I posted some thoughts on the whole point guard situation over at the FanHouse — sorry for making you go over there to read the whole post, but the gist is that I doubt Flip Saunders will actually start Will Blalock, which leads me to this conclusion:
Sigh. Forget the beer — you better reach for the hard stuff.
Murray isn’t a true point guard by any stretch of the word, and his inconsistent play this year has disrupted the offense and infuriated fans. That said, one of his biggest problems is that he’s most comfortable playing starter’s minutes and struggles to get into a groove off the bench. So even though it goes against absolutely everything I’ve seen with my own two eyes this year, I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest that putting Murray in the starting lineup won’t absolutely kill the chances of Detroit playing .500 ball in Billups’ absence.
All bets are on, however, as to whether or not the ball spontaneously combusts after four games of Murray dribbling, dribbling, dribbling, dribbling, dribbling out the shot-clock for 30 minutes a night.
Agree? Disagree?
For what it’s worth, Flip Murray seems confident that he can replace Billups, though I’m not sure what else you’d expect him to say. From the Free Press:
Pistons coach Flip Saunders left the arena before it was made known that the injury would keep Billups out of action for a while. But early indications are that either combo guard Ronald (Flip) Murray or rookie Will Blalock will take over for Billups. Either way, their minutes will surely increase in Billups’ absence.
Saunders said before the game that guard Lindsey Hunter, who has been hampered by a sore Achilles tendon, should resume practicing with the team next week.
Murray, who has struggled as of late, said he’s confident he could step in for Billups.
“I don’t know what he’s going to be doing. I don’t know what he’s thinking,” Murray said of Saunders. “I’ll just have to wait and see. … I’ve played the point a majority of my life, so it’s not going to be a hard adjustment. If it comes down to that situation, I’ve got to make sure I’m ready to come out there and perform.”
A couple of weeks ago I proposed that Detroit should offer Dale Davis and Flip Murray to the Sonics for Earl Watson. For the most part, the idea was roundly panned in the comments. I’m curious, anyone have a change of heart yet? (I should add it’s become a moot point — Watson has since been inserted into Seattle’s starting lineup, and I wouldn’t be surprised if his price tag has gone up.)
Chauncey Billups Strains Calf, Out 10-14 Days [NBA FanHouse]
Who’ll replace injured Billups? Good question [Detroit Free Press]
Who says even if Flip Murray is in the starting lineup, that he will handle the ball. I can see him playing “sg” on offense because I believe Tay will be running the show. Last season he did it and he did it better than Flips best game so far. That’s what I believe will happen
While it’s going to be terrible being without Chauncey, I think there can be some benefits to this situation. First, Chauncey will finally get some rest that will hopefully help him down the stretch and come playoffs. Second, if there is any time for Flip Murray to prove his worth, this is it. I really can’t stand the guy, but if he can produce in the starting position, (like you, Matt, I’m counting on that) at the very least he might improve his trade value. I’m also hopeful that Will Blalock will benefit from extended minutes. I like his game a lot, and the extra playing time is bound to help him in the long run. Also, is there any way you think the Pistons look into signing someone to a 10-day contract? They can be signed January 5, which would take care of all but the first game Chauncey will miss. Is someone like Mateen Cleaves (just to throw a name out there) available? No matter what, hurry back, Chauncey!
p.s. This is the first time I’ve left a comment, but I’ve been reading DBB for a long time and don’t know what I’d do without it!
I say let’s give Flip a perfect chance at playing well. He says he needs starter minutes? Well now he’s got ‘em. If he can produce, then we shut up about him. If he flunks, then at least we can say we gave him a real shot.
I agree with Rocky. To add to that point I think you have got to give Flip the start. If you give Will the start, Flip will take it as a slap in the face and shut down completely. (how is that different from his current level of play? Not sure)
Even if he plays well though it isn’t going to mean much. He’s never going to be a starter on this team and if he CAN’T play off the bench we should deal him.
I still don’t think we need another PG. Anyone you insert won’t be Big Shot. We might win a few more with a good back-up but it’s not like if we start Flip we aren’t going to make the playoffs! We’ll probably still have the best record in the east…. Thank you crappy eastern conference.
-Tim
Right about now is another reminder that Joe screwed up on the Arroyo/Darko deal. A dose of Dos Los would be dope, yo!
I like Will better than Arroyo, and Darko was never going to work in Detroit.
Good riddance
Trader Jac: Signing a guy to a 10-day contract without having to release anyone else is a possibility since the Pistons only have 14 guys on the roster. If they went that route, I’m not sure the 15th guy would ever be active, but he’d probably be good to have around for practices and insurance, at the very least.
I just did some digging on Cleaves — he’s actually playing in Russia this year. But, just for kicks, here are the assists-per-game leaders in the NBDL. Not a lot of recognizable names there, for sure.
(And welcome! Look forward to your 2nd comment, and your 3rd, 4th, 5th…)
for the last 4 or 5 years we have been lucky when it comes to players getting hurt. This year alone Rip,Sheed, and now Mr. Big Shot have missed games. I think its a blessing however because it makes coach Flip Saunders play some of the younger guys. Thanks to Sheed getting hurt we learned about the bash brothers ( Dale and Max). Maybe this will be the time for Flip Murray to show us what he can do. maybe its Blalocks turn show what he can do.
was really looking forward to the chauncey/nash matchup tonight, the battle of the best pg’s if you will. this is going to be quite a test if flip starts tonight, interested in how it will play out.