The Pistons were scheduled for a game in Grand Rapids last night, though judging from the score, they forget to show up. I kid, of course, but I still feel bad for 10,000 and change who made it out to the game — they didn’t pay to see only one Piston crack double-digits, especially since that player was Will Bynum.
All in all, though, I’m not overly concerned. The Pistons are using the preseason to expand their offense, so chances are they would have struggled against a good defensive team even if Chauncey Billups played.
Plus (and I know this sounds like an excuse, but I’m still willing to accept it), the Pistons are apparently a little winded. Michael Curry has been working them hard in training camp, and unlike in the regular season, he’s not holding back just because there’s a game to be played. From Greg Johnson of the Grand Rapids Press:
“As I told the guys, we’re still in training camp, and I’m not going to lighten up the day before a game because we still have work days,” he said. “You know, we are going to continue to push them.”
As you’ll see in the video from the GR Press below (take note, Detroit papers, this is what you should be doing), Curry had a lot to say about the team’s conditioning after the game:
On a side note, my apologies for the lack of a proper game thread last night, but kudos to those who forged ahead without me.
Mark Champion said on the radio broadcast before the game started that the Pistons did not practice Yesterday and they hadn’t played in 3 days.
I don’t buy the tired stuff.
I just think that Curry was out coached by the master coach plus this is another example of how Stuckey is not ready to be the starting PG
@Mike:
Before the game, Blaha and Kelser were talking about the tough practices, and the 3-hour practice the team had without Curry letting up. I’ve got the game recorded on my DVR, I can pull up a direct quote for you. However, it sounds like your single source is contradicted by many others: at least WDFN and Michael Curry himself.
I recorded the game, but opted to not watch after seeing the final score…however was Stuckey’s game at PG really that bad?? It seems like he took care of the ball and tried to facilitate the offense having 0 turnovers and 4 assists when the team was shooting horribly (28%). It would be nice to Stuckey attempt more free throws than just 3 in 28 minutes, especially when he is having an off shooting night (1-9). Again, I didn’t watch the game so if anyone could objectively analyze Stuckey’s performance..please do
I felt like Stuckey could carry the load at either the 1 or the 2 but I think I’m definately wrong on this one. I don’t know if it’s the tough defense teams are playing or the fact he is just out of rhythm, he just hasn’t been playing well the last 2 games.
We could always trade Stuckey.
I agree. Let’s get value for him now, and then get Tony Delk on the phone.
that was the worst game i’ve seen stuckey play ever. i heard the same thing mp heard during the broadcast: that curry has them running ragged. stuck looked like he didn’t have some lift in his legs so that would actually make some sense.
what was disconcerting was that we were being burned repeatedly by dudes named desmon farmer and malik hairston.
Danny Noonan…I watched most of the game and Stuckey wasn’t as aggressive as he usually is. I’m not sure if that’s because he was playing with the starters so he wanted to defer or fatigue or he just had an off day. The fact that he couldn’t hit a jumpshot (along with everyone else in a Pistons uniform) didn’t help. He did have 4 assists (which was half of the Pistons total), and on a normal shooting night for the team it would probably be doubled. He did have a nice And 1 off a post up, which is something I think we should do more of with him.
Diablo…Stuckey put up 15 pts, 10 assists, 5 steals and 3 rebounds in his last game.
Can we all remember it’s just preseason? Didn’t the Lions go 4-0? We obviously want to see our guys do well, but pre-season stats mean very little when translated to regular season results. Plus, we’re learning a whole new offensive system…there are going to be some ugly nights, especially early in the season.
“Diablo…Stuckey put up 15 pts, 10 assists, 5 steals and 3 rebounds in his last game.”
Yep, my fault. I was thinking of the Washington game, I forgot they played the Bucks a couple days ago.
His stat-line in that game wasn’t pretty.
So… I get a call this morning from my nephew telling me that Walter Sharpe is ridiculously athletic. Of course I haven’t been able to see any of the games thus far. Anyone else have an assessment on the rookie?
@HBrad:
I was pretty impressed with Sharpe last night, although I had seen him play other preseason games and did not like his performance. Last night, he finished around the rim well, penetrated and played with high energy. Note the 4 offensive rebounds he had. He was quite apt in the paint, keeping possessions alive. In fact, a few times I didn’t recognize him and thought he was Amir. I don’t immediately recognize Sharpe, but after realizing it was him in those plays, I was impressed.
That said, I’m not in for getting him much burn this season. I still prefer Herrmann and rip/afflalo out of position at the 3. I know they don’t want to send Sharpe to Ft. Wayne, but he’s been inconsistent thus far. We’ll see how the rest of the preseason plays out.
@MP, that made me laugh out loud. Bravo.
i almost agree entirely with mp (again) re: sharpe, but i think you have to give the kid some wiggle room for the first few games. he stills looks like he’s trying to fit in and is very aware of being the low man on the totem pole, so he defers naturally. last night though he got stuck with some late shot clock situations and made the right play. dude’s got one the most natural strokes on the team and with his lank it looks like he can get his shot over pretty much any defender. i like the kid a lot.
This team sucks!
Any room on the Thunder bandwagon? I heard they won their last game.
@Other Matt:
I knew you’d be the one to catch it!!
OMFG! Trade HB!
Laughton, I’ll hop on that bandwagon, kd is sweet
Plus they just have an awesome mascot…I guess lynx was taken
Yes, Durant Durant would be a nice fit for ye olde Pistons. Shame he doesn’t play for Memphis, we might have had a shot at him.
Joe D: Hey Chris! What do you say to flaming turd sandwich in exchange for KD?
Chris W: Is it multigrain? Who cares, deal!
@Laughton,
Say what you will, I’d trade Will Bynum for Kevin Durant and, by third party, Lebron James in a heartbeat. I think that young fellow James would make a nice backup behind Prince. All, of course, if HB is okay with it.
@MP - James? Are you kidding? Give me that Magloire bloke any day of the week, I heard he was an All-Star.
I did hear a rumor that the Griz are shopping that tall Serbian guy, maybe Joe D should call them.
*chortle*
I hear New Orleans is open to any trading a package of Chris Paul and Chandler for the right price. I know it’s a big sacrifice, but I think Acker and a first rounder in 2057 would work for both teams. Get it done, Joe D!