Comments on: Pistons Preview: The Bench

By: Kevin S.

Kevin S. — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 04:00:04 +0000

As for Samb, I think the Pistons just need him not to accidentally elbow Chauncey’s eye-socket at the team’s final dinner.

By: Kevin S.

Kevin S. — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 03:45:06 +0000

I forgot Jarvis Hayes because the roster list I was looking at didn’t include Jarvis Hayes and because I’m an idiot. I’ll e-mail Matt and hope for a mercy edit.

By: Rotations - Page 40 - Detroit Pistons Fan Community - PistonsForum.com

Rotations - Page 40 - Detroit Pistons Fan Community - PistonsForum.com — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 22:54:05 +0000

[…] Pistons Preview: The Bench Matt Watson November 6, 2007 Last week, Kevin previewed the starting lineup, describing what the Pistons needs from each player in order to lock up another title. This week, he previews the bench. __________________ Amir Johnson Really, the Pistons need defense from Amir. His offensive game will develop over time, but his height and athleticism should allow him to be very disruptive on the defensive end, especially against the 2nd and 3rd stringers he is likely to face. For all his talents, Maxiell is a defensive liability and a mediocre rebounder. Johnson can earn his minutes by blocking and altering shots and hording defensive rebounds. One key stat will be his bpg/foul ratio. If he can stay north of, say .80 in that area, it will be a sure sign that this season was a success. More on the link Detroit Bad Boys […]

By: PDXPistonsFan

PDXPistonsFan — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 22:48:33 +0000

Kevin purposefully overlooked Hayes because he’s our secret weapon. Shhhhhhh!

By: DetroitGirl4life

DetroitGirl4life — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 22:41:16 +0000

hahahahhaahahhahaha….OMG THAT WAS TOO FUNNY…OMG HIT EVERY CONEY ISLAND IN DETROIT HAAHAHAA

LET’S GO PISTONS AND LET’S GET THAT SHIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2007-2008 IT’S OUR TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ALL BOUT DETROIT BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: Craig

Craig — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 22:40:11 +0000

Good points, all. Kevin, no mention of Hayes or Cheick?

By: Quick Darshan

Quick Darshan — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 22:31:03 +0000

What we need from…

Stuckey: To be the best backup PG Chauncey has had at Detroit. Well within his capabilities.

Maxiell: Work on his defensive rebounding and improve at the free throw line.

Hayes: Keep doing what he’s doing.

Nazr: Keep his hands up and be ready for a pass.

Amir: Concentrate on defense and rebounding. The rest will come.

Flip: Learn to play off the ball.

Afflalo: Keep doing what he’s doing on offense. Get used to defending NBA players.

Lindsay: Teach all the young players to D up.

Dupe: Work on his spot up jumper.

Cheick: Hit every Coney Island in the Detroit Metro Area.

By: Kevin S.

Kevin S. — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 19:35:31 +0000

I would add that Maxiell doesn’t have to rebound well to be an effective player. If he can get 10-5 with 2 blocks off the bench, he will have a strong shot at the sixth man award.

By: Rob G

Rob G — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 19:07:01 +0000

What’s encouraging about Max is that Flip et al said, “Get some defensive boards” and I can see him basically assaulting the glass on defense. The problem is he struggles against bigger guys and sometimes gets out of position when he goes hard for a shot block. If, however, he learns to balance the two and he can learn to block out bigger guys even better, I think it’s safe to say that Kevin S. would happily revoke the “defensive liability” label. But Max has to do it consistently for the next, I don’t know, 79 games or so…

By: Kevin S.

Kevin S. — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:43:34 +0000

If Maxiell had played 35 minutes per game, he would have averaged 7 RPG last year. Maxiell and Wallace have little to do with each other. Maxiell is averaging 10 points in 23 minutes while shooting 59%, and it is not impossible to think he’ll keep it up. Plus he tends to get his points in highlight reel fashion, hence the buzz.

I’ll backpedal on the defensive liability bit. If he can cut down the fouls while continuing to block shots, he can be very good. If not, there will be a big dropoff from Wallace/Prince to Maxiell, and Johnson can certainly fill that gap.

By: Matt Watson

Matt Watson — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:21:32 +0000

I won’t speak for Kevin, but I was disappointed in Maxiell’s rebounding last year. He’s made some strides in the preseason, but only time will tell if that carries over for the year.

By: Craig

Craig — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:17:00 +0000

Disagree with the comments about max being a liability on defense and a mediocre rebounder. Last I heard, those are two of the reasons he’s getting press for 6th man of the year considerations. Mentions as a poor man’s ben wallace? What’s the basis, Kevin?