A couple of minor notes from Chris McCosky about Monday’s practice:
Richard Hamilton sat out practice, getting treatment on the right ring finger he jammed during the All-Star Game on Sunday. He is expected to play tonight against the Bucks.
Carlos Delfino and Amir Johnson showed up late. Johnson overslept and missed the team plane and Delfino’s connecting flight out of Dallas (he spent last weekend in Argentina) was delayed.
Flip Murray’s plane was delayed out of Cincinnati and he never made it to practice.
All three players were fined.
Any guesses as to how long it took before anyone realized Flip Murray wasn’t there? I’m guessing at least a good 25 minutes.
Wow, you get fined for a delayed flight? That’s harsh on Carlos. Maybe he didn’t call? Maybe no one understood him when he called?
Matt,
I didn’t appreciate the flippant remark at the end of your post. We all know that Flip Murray is a valuable member of the Pistons and will be an essential part of any championship run.
Flip Murray came to the Pistons in what is now a familiar story. He was an NBA sojourner, before finally finding a home here in Detroit. His game has grown here as a player and has shown his value time and time again.
When we got at the start of the year I admit I was skeptical, but now I see all the angles. He is a combo guard equally adept at scoring or setting people up. Aside from CWebb, I think he is one of the best passers the Pistons have. He can’t help it if the rest of his teammates can’t finish at the rim…. robbing him of his true assist numbers. His teammates also do a poor job of getting him the ball early in the shot clock, forcing him to take low percentage shots with no time left. It’s suppose to be five on five, not Flip vs. the world! It goes without saying that his shooting percentage isn’t an accurate reflection of his true skill. Don’t even get me started on his defense. If the Pistons played more man to man like they used to he’d probably be up for DPOY. But sadly our zone leaks like a Chinese squirt-gun and it brings Flips numbers down to the basement.
I applaud Flip Saunders for his shrewd coaching move to bench Flip Murray. We need this guy healthy for the stretch run, and the benching lowers his trade value. His name has been flying around in trade rumors for months. Joe D. is on a crazed rampage to destroy the Pistons. He wants to trade Flip Murray!?… arguably our best player!? What is he thinking? Oh, that’s right, he’s not thinking. This is the same guy that drafted Darko for gods sake. Way to go Joe. He wouldn’t know talent if it jumped up an bit him on the ass.
Know this. If he trades Flip, that team would be getting a true baller at a bargain basement price. Someone who can step onto the court and change the whole complexion of a game. He sets the tempo from the start and can hit the big shots when it counts. Whatever GM pries this talent away from Detroit will be laughing all the way to a championship and GM of the year honors. Let’s just hope Joe D. isn’t shortsighted and Saunders plan works. If we keep Flip we’ll all be thanking our lucky stars as the parade rolls through downtown Detroit this summer.
good try tim. i guess all those GMs were just too crafty and flip murray will not be the next Orlando “you suckuuhs!” Woolridge shake down deadline trade.