Yes, it’s insanely early to grade the team after 13 games, but Kevin Sawyer does not live by the rules of mere mortals. So read on and share your grades in the comments.
By Kevin Sawyer
Chauncey Billups – A-
Most players excel prior to signing a contract, then experience a dropoff. Billups has been as effective than ever, matching last year’s performance in fewer minutes. If he is able to produce at this rate, he will help the Pistons achieve the proper balance between playing the youngsters and winning their division, and his price tag will seem like an absolute bargain.
Rip Hamilton – C
One of the emerging narratives for the Pistons is how to incorporate the considerable offensive gifts of two wing players who have reached the prime of their careers. Hamilton, for his part, has stepped up in by distributing the ball (5.0 apg) and rebounding. Hopefully, this will draw defenders away from him, because his shot isn’t falling. One has to wonder, however, why his shooting is down across the board (75% free throws?), especially from a player who has been a hallmark of consistency.
Tayshaun Prince – B
To date, Prince been the winning the battle of the wings. After vocalizing (appropriately, in my view) his concerns about his offensive involvement, he is having the best season of his career offensively. That said, Prince has a curious tendency to disappear completely. If that happens, we’ll still have the top notch defense, and Hamilton will inherit a shot or two. That’s the good and bad of it. Generally speaking, Hamilton and Prince represent a known commodity. If one improves, the other suffers. Like Voltron or something.
Rasheed Wallace – A-
Rasheed was in the midst of a borderline career year before an injury briefly sideline him. Rasheed has been an extraordinarily efficient offensive weapon, shooting 42% from downtown while being more aggressive on the offensive end. He’s even on pace for a career high in free-throw percentage. If he keeps this up (and maintains the low rate of techs), he’ll vie for an all-star appearance, even in a suddenly crowed Eastern Conference. See what a little focus will do?
Antonio McDyess – A
It might come as a surprise that McDyess has been the Pistons best rebounder since Big Ben’s departure, which is why he should continue to start even though his game lacks some of the flash of the Pistons younger bigs. What is interesting is that Dice has gotten off to extremely slow starts the last two seasons. He is presently shooting 58% from the field. If this is the cold start, Dice might be carrying the team come April. Either way, the Pistons might consider giving him the rock.
Ronald Murray – C+
There is no reason why Murray should be more productive as a starter, on a per minute basis. Yet, Murray has filled in ably for Billups and Hamilton during their brief absences, while continuing to be utterly horrendous from the bench. On a positive note, Murray seems to be able to deliver quality starter minutes at the flip of a switch. More distressingly, the Pistons are still hurting for backup guard help. At this point, one can’t shake the feeling that the starter/bench disparity is a matter of his own contrivance.
Jason Maxiell – C+
Max’s foul rate is really starting to impact his production. He has reached four fouls six times (including one foul-out) in spite of playing more than 30 minutes only three times. He remains a solid shot blocker, and the rebounding has marginally improved, but I wonder if the blocks aren’t coming at the expense of simply staying in front of his man and boxing out. Either way, he needs to stay on the court and play better defense, or he might suffer the fate of…
Nazr Mohammed – D
Who, up until yesterday, was literally playing himself out of the rotation. I’ve been an ardent Nazr defender, and 12 games do not a career make, but how do you explain this? Does his religion require him to shoot 43% from the stripe in November? I can understand why Mohammed (the player, not the prophet) might lament his treatment to date by the organization, but the Pistons still need his offense off the bench, and his rebounding in general. Let’s hope the last couple of games point to a turnaround.
Jarvis Hayes – B-
I still forget that he’s on the team, but Hayes has been a modest surprise off the bench, easily replacing the Delfino’s production from the backup wing spot. To date, I think the Pistons have been relying too heavily on Hayes. As a rotation guy, he’s great. As the first offensive weapon off the bench? Well, let’s hope this Rodney Stuckey fellow is all he is cracked up to be.
Rodney Stuckey – Inc.
For some reason, I get the sneaking feeling he might not make an impact this year.
Aaron Afflalo – D+
Spellcheck has had opportunity to crack the rotation, and has mostly stayed in the background thus far, content to shoot (and miss) the occasional trey on offense. This team is too deep to feature a poor-man’s Lindsey Hunter in the rotation.
Amir Johnson – B
He has earned his minutes by blocking shots, rebounding, and not turning the ball over, and we can wait for the offensive game to develop. His defensive mindset make him a great mix with Maxiell off the bench. However, he should at least attempt the occasional putback. He has yet to attempt more than two shots in any one ball game. I admire the restraint, but the second unit doesn’t have the weaponry to play 5 on 4 on offense.
Cheick Samb – Inc.
If the Pistons opt not to send Samb to the NBDL for seasoning, they’ll regret it. If they continue to pair him with Johnson off the bench, they’ll regret it even more. Samb has shown real signs that he has an NBA-caliber toolset on both ends of the floor, and that Laker game was fun to watch (for awhile)… But that lineup lacks experience and offense.
Lindsay Hunter – Inc.
Should be sipping gin & tonics from the executive suite, running spreadsheets and scouting 7’6 Chernobyl babies from Belarus, not playing meaningless spot minutes early in the season.
It seems to me that Mr. Sawyer did these especially to be controversial
Billip’s defense has been horrible and he has been out played by most of the point guards he was supposed to be guarding. He had one excellent game against NY but that is about it and he gets an A-????? My grade would be c- I wanted to give him a “D” but he does not know what that is
On the other hand, Aaron Afflalo has done all that has been asked of him and has defended well and provided energy and effort — yet he gets a D???? He needs to play more.
Maxiell had played extremely well and most of his foul trouble is because Billips cannot stay in front of quick point guards and Maxiell has to rotate over and help out.
Rip shoots too much!!!! He had a few games where he had some nice assists, but all he needs to do is make that one extra pass.
Since there is no grade for flip saunders, I will start the bidding at B-. He has tried to play the bench but not enough and he has not been able to find the right combinations of starters and backups.
I just want to say that I think the comment about Nazr’s religion was out of line. Criticize his game, don’t make it personal. Lots of people know that he fasts sometime around the beginning of the year, but that doesn’t mean you have to ridicule him for his religious beliefs. That was just unprofessional and un-called for.
(Purposely trying to avoid talk about religion…)
The only grade I disagree with is Afflalo. Granted his stats are pretty terrible, but when you watch him he seems servicable. I’m a little surprised his stats are as low as they are. Maybe I’ve just tuned in to see the good plays he makes but I’d put him at a C/C-
Afflalo has been solid. He looks like he gets it defensively and his 89% FT percentage is tasty.
Chauncey Billups – B+
Everytime Flip Murray touches the ball, I remember why Chauncey deserves every dollar. I think he’s getting his shot back after a poor end of last season. Let’s see if he can lead.
Rip Hamilton – C-
He’s taken over the ‘hothead’ role from ‘Sheed, but ‘Sheed usually made his next shot after a tech… Certainly below average.
Tayshaun Prince – B+
At this point, if it’s Prince playing well vs. Rip playing well, let’s go with Prince. He’s about 50% (with sheed) of our frontcourt offense. He needs the ball more.
Rasheed Wallace – A
He’s really turning it around and making a case to stay in motown. Much better play than I expected, and he’s doing it out of position.
Antonio McDyess – B
He’s doing about what I expected. He’s fills a roster spot, but nothing to write home about.
Ronald Murray – C-
I’ll say it again, pretty much anybody in the NBA can put up 24 a night if you let them shoot 30 times. He freezes everyone else on the court with his selfish game. It’s a shame Stuckey is hurt. I guess Joe D wasn’t so crazy drafting 3 guards afterall. The only reason he doesn’t get an ‘F’ is because his points will make him decent trade bait.
Jason Maxiell – B+
He’s definitely getting there, and he’s earned his spot in the rotation. He just needs time to get his confidence.
Nazr Mohammed – B-
He’s at least trying to make himself tradeworthy.
Jarvis Hayes – A-
He’s stepped up his game and is doing very well in the very specific role he’s been given. It’s hard to be ‘on’ when you take 5 shots a game cold off the bench, but he’s doing it.
Rodney Stuckey – Inc.
For some reason, I get the sneaking feeling he *WILL* make an impact this year.
Aaron Afflalo – B
Better than expected. He’s a…hate to say it…intangible guy like Delfino was last year. He’s no starter yet, but I was happy with his D on Kobe the other night.
Amir Johnson – B+
Thank you, Amir, for validating our outlandish hopes for you. INC for offense keeps him from the A
Cheick Samb – A+
Are you kidding me? He went from ‘3 years from being a rotational player’ to a fearsome blocker with a fadeaway in about 3.5 seconds. Nobody expected this much this early from him.
For what it’s worth, I barely even noticed the religion comment — I’ve heard the fasting explanation so many times before that it didn’t register it might be offensive.
As for Afflalo, I’d peg him higher than a D+, especially when you consider he’s shooting 58% from “two-point” land (he’s 1-13 on threes). His defense has been serviceable and he generally has that “he knows what he’s doing” look about him that you don’t always see from rookies this early in the season. I’ll give him a C.
As for Chauncey, yes, he’s been burned a few times, but his offensive production has been outstanding, especially when you consider Detroit’s system is still one of the slowest in the league.
That’s funny Matt I did the same math on Afflalo. Somebody needs to tell him to stop taking 3’s. 58% from 2-point land is just fine. Work on your 3’s at practice.
Afflalo also gets bonus points for his reaction to Laker bullying. It was somewhere along the lines of a if-you-don’t-let-go-of-my-arm-I’m-gonna-break-your-face look. The offending Laker remembered that he’s a life long backup and immediately let go. That was almost as good as Darko’s smirk at Mutombo.
The Nazr comment was funny.
The Amir grade wasn’t.
Junk.
For the record, I write nothing for the purpose of strictly being controversial. As far as the grades go, I recall getting progress reports in high school after a few weeks. These weren’t meant to be final grades.
The religion comment would apply to any religion that requires fasting. The fasting hypothetically explains his relatively poor starts, but poor free throw shooting generally indicates a lack of practice. I’m criticizing his apparent lack of practice, not his religion.
Opposing PGs are averaging 9.6 ppg and 7.2 apg on 38% shooting. Chauncey is vastly outperforming the opposition. Afflalo does things that don’t show up in the stat sheets, hence the grade.
the Nazr comment was actually pretty dumb…
Nazr has shown flashes this season, and whether we like it or not he’s with us for what appears to be the long haul… His defense is borderline, his offense is minimal, but if he runs 5-10 mins a night, he at least deserves a C because he’s productive. Even Nazr can’t foul out in 10 minutes…
Nazr was great last game and the solid the game before.
Afflalo should be higher because of his d and he’s not been given a fair shake. He’s either on the court with all starters so hes not called on to score or with Flip Murray who looks out for himself. I would love one of those Rip play calls for Afflalo since he can shoot midrange and is used to coming off screens.
The Nazr comment ruins an otherwise insightful article….
So are you just making grades based off of the stat sheet? If so it’s too bad they don’t say 2p% and 3p% on the stat sheet.
Speaking of stat sheets, I’d like to give Commissioner Stern a round of applause for adding +/- to the stat sheet. Finally something that helps quantify a player’s contribution even if he isn’t rebounding, dunking, stealing, etc…
Chauncey Billups – B+
Only too hip for an A. Also assists. The offense needs more bang-bang in it. I hear a big-shot call-out.
Rip Hamilton – C-
That’s great, you’re a father. You’re an earnest giver of charity. You wear a mask. Only Chauncey can shoot the NBA Mendoza and get an A. We don’t need dual point guards.
Tayshaun Prince – B
Come on, Compton Champion. Sawyer was right - either you or Rip. I choose you, Palace Princeachu!
Rasheed Wallace – B+
Guys, rub on the bald spot for magic. Needs more technicals for an A. Start calling shots, mix up “Ball Don’t Lie” with “I Brings the Ruckus” or something. Don’t curb that enthusiasm.
Antonio McDyess – F
I’m itching for his 2nd half revival. I just flunk him until the All-Star weekend, then he gets an A the rest of the way. He’s the only guy on this roster that gets the free pass. Should be a color analyst for ESPN by now, based on his previous injuries. It’s all bonus round, and we’ve been racking the high scores with him.
Ronald Murray – Q
For questionable. Sometimes he feels like a nut, sometimes he’s junk.
Jason Maxiell – F
For fouls. You can’t eat that many babies. There’s other peeps who need to eat at this cannibal party.
Nazr Mohammed – ALLAH
He’s junk. We’re stuck with him. He’s still trying to figure out how he got blocked by this guy, how he got on that poster, how Joe Dumars thought it was a good idea to sign him to that much money, whatever. Too bad the joke wasn’t tightened up, Sawyer. Always bring the ruckus, so I stand by this joke.
Jarvis Hayes – A
For New Alternator. Actual grade = Not a Piston. Give this man a round of applause, at least, until he breaks and is unavailable the rest of the way. I like him. He can’t pass, but neither could Mo Evans, and Carlos couldn’t shoot. Problem really is that the offense seems to fall apart when he’s out there (lack of ball movement?) and, so far, I don’t see the defense.
Rodney Stuckey – Sausages
I get the sneaking feeling that we’re stuck with him. He better put out.
Aaron Afflalo – S
For Spellcheck. He’s another defensive specialist. That’s cool because he’s a young one. Unfortunately, I see a 5-man rotation with Jarvis Hayes and him in there. Bad idea.
Amir Johnson – Z
Really not a defender. Doesn’t really affect the team’s offense, either. I’d rather bundle him up in a package of players and send him to Los Angeles for You Know Who. Quick, while people are still talking about potential!!!1 Eat it, community.
Cheick Samb – Foreign
The rawest thug of the bunch. It’ll take 4-5 years of him learning things about the NBA game, at this rate. I’d rather have him as the Victory Cigar than Nazr. It also helps that he wasn’t a Top 5 pick. Plus it fills out our Stern’s Promote World NBA Order Requirement of one guy not from around here.
Lindsay Hunter – R.I.P.
Sawyer was right. Where’s your suit and front office job?
Flip Saunders - LOL
At least the Pistons aren’t the Bulls. HAHA @ SKOTTSKILEZ.
Community of Detroit Bad Boys - C
You Charlie Browns better shape up with the gallows humor, or you’re gonna get cooked come playoffs. Politically ka-wreckz is bunk. It’s a science.
I think Kevin S. is just about on point with his gradings. But from what i have seen from Afflalo hes played pretty well for a rookie, I would give him atleast a “C”. And as for Amir I’m really not impressed by him (offensively) yet. I’m actually surprised he recieved something higher than a “C”.
But other than that, i would say that is some pretty accurate grading of our Piston roster after only 13 games.
Sauce wins. Also someone get him into rehab ASAP.
Billups - Running the offense well. He’s playing with focus even though he does look a step slow.
Hamilton - Needs to stay in the offense. And shoot better at the line. Like how he’s finishing going to the basket though. And he’s shooting well from the 3pt line.
Prince - Really coming into his own. I like the way Flip is separating his and Rip’s minutes.
Sheed - Has been phenemonal. I’ve been hard on him in the past but he’s been everything we’ve needed. The Team MVP so far.
Dyess - Moving him to the starting lineup was a move I hoped they’d do as soon as Ben Wallace left. He and Sheed are really playing well together.
Stuckey - I think the Pistons are anticipating him being their best player coming off the bench. If that’s the case, we really haven’t seen just how good this team can be.
Maxiell - Has improved his rebounding. Looks comfortable on offense. Not ready for the starting lineup yet.
Hayes - A great bench player. Doesn’t need to get into the flow of the game for his jumper to be effective.
Afflalo - Always in the right place. Still needs work defensively against faster players. And needs to expand his range. When Stuckey comes back, I hope he’s Rip’s primary backup because I think have things figured out by the end of the year given the minutes.
Murray - If Rip or Chauncey get hurt, I like him in the starting lineup. Otherwise, I’d rather see the youngsters in there.
Nazr - Good job on the boards and on-the-ball defense. Needs to shoot better from the line.
Amir - I’m not sure what all the fuss is about. Needs to work on his rebounding and defense so he can take Nazr’s minutes.
Samb - Wow. Has shown me more than Amir has. Definitely has a place on the Pistons as (at least) a backup center of the future.
Hunter - Good insurance.
Dupree - Samb has moved ahead of him and Hunter, making Dupe the 15th man.
Oh, and I think Flip Saunders is doing a great job.
Kevin S wrote: “The religion comment would apply to any religion that requires fasting. The fasting hypothetically explains his relatively poor starts, but poor free throw shooting generally indicates a lack of practice. I’m criticizing his apparent lack of practice, not his religion.”
Okay, so you say you’re criticizing his lack of practice. You say it’s this lack of practice–not fasting–that is potentially causing his poor free throw shooting. Yet you say the comment which equates his poor free throw shooting with his religion would apply to any religion that requires fasting. How exactly does the religion comment apply when fasting for religious purposes is not, as you, yourself, suggest, the cause of his free throw shooting woes? Why make a deliberate effort to link the two?
If you want to criticize him for shooting like crap from the free throw line, by all means, go right ahead. (Frankly, I’d be standing right next to you, egging you on, because he most certainly has shot like crap from the free throw line and deserves the criticsm.) I’m sure you can find a way to do it without taking an unnecessary poke at a man’s religion.
I’m not a Pistons fan, but I just had to say that this post had a great title. It got me.
Between Hakeem used to fast too. His production didn’t go down and no Muslim is fasting Ramadhan these days (it finished couple of months ago)…
Flip gets a b+ from me since he got tossed for saying “Thats the first ****ing call you got right all day” to a ref and he played Samb and Amir together and not in a blowout
“Quick, while people are still talking about potential!!!1 Eat it, community.”
Best line ever. Sauce FTW.
Sauce… don’t drink and post. Or at least watch the games and check the player game logs before grading.
“Why make a deliberate effort to link the two?”
Cause I’m making a joke. I’ll admit that it isn’t particularly funny (call me a Bill Simmons wannabe), but I deny that there is any particular reason to find it offensive. At best, you could argue that I am mocking the fact that he practices religion at all, but that is not my aim.
Moreso, I am just making light of the various excuses we make for players who, in most instances, just don’t bother to train in the offseason.
I’d apologize, but it would be one of those “I’m sorry you found this offensive” type of apologies that effectively amounts to a patronizing insult. So I’ll simply say that I can see your point, but respectfully disagree.
brad,
do you know where i can watch the laker bullying incident you mentioned? i’d just love to see that.
Keep up the good work Kevin S. Too many people who post must leave to close to Dearbornistan and are afraid the neighbors may go Jihad on their asses! Oh yeah, to keep this Pistonsish, Hayes at 3, Afflalo at the 2, Maxi playing the 4 will be a phenomenal lineup for the Pistons before the All-Star break, having Dyess or Sheed at 5 and anyone who can pass at the 1 is going to be an added bonus!
Rasheeds rating is fine, Since Antonio Mcdyess has stepped up on the offensive end, it leaves sheed wide open most of the time. What more do you expect from Jason Maxiell, Hes an explosive player. When you watch games, actually look and see who boxes out. Thier are 4 players i see you box out every play. Nazr, Jason, Tayshaun, and Antonio. Nazr has had double digit rebounding games in a lot of games this season. What more do you expect from a pure center in this league coming off the bench. I would like to question your expertise on how you grade these players.