With Carlos Arroyo being shipped to Orlando in this week’s deal, the Pistons find themselves with Lindsey Hunter as their lone experienced backup point guard. Perhaps in part because he knows how terrified I get at the thought of Lindsey running the offense, Joe D gave indications immediately following the deal that the backup point position was not settled and that another move was imminent. Alas, he now seems to be backing off of that statement.
During a conference call with the area beat writers yesterday, Dumars stated that another move was not necessarily forthcoming and that he’s comfortable with Lindsey as his backup point. He also pointed out the obvious: there is no one he could acquire that would be able to lead this team to a championship in the event that Chauncey suffered a significant injury. So in that respect, the backup point position and the ten minutes of floor time it entails is much less significant than it is being portrayed. Dumars to the Detroit News:
“The ultimate question becomes, what if something happens to Chauncey (Billups )?” Dumars said. “Well, who are we going to get if something does happen to Chauncey that’s going to lead us to a championship anyways? Don’t kill yourself with that. You’re up a creek without a paddle there anyways. You know what I mean?
“Everybody asks what happens if Chauncey goes down, I say, what happens if Lindsey (Hunter ) does?”
Elaborating further on Joe’s comments, A. Sherrod Blakely suggests in his blog that the Pistons may settle for the scrap heap in the event Lindsey goes down, bringing a vet like Anthony Goldwire off waivers on a ten-day deal. Anthony Goldwire? I may have just thrown up in my mouth.
Look, no one can replace Chauncey, that I agree with. But if Joe stands pat–leaving Lindsey and rookie Alex Acker as the only backups to Chauncey down the stretch–this team is undoubtedly worse off than it was before the deal. For a team that has been preaching all season the importance of home court advantage, weakening the roster doesn’t make much sense. And should the team hold onto Kelvin Cato and his very marketable contract (even though he has the same chance of contributing as a certain Serbian 7-footer) then it will be obvious that this deal was completed solely for financial reasons. After all, it isn’t as if the market for Darko or Arroyo would have dried up after the season, but it would have been impossible for Joe to obtain $9 million in cap relief this offseason if he had waited until June or July (since the expiring contracts would have expired).
Yes, that 2007 or 2008 draft pick is nice. And resigning Ben Wallace this offseason to a reasonable contract is a priority. But amidst what could be a dynastic run, I would have liked the focus to remain on this team’s chances of winning title in ‘06 before concerning themselves too much with staying below an imaginary spending limit after the season ends. I’ve stated before that Joe always deserves the benefit of the doubt; I’m just hoping he has one more move in him before the deadline.
Deal is done; Darko is gone [Detroit News]
Dumars: It was time to move on [Detroit News]
A. Sherrod Blakely’s blog [MLive]
Two steps back? Not so fast! While I agree with you that there is major concern at the backup pg position on the roster and hopefull that Joe D gets some help, I do not believe these Detroit Pistons are any less of a team than they were two days prior. Did Carlos Arroyo really give you that much to feel good about? or have confidence in any more than anthony Goldwire or some other throw-in? or could a vet on a 10day do as much if not more than Carlos for ten times less money? Let’s be honest Carlos could not shoot a lick, had trouble finishing around the rim and “tried” to make the simple plays look spectacular without any success. Even if the move was soley done for financial reason why does it jeopardize the possible dynastic run which lies ahead? I understand maybe you would have been happier to have Joe D get someone else in return for Darko, but it is what it is and I actually feel that financially along w/the future 1st rndr this will help us to become a true Dynasty for years to come. The focus to win another title this year is first on Joe D’s mind, but you also have to stay one step ahead …not get tunnel vision and keep the Motown Motor runnin!!Mission accomplished….good luck Darko…so long Carlos…thank you Joe D
Matt–great points–I doubt there’s a right answer to this one. Allow me a rebuttal.
1.) Granted, the post title is a little over-dramatic, but my point is this: if there are no other moves on the horizon, then the deal was made solely for financial purposes (to avoid paying the luxury tax next season after resigning Ben), and it weakens the team in the short-term. Of course you have to balance the future with the present, but the top 7 players on this team are locked up for a couple years (provided Ben resigns). What are the odds that a rookie in 2007-08 cracks the rotation anyway? We’re projecting out to 2009 now.
2.) I know Carlos had his fair share of detractors, but he found the open man on offense and could push the ball in transition. Those are two offensive strengths that Lindsey does not have. And let’s be honest, if Goldwire had anywhere near the game of Arroyo, he’d be on someone’s roster rather than awaiting a ten day deal from some desparate team.
3.) How does this jeopardize the dynasty? Well, if the Spurs win, they’re the dynasty. The market for Arroyo and Darko would have been there after the season, and I think Arroyo gave us the better chance to win games down the stretch this year.
Thanks for your comments. It’s always good to have an intelligent contrary opinion for balance.
Ian - I agree to disagree, but really enjoy all of your takes! You make some great points and I just enjoy the chatter about the Pistons. I look forward to ranting some more in the near future.
Thanks