Peter Vecsey runs down several options for Kobe Bryant and comes to the conclusion that Detroit is the best fit:
With all due respect to the above mentioned, there may not be a more perfect fit than the Pistons. Obviously, they must give to get; Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince somewhat compensate L.A. for the loss of its crown jewel and also it works contractually.
Meanwhile, the vets who’d remain with the Pistons have won, as Kobe has won, so the pressure to win wouldn’t be as great as in Chicago, New York, Atlanta or New Jersey, because they know how to done-do a title.
Then again, maybe Kobe’s stretch-marked ego cannot be gratified performing in an out-of-the-way oasis vs. a sexy city. Still, if his No. 1 priority is to take the season to its triumphant limit for the fourth time in 12 years, what better spot (other than with a West contender) than beautiful downtown Auburn Hills?
“When your address is Auburn Hills, all you can do is win and win big, and that’s what they do,” an ex-Piston player decreed. “All they can offer Kobe is a great environment, a winning culture and no bullspit. If he’s looking for something different than that, all I can say is ‘OK.’ “
(Real quick: “no bullspit”? Is it me or does a word like that just reek of Grant Hill?)
Don’t even think of this as a rumor, though; it’s just one guy riffing on something we all talked about last week — it’s not like Vecsey actually has additional reason beyond the logic he lays out to believe this can or will happen. Plus, as I’ve stated before, I don’t think Rip and Tay gets the job done for L.A. — they’d probably want a third or fourth piece, either in the form of one of our young players and/or a future pick. And that’s probably too much for the Pistons to bite.
(hat-tip: bunches of people, including Justin Rogers, PN and the Freep)
The Pistons would also need to demand a 72-hour window to negotiate an extension to eliminate his opt-out clause. I think Tay, Rip, and a pick is worth it for Kobe, but not if he’s only here for now less than two years.
Lakers would want a starting PF in exchange. Would be Sheed, Rip, and 1st rounder 08-09 for Kobe and Cook.
LAL are looking to replace Kobe with young talent. Rip and Tay, as reliable vets but not improving stars, only make sense if the Lakers are close to contending, and they aren’t. I’m thinking it would probably take Amir Johnson and Stuckey to get the deal done.
On the pistons end - sure Kobe would be a great fit as an elite scorer and defender - but would entail a complete cultural change from a well balanced team of self-less and (besides Sheed) well balanced teammates to one of a supporting cast surrounding a superstar.
Chicago and a number of other teams make a whole lot more sense on all fronts.
If Kobe makes it to Detroit it will probably have to be a 3-way deal where LA ends up with some younger players.
Regardless of any potential positive effect this could have on my beloved Pistones chances, I would refuse to root for any Kobe led team. I hope to god that no one in the front office is even considering this. He’s in the exclusive group with Karl Malone, Shaq, Giknobly, and Kurt Rambis as players who should have their numbers reverse retired in Detroit and be exluded from ever being allowed to have any affiliation with the D.
As interesting as it would be Im not gonna hold my breath for Kobe to come to Detroit.
I think it could work because I imagine JoeD would only do a deal that would still leave us with a viable roster that could truly compete for a championship, and not get us swept in the finals. :cough: the Lebrons :cough:
I dont have the stones like Wilbon but Ill say theres only about a 1% chance of Kobe coming to Detroit.
81 Witness, Brian Cook is the softest “power” forward in the league.