 2008 1:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
“They need to get better, but will they? It’s unclear. Hey, maybe there will be another trade. Or further experiments with the rotation.”
What’s frustrating me is that I see a pretty clear scenario where the current rotation gets very close to being able to compete with the elite this spring.
If Dumars/Curry figure out two things:
1) Only limited reliance on smallball. Tay plays mostly at the 3.
2) Iverson has the ball more and is on the court less, (which would directly lead to more Afflalo minutes.)
Then we’re down to only two concerns with the current roster:
1) Can Afflalo be as effective in heavier minutes as he’s been in spot duty?
2) Can we get effective minutes from a third big?
If those questions both get an affirmative answer, we can compete with Boston and Cleveland.
by Petey on Dec 20, 2008 1:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
The small ball makes me nervous too. It runs dangerously close to turning the Pistons into the Wizards (AI/Stuckey/Rip/Tay in for Caron/Arenas/Jamison). And it has never worked on a championship winning team.
But, it’s going to be hard to tell any of these guys that the team is better off with them coming off the bench (even Stuckey who has the least seniority is making a case by killing it as a starter).
by Quick Darshan on Dec 20, 2008 2:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
@Err’body:
forgive the novel…
@QD:
There are plenty here who will let off a collective groan when I say this: yeah, I’d start Amir at the 4.
I’d only give him 20mpg, but I’d start him at the 4. Why?
First and foremost, his speed. For small ball to truly be effective, it needs speed— and we have two of the fastest guards in the league at our 2 and 3 right now, Stuckey ain’t no slouch either. A quick, long, energy PF that can run the court as fast as a guard is a huge plus for Curry’s system. I’m not endorsing a run-and-gun system, but the ability to have 4 of 5 players that can transition to both ends of the floor in a heartbeat.
If “energy” is why Curry wanted this small lineup to start, wouldn’t that be a positive?
Second, his rebounding, shot blocking and defense. I think these all speak for themselves. With Amir starting at PF and getting 20 per, we wouldn’t be outrebounded by teams like Washington, New York, Indiana. Against teams with larger frontcourts, we’d not only stay competitive on the glass, but quite likely have the upper hand.
Amir has got his faults. They’re blatantly obvious to all of us here. He gets in foul trouble- it would suck to put the other team in the bonus 5 minutes into the first quarter.
His offensive game is under-developed. With stuck/rip/iverson in the small positions, we don’t need Amir to do anything other than be ready for putbacks, alley-oops and mismatch opportunities. We have so much fire-power on the floor that we can afford to have a role player that’s not a standout-offensive option. Besides, where the hell have tayshaun and rasheed been on the offensive end in the last 5 games?
Why not Dyess? Maxiell?
Both have been more consistently reliable than Amir. Dyess is a better offensive option. But our glaring weakness when Dyess was on vacation was the lack of a scoring option with our second unit bigs. We need him to come off the bench and provide sure-thing scoring at the power positions. That is more valuable to this team than putting him at the starting 4.
Maxiell could fit the 4, and in some cases I’d suggest starting him (against Orlando, for example). He is, however, slower than Amir, 4" shorter than Amir, and Max’s defense is based on energy, whereas Amir’s is a bit more technical (yet Amir has the same energy).
I’m an Amir hawk. Have been for a long time. This isn’t, however, a case of me going “yeah, play Amir! do it! omgFTW!” Its that throughout our whole roster, he’s the one player with the ingredients to make this recipe really work. Speed, rebounding, shot blocking, defense.
The three-guard lineup is working, and I didn’t expect it to. I think that shouldn’t change. I think we SHOULD change playing Tayshaun at 41 mpg. Give him 32, give Amir 10-20 and play the rest of our squad situationally. This isn’t about “let’s see what the kid can do”, its about needing what he does in the few minutes we’ve already given him.
by Mike Payne on Dec 20, 2008 2:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I think what is most interesting about our young bigs is not just their lack of playing time. But what about our assistant coaches? What are they doing? They have been working with these kids for years now. Still nothing. Something has gotta give. All this small ball is fine for 20-30 minutes but at some point we are gonna need some up front attitude and that has got to come from our youthful bench. I think Jan-Feb we will get plenty of them. Let’s just hope for our sake coach(s) have them ready.
by O-Town General on Dec 20, 2008 3:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
OT: Enormous day for the Big Ten so far. Nice win for State over Texas in Texas. Minnesota beat Louisville on a neutral court. Purdue is taking a dump all over Davidson right now. Big Ten looks like it’s back in hoops.
LLP has been impressive through the first half for Michigan. He hasn’t gotten any penetration, but he’s making a living with some NBA range 3 pointers. We need to take care of business today, the conference is going to be really tough.
by Other Matt on Dec 20, 2008 3:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I understand that our Sunday games are as good as forfeit, but I’ll still be annoyed with Curry if Joe Johnson burns us in the 4th quarter without Afflalo on him.
by Petey on Dec 20, 2008 4:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
“The three-guard lineup is working, and I didn’t expect it to. I think that shouldn’t change.”
FWIW, I don’t think smallball is that bad an idea during the regular season. I’d expect us to win more than half our games, which should give us a real shot at opening the playoffs at home.
My problem with smallball is what would happen in the playoffs. If we play elite teams small, they’ll beat us. If we play elite teams big, we won’t have the reps to know how to play big.
December and January are a good time to be working on something ambitious.
by Petey on Dec 20, 2008 4:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I agree 100% with Petey’s issues with “smallball” and the playoffs.
by Toledo Joe on Dec 20, 2008 4:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Mike Payne,
Amir sucks. Start Danny Manning, Chris Kaman or Marcus Camby. Those are REAL ballers
/LawyerBoy’d
by Boney on Dec 20, 2008 8:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Mike Payne,
Amir sucks. Start Danny Manning, Chris Kaman or Marcus Camby. Those are REAL ballers
/LawyerBoy’d
Trade Amir now or just release him.
by Mike on Dec 20, 2008 8:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
to the amir haters…does he not have a good +/- ? i will look it up. and if he sucks so much and is such a lost cause that he deserves no burn in a game that has seen four guys including two bigs foul out…huh? this is STUBBORN COACHING.
by andyfrombrooklyn on Dec 20, 2008 11:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
to all amir haters and members of the mike curry fan club, amir’s stats are pretty good. would you not agree that there are reasons to believe he will get better with experience? what is mikey curry’s problem with amir? it is a fair question..no?
by andyfrombrooklyn on Dec 20, 2008 11:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
which one of these five players has most room to grow in the league?
a. sheed
b. dyess
c. kwame
d. maxiel
e. amir
which two of these five players are playing too many minutes for their age?
a. sheed
b. dyess
c. kwame
d. maxiel
e. amir
which of these five players has gone the longest time since they were on the floor?
a. sheed
b. dyess
c. kwame
d. maxiel
e. amir
why does mikey curry hate amir
a. he doesn’t, he follows orders from dumars
b. because he is envious of his talents
c. because he is a coward and amir is easy to pick on.
d. because he is a special ops agent from orlando
e. because he is gay and amir rejected his attention
by andyfrombrooklyn on Dec 20, 2008 11:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Mik Payne yu don’t now I’m drinkin’. where do U get off tellin’ me Im drunk thas between me and GOD
by Rob G on Dec 21, 2008 12:56 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I’ll table you under the drunk, Gob G!
by Mike Payne on Dec 21, 2008 2:40 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Why is it when you… Whyisitwhenyou people talk baskitballl its like blah-blah-blahhhhh… You and yer statismotics…
I’ll tell you who should play power forward… Friggin’, like, the guy down the street who works 40 hours a week and can’t pay his bills. That’s my powerrrr forwirrrrd…
I mean, I’m not gay, but I’m like half-gay. I’ll put that out there. I’m half-gay… Like, do they call that bi? I mean… It just comes down to…
I mean, rebounds. Like, a rebound just says “you missed, but I love you… I LOVE YOU ENOUGH TO GET THE BALL AND PASS IT BACK YOU YOU…”
It’s like Jesus, and grace, and Christ… Jesus would totally be into rebounds…
He’d be like… “That’s cool, bro. Good effort… Here’s the ball back.”
Maybe if we were all like, you know, Jesus, we wouldn’t be in Iraq. You know? Cause, like, Saddam, it’d be like… You know, dude, Captain Hussein… You missed, but that’s cool..
Cause, like, I don’t think it even matters if I slept with your girl. It’s like… Rebounds, man… Know what I’m sayin’?
by kevin s. on Dec 21, 2008 3:01 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
you guys who like mikey curry are totally gay. i just want some justice.
by andyfrombrooklyn on Dec 21, 2008 7:01 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Y’know, I wouldn’t bet on them, but at the same time, I wouldn’t count out Phoenix in the West. Shaq, Amare, and Nash together? And Shaq actually looks like he’s in shape…
by Petey on Dec 21, 2008 8:16 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I think the problem is less smallball and more the lack of an elite big man on this team.
Sheed is NO LONGER an elite big man. Great defender, decent rebounder, good three point shooter. But, not an elite big man.
Dyess is solid. Maxiell has his merits. Kwame has a few too. And yes, Amir deserves some burn.
My suggestion: Look into TRADING SHEED FOR BOOZER. Utah doesn’t seem happy with Boozer. Sheed is no longer the player he was. Might as well get a taste of Boozer now and see if he’s worth signing next year.
I know this makes the team even smaller. And the defense will take a hit. But, Boozer will give the Pistons someone who can score in the paint with consistency.
I don’t think Curry would go small ball with Boozer at the C.
The Pistons are stacked at positions 1-3. But, without an elite big man, they are the Washington Wizards.
by Quick Darshan on Dec 21, 2008 10:15 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
“I think the problem is less smallball and more the lack of an elite big man on this team. Sheed is NO LONGER an elite big man. Great defender, decent rebounder, good three point shooter. But, not an elite big man.”
Yes and no.
Both Sheed and Dice can still provide highly effective minutes at the bigs. The problem is that for them to really be effective, they should only get to 60 – 65mpg combined. Which means we need to play smallball or find a third big.
The “Isse of the Third Big” is really central to seeing how far this team can go. If we can get effective and CONSISTENT minutes from some variant of Max/Amir/Kwame, we’ll be OK. If we can pick up some ring-chasing veteran big after the trading deadline, we’ll be OK.
Sheed can still be Sheed. You’ve just got to limit minutes and define roles.
by Petey on Dec 21, 2008 10:35 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Damn it looks like I missed the party :( gonna answer with my own long a$3 post.
@Mike Payne:
Great Post! I Agree with everything you said. Seriously, thank you for putting in the time to explain in detail why starting Amir makes a lot of sense. Unfortunately if you read McCosky’s latest pistons weblog entry, the chances of Curry coming to his sense are very very slim. (not sure if this will work, but here it is if you’re interested): http://info.detnews.com/redesign/blogs/pistonsblog/index.cfm?category=Pistons
if that link doesn’t work, then here’s the money quote, It’s Curry talking about small ball vs. Utah’s big/normal ball:
“I think we won the battle there,” Curry said. “If we’re small then they can’t guard us, so you tell me.”
So I guess according to Curry the detroit area sports sections should have had the headline: “Small ball wins even when it loses!!!1”
Anyway, the 3 guard line-up has worked well taken on it own. But combining it with a tiny frontcourt creates too many weaknesses and just isn’t sustainable.
It’s still a little hard for me to believe, with how hard Curry was selling Amir in the preseason, just how completely Curry has thrown him in the doghouse. Even the few spot/token minutes are being given to Kwame instead. Can a single reporter just replay like one quote of Curry’s about Amir from the preseason back to him now? By Curry’s treatment you’d think Amir has been by far our worst player, but by multiple statistical measures he’s been our BEST player! It’s crazy.
To take a random shot at another player- look at Dice’s individual profile on 82games.com—-> we’ve been outscored by almost 10 points per 100 poss. with him on the court!!! And our defense is allowing 11 points more per 100 poss. with him on the court. Those are the most terrible numbers I have probably ever seen from a recent Pistons player. Why no furious benching’s or doghouse visits for the player who is producing at (for a recent Piston) a historically bad level (I’m not arguing this should happen btw)?
Oh, it’s because Dice is one of our self-proclaimed “good” players, and he’s our “6th/7th starter,” so it doesn’t matter if he plays terrible, we’re just gonna keep telling ourselves he’s good, and when we lose, we’ll just keeping pointing the finger and our angry comments at that stupid loser at the end of the bench. He’s 6-11 and super athletic, and he doesn’t even use those gifts to shoot long jumpers!!! He actually uses them to defend, rebound, block shots, and shoot high % shots close to the basket… I mean, what the hell is he thinking?
by Gabe on Dec 21, 2008 10:50 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
“To take a random shot at another player- look at Dice’s individual profile on 82games.com—> we’ve been outscored by almost 10 points per 100 poss. with him on the court!!!”
Can’t judge Dice based on this year as of yet due to the enforced vacation.
If you look at last year, he’s right about where I’d think he’d be: the Pistons solidly outscore the opposition while he’s on the court, but he’s got a negative +/-.
In other words, Dice is a perfectly adequate backup. And that ain’t nothing.
by Petey on Dec 21, 2008 11:07 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
@Petey:
Yeah, I realize that Dice is adequate- I watch almost every single pistons game every year. I guess my point was that minutes aren’t being given out according to performance, they are being given out according to what Curry magically sees in his mind’s eye (i.e. thinking “smallball” won the battle against Utah’s “bigball” when in fact we lost the game).
And the other thing- by looking at the link you posted, what about Dice’s numbers last year makes you think he’ll be better than the alternatives this year? He already had the worst “roland rating” of our bigs last year, and that already crappy number is propped up from his being in the starting line-up for all of last season.
by Gabe on Dec 21, 2008 11:22 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
" a rebound just says "you missed, but I love you… I LOVE YOU ENOUGH TO GET THE BALL AND PASS IT BACK YOU YOU…" "
That HAS to be put on a T-shirt
by Rob G on Dec 21, 2008 12:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
The problem with Detroit’s “bigs” is that none of them have a consistent post offense game. ‘Sheed maybe could if he wanted to, regularly, but he doesn’t want to. ‘Dyess is a mid-range jump-shooter. Maxiell, Amir, and Kwame live on scraps from being around the hoop, but you can’t throw the ball into them and isolate them.
Of course, Detroit rarely gets good post-up bigs. The Bad Boys had Laimbeer (jump shooter), Salley and Rodman (live on scraps), although Buddha had some post game. The 2004 team didn’t have a big post offensive threat either, although ‘Sheed would play there then more than now. But also, let’s face it, the ‘04 team (and the almost-champ ’05 team) didn’t win primarily by scoring; it won primarily with defense.
Nowadays, Detroit doesn’t even have an Edwards or even a ’Sheed of ’04. And the Pistons defense is significantly weaker (in part due to personnel, in part due to rules changes). So the absence of post-scoring bigs hurts more.
by Toledo Joe on Dec 21, 2008 12:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
“The problem with Detroit’s "bigs" is that none of them have a consistent post offense game.”
Look at New Orleans. They don’t have a consistent post offense, but they get by because Paul causes chaos, and shooters are on the floor with him.
Assuming Curry ever figures out that Iverson needs the ball more, Iverson will have bigs who can shoot to find.
There is still the Issue of the Third Big, but I like what Roscoe and Dice can bring to an attack offense if their minutes are managed.
by Petey on Dec 21, 2008 12:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
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