Detroit Bad Boys: FanPosts

XstreamINsanity's Mock Lottery Draft

2013-05-24T17:19:40Z

I barely watch college basketball. I watch any Michigan State game I can catch, and parts of the tournament. So I think it's fair to say that I honestly know very little about many of the players who are likely to go in the lottery. The one player projected to go in the lottery that I've seen play the most would be Trey Burke, whom I barely watched more than Victor Oladipo. However, I'm going to try and determine how the Lottery will end up going. Due to lack of knowledge of college players, I won't dare go any further than that.

Pick	Team	2013-14 Roster	Avail. Cap	Other Picks
#1	Cavaliers	10 (PG - 1, SG - 3, SF - 2, PF - 2, C - 2)	$25,405,880	#19, #31, #33
#2	Magic	12 (PG - 1, SG - 3, SF - 3, PF - 4, C - 1)	$4,203,343	#51
#3	Wizards	10 (PG - 1, SG - 2, SF - 3, PF - 2, C - 2)	$604,296	#37, #54
#4	Bobcats	10 (PG - 2, SG - 3, SF - 1, PF - 2, C - 2)	$17,579,673	N/A
#5	Suns	13 (PG - 4, SG - 2, SF - 1, PF - 4, C - 2)	$4,630,860	#30, #57
#6	Pelicans	10 (PG - 2, SG - 2, SF - 2, PF - 3, C - 1)	$23,042,668	N/A
#7	Kings	12 (PG - 4, SG - 1, SF - 2, PF - 4, C - 1)	$17,292,356	#36
#8	Pistons	10 (PG - 2, SG - 1, SF - 2, PF - 3, C - 2)	$22,827,280	#38, #56
#9	Wolves	10 (PG - 4, SG - 1, SF - 1, PF - 3, C - 1)	$10,863,418	#26, #52, #59
#10	Blazers	10 (PG - 2, SG - 3, SF - 2, PF - 2, C - 1)	$10,854,862	#39, #40, #45
#11	76ers	8 (PG - 1, SG - 1, SF - 2, PF - 1, C - 3)	$11,806,643	#35, #42
#12	Thunder	10 (PG - 2, SG - 3, SF - 1, PF - 2, C - 2)	-$8,119,439	#29, #32
#13	Mavericks	8 (PG - 2, SG - 3, SF - 2, PF - 1, C - 0)	$16,583,651	#44
#14	Jazz	7 (PG - 1, SG - 2, SF - 1, PF - 2, C - 1)	$32,303,191	#21, #46

#1 Cleveland Cavaliers - Nerlens Noel

I don't feel the need to do in depth analysis on this pick for a few reasons. Though the Cavs only have one PG returning, they could easily get a backup with their other three picks or cap space. They're not likely to take an SG due to having Waiters and 2 other SG. I don't believe there are any SF or PF that warrant the top pick that would drastically help the Cavs. Also, the Cavs have Anderson Varejao which provides them a lot of leeway.

Varejao will give Noel the time he needs to fully heal and time as a backup when he comes back. And then the following year, Varejao becomes a huge trade chip or even simply released depending on Noel's progress. The Cavs have a team option on Varejao in 2014-15 and he's slated to make $9.8M. The free agent market that following year will be much more enticing than this years and they could likely go after a better SF/PF by releasing Varejao. But if they wanted to, they could use his expiring contract for a trade. Noel is the perfect pick for Cleveland.

#2 Orlando Magic - Trey Burke

Again, I don't think there is need for in depth analysis on this one as I honestly can't see them picking anyone else due to their roster structure and cap limitations. It really hurt them that they didn't get the #1 overall pick as they have only one true center on the team. Jameer Nelson is 31 and has probably hit his peak. Afflalo is 27, Lamb 21 and Moore 24, so I don't think McLemore or Oladipo is an option for them. When you also consider how Vucevic is only 22, I don't think they're going to spring for Alex Len or Cody Zeller with the second pick.

Trade Possibility

I wonder if they'd be willing to trade the #2 pick and Afflalo to the Pistons for Knight and the #8 pick. This way they could take Len or Zeller with a lower pick, receive a "point guard", and free a little bit of cap space (nearly $5M). Yes, I understand that this trade seems like highway robbery, but they may be willing to "tank" another season and go after Andrew Wiggins. Trey Burke won't get this team to the playoffs alone.

#3 Washington Wizards - Otto Porter

Wow, the Wizards are in quite a bind. They don't have any cap room really, they need a backup PG unless Beal is able to handle those responsibilities (I'm not fully confident he can), but their SFs are weak and they already have three. However, I think Washington would be best served here by grabbing Otto Porter and then getting a backup PG with their other two picks. There is a slight possibility this could be one of the teams that actually reach and might grab Michael Carter-Williams or C.J. McCollum, or they may end up trading their pick back some. They have $27.5M tied up in their C position alone next season.

Trade Possibility

Seeing as how they do need a backup PG and already have 3 SF on the roster, this could be one of the teams we could trade picks with and free up cap space. We could swap picks (for us to get McLemore), take on Okafor and give them Middleton/Singler and with our pick they grab MCW or McCollum. This frees them up of over $12M in cap space and give the Pistons a backup C for the year, freeing up more cap space for the next free agent class.

#4 Charlotte Bobcats - Shabazz Muhammad

According to ESPN.com's roster listing for the Bobcats, they have 2 PG (Sessions and Walker) and 3 SG (Gordon, Henderson and Taylor). However, I more so see it as 1 PG and 4 SG, so I can't see them grabbing McLemore or Oladipo without having a few trades up their sleeves. They are lacking desperately ~~everywhere on the court~~ at SF and sadly, Muhammad would be the best fit for them (Bennett would be if he could play SF, but I doubt he'll be able to keep up with NBA SFs). They do have some cap space and may decide to go in another direction, and they don't have any more picks, so they'll need to use this pick wisely. They may look at Muhammad and think that his athleticism will fit in perfectly with Walker and MKG and may even play Muhammad at SG occasionally for what would be a highly athletic lineup, although extremely horrible to watch.

Trade Possibility

This is one that could be tricky, but could be beneficial for all involved. If we could do as MFMP suggested elsewhere and pry #13 from Dallas, we could then offer #8 and #13 to Charlotte along with giving them Singler (fills the SF need) in hopes that we "close up" the Ben Gordon trade. (They'd have to agree to one of the picks fulfilling the trade.) They'd then have two lottery picks to go along with $17M in cap to fill their roster.

#5 Phoenix Suns - Anthony Bennett

I honestly think the Suns would be better off with Muhammad as they only have one guaranteed SF returning next year and not much cap space to work with. However, I think Phoenix would be willing to try Bennett at SF. If not, he'd likely soon replace Scola who's 33.

#6 New Orleans Pelicans - Ben McLemore

I realize that the lowest anyone else has McLemore going is #4, and I think that's under the assumption of teams picking for Best Player Available, but my picks are off of need/roster structure and what that team is likely able to do with their available cap space. Because this team is pretty well balanced at the positions, McLemore is the BPA and fits a need. Though ESPN says that Davis was a PF, we all know he could likely play Center (once he gets a little more weight).

#7 Sacramento Kings - Alex Len

Their cap space could likely go down as they have three players (including Evans) hitting the RFA market. Depending on how they feel Evans is on returning, this could change. But if they feel good he is, then they're likely to go with a center as Fredette or Evans can occasionally slide over to SG to fill that gap. Even if they can't, they have a ton of cap space to fill holes. But if they don't feel Evans is likely to return, I see them taking Oladipo.

#8 Detroit Pistons - Victor Oladipo

BPA and fills a need, enough said.

#9 Minnesota Timberwolves - Cody Zeller

They're severely lacking at SG, SF and C, and considering who's left on the board, they'd be best to go with Zeller. They may resign Pekovic, but even if they did, the next best best SG or SF is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Really depends on how they feel about resigning Pekovic.

#10 Portland Trail Blazers - Kelly Olynyk

Assuming the Blazers can't resign Hickson, they'll be very thin at center.

#11 Philadelphia 76ers - C.J. McCollum

They are severely lacking in many areas, so this would be a BPA that also kind of fills a need. They'd better hope they can resign Bynum which they can't do without going over the cap, or they're severely screwed next year.

#12 Oklahoma City Thunder - TRADED

I see them trading this pick. PG, SF and PF are solidified for quite some time. Sefolosha is a cheap option at SG and Perkins is ok at C with Thabeet as his backup. Plus, they also have two picks very close to each other at the end of the first and beginning of the second round and are over the cap. There's nothing here that they need that they can't get with their other two picks.

#13 Dallas Mavericks - TRADED

Hopefully this pick is traded to Detroit, but we do know that Dallas is shopping this pick in an effort to relieve cap to try and get Howard and/or CP3.

#14 Utah Jazz - Michael Carter-Williams

Honestly, this pick could go a few different ways. However, seeing as how they're likely to bring back Millsap or Jefferson, already have Favors and Kantor as the other PF/C tandem, Burks, Hayward and Evans are "alright", I think they'll go after a scoring PG compared to what else is on the board at that time.

So that's my take on how I think it will likely go down. Obviously, I think it's atrocious that Muhammad could potentially go before McLemore, and I honestly doubt that it does. But if teams were picking for needs more so than BPA, this is how I think it would go. I honestly hope Detroit is able to make one of the Trade Possibilities to get into the top 4, along with attempting to get Dallas' #13. Now I wish the draft was tomorrow to get the anticipation over with.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!!

Pick	Team	2013-14 Roster	Avail. Cap	Other Picks
#1	Cavaliers	10 (PG - 1, SG - 3, SF - 2, PF - 2, C - 2)	$25,405,880	#19, #31, #33
#2	Magic	12 (PG - 1, SG - 3, SF - 3, PF - 4, C - 1)	$4,203,343	#51
#3	Wizards	10 (PG - 1, SG - 2, SF - 3, PF - 2, C - 2)	$604,296	#37, #54
#4	Bobcats	10 (PG - 2, SG - 3, SF - 1, PF - 2, C - 2)	$17,579,673	N/A
#5	Suns	13 (PG - 4, SG - 2, SF - 1, PF - 4, C - 2)	$4,630,860	#30, #57
#6	Pelicans	10 (PG - 2, SG - 2, SF - 2, PF - 3, C - 1)	$23,042,668	N/A
#7	Kings	12 (PG - 4, SG - 1, SF - 2, PF - 4, C - 1)	$17,292,356	#36
#8	Pistons	10 (PG - 2, SG - 1, SF - 2, PF - 3, C - 2)	$22,827,280	#38, #56
#9	Wolves	10 (PG - 4, SG - 1, SF - 1, PF - 3, C - 1)	$10,863,418	#26, #52, #59
#10	Blazers	10 (PG - 2, SG - 3, SF - 2, PF - 2, C - 1)	$10,854,862	#39, #40, #45
#11	76ers	8 (PG - 1, SG - 1, SF - 2, PF - 1, C - 3)	$11,806,643	#35, #42
#12	Thunder	10 (PG - 2, SG - 3, SF - 1, PF - 2, C - 2)	-$8,119,439	#29, #32
#13	Mavericks	8 (PG - 2, SG - 3, SF - 2, PF - 1, C - 0)	$16,583,651	#44
#14	Jazz	7 (PG - 1, SG - 2, SF - 1, PF - 2, C - 1)	$32,303,191	#21, #46

#1 Cleveland Cavaliers - Nerlens Noel

#2 Orlando Magic - Trey Burke

Trade Possibility

#3 Washington Wizards - Otto Porter

Trade Possibility

#4 Charlotte Bobcats - Shabazz Muhammad

Trade Possibility

#5 Phoenix Suns - Anthony Bennett

#6 New Orleans Pelicans - Ben McLemore

#7 Sacramento Kings - Alex Len

#8 Detroit Pistons - Victor Oladipo

BPA and fills a need, enough said.

#9 Minnesota Timberwolves - Cody Zeller

#10 Portland Trail Blazers - Kelly Olynyk

Assuming the Blazers can't resign Hickson, they'll be very thin at center.

#11 Philadelphia 76ers - C.J. McCollum

#12 Oklahoma City Thunder - TRADED

#13 Dallas Mavericks - TRADED

Hopefully this pick is traded to Detroit, but we do know that Dallas is shopping this pick in an effort to relieve cap to try and get Howard and/or CP3.

#14 Utah Jazz - Michael Carter-Williams

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!!

Trey Burke would love to fall to the Pistons, apparently

2013-05-24T00:44:42Z

Burke wouldn't mind falling to the Pistons at No. 8.

"Absolutely, that would be great," he said. "To be able to play for the Pistons, right there in Michigan where I've already played for the Michigan Wolverines, that would be wonderful and I would be looking forward to it."

Source

So yeah, I haven't posted here in like a year due to some health issues and work stuff, but after seeing that today I had to share it.

Is there any way we can move up just a few slots to ensure we get him? I really try to take notice when players make comments about where they want to go, I think they play better when it's a team they want to be on. I think everyone remembers the look of disappointment when Brandon Knight heard his name called on his draft night. I am positive everyone remembers how happy Andre looked on his. The only other player I've heard mention wanting to go to Detroit was Shabazz, due to his friendship with Drummond from playing ball together in the past. I've read several things about Oladipo saying he wanted Portland to trade up for him...weird.

Anyway, what do you think we could do to get in there? Or if the Cavs are really shopping that first pick like the rumors say, is there anything we could give them without crippling our starting front court (everyone else is free game in my opinion)? If not them, for some reason I suspect Orlando might be down, after the package they accepted for Howard, I find them to be a bit unpredictable. I'd much rather take a risk on someone who WANTS to be in a Detroit uniform, I know that. Plus I just fucking love Trey Burke and think he's going to be an awesome pro.

Sorry if this has already been covered, I'm in Dubai in and out of medical treatment (which wasn't helped by falling in the draft!) so I still miss a few articles people post I am sure.

Burke wouldn't mind falling to the Pistons at No. 8.

"Absolutely, that would be great," he said. "To be able to play for the Pistons, right there in Michigan where I've already played for the Michigan Wolverines, that would be wonderful and I would be looking forward to it."

Source

So yeah, I haven't posted here in like a year due to some health issues and work stuff, but after seeing that today I had to share it.

Sorry if this has already been covered, I'm in Dubai in and out of medical treatment (which wasn't helped by falling in the draft!) so I still miss a few articles people post I am sure.

My Day on DraftExpress

2013-05-23T15:46:45Z

I took the day off of work to get some stuff done and be ready to get out of dodge for the weekend tomorrow, but instead I found myself watching draftexpress scouting reports on youtube. Being that I didn't want it to be a complete waste of my morning I've decided to post some impressions. As most if not all of you know the videos go over a players strengths and weaknesses making them look both like the best player on the planet and the worst all within 10 minutes.

So here are my thoughts on likely Pistons targets:

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: The first half, or I should just say the whole video, is comprised of him taking 3's. You'd come away thinking it is the only shot he took all year. You look at the stats and realize he took 8 threes a game, so that's not far off. He shoots 37% on 3's and 42% overall, but because he takes so many 3's, and 37% is actually an above average percentage, he has a phenomenal 59% TS%. His defense and anticipation are as good as advertised. He loves to dunk in transition, but he's pretty horrible around the rim in the half court. He should probably just stick to shooting 3's and playing defense and dunking on the break. Dude can't make a layup in this video to save his life. I have no idea how he shot 50% on 2-point shots. Must have all been dunks in transition.

Michael Carter-Williams: He can make all the passes! Over the top, lobs, behind his back, across the court, in mid-air doing somersaults while knotting up his laces. He can make all the steals! On the ball, off the ball, between his legs, standing on his head, you can't get a ball by this man. His defense is pretty good both on and off the ball. He can get into the lane with ease. And then reality hits. For all the amazing passes he makes he takes so many chances that you end up with a highlight of great plays and one of bad plays. He can get into the lane, but he can't do much once he gets there hitting only 42% of his 2-point shots. Also a 26% turnover rate, which is 3rd worst for prospects. 29% 3-point shooter. To say Carter-Williams can't shoot is an exaggeration.

C.J. McCollum: Honestly this is just one awesome highlight reel. I can see why Sawyer's likes him. He came into the combine with a 38.5" vertical and you can see it. He really rises up on his shots. He's about a foot or more off the ground when he releases. Pretty impressive. He can drive, lay it up, dunk, fadeaway, finger roll, floater, shoot the 3, get to the line, crossover, dribble, this man is the deadliest offensive weapon in the draft. Hands down. He's like a Curry, Iverson, Ellis all wrapped into one. He has Iverson/Ellis style with the crossover and quick step and ability to get into the lane like there's nobody in front of him, but he has Curry's ability to shoot. He's a machine. He IS NOT a PG. He cannot see open men. He's too geared toward scoring. And for all the agility he shows on offense it's like his feet are stuck in cement on defense. I'm not sure what he's even looking at because the ball handler will have already made one or two steps to get past him before he even turns his hips to make a move. It's like he's one step ahead on offense and one behind on defense.

Shabazz Muhammad: 26% of his offense came in transition. He loves to get out and run, and loves to throw it down even more. Definitely an above the rim type player, and when you consider his 6'11" wingspan and 37" vertical at the combine you can see why. The fact that so much offense came in transition on a Ben Howland half-court slow it down team is interesting. The NBA is more open and the tempo is higher in general. People suspect that Howland held him down and I can instantly see what they mean. He can score in the post and he's pretty exceptional taking contact and making the bucket. He can hit the 3. Like KCP he dunks in transition but not on drives. He settles for jumpers or contested layups on his drives and only drives left, as he is left handed. Doesn't pass much. Doesn't create turnovers. Doesn't look good at defense, but doesn't look as horrible as McCollum did. Take away the highlight reel dunks and he looks pretty average.

Anthony Bennett: He is a dunking machine. Shot 74% at the rim which was top 10 in all of college basketball. Obvious athleticism is obvious right away. Also like to get out and run. He's pretty skilled. Rises up on his shots and has good form. Face up post game that is kind of old school, which would be fun to watch. He pump fakes on the perimeter and then drives. Out of all the videos I've watched today Bennett's game looks like the most prototypical NBA game. He's solid at just about everything and even things NBA players don't practice much these days like facing up in the post or pump faking and has a great mid-range shot. He's 19 years old. Just thought I'd throw that out there. Doesn't seem to take contact too well though. Not great at scoring with his back to the basket. And then there's the whole height thing. If he was 1 or 2 inches taller he'd be going #1 overall and there wouldn't be a discussion to the contrary.

(Update) Cody Zeller: I caved and watched the video even though I've predisposed myself to be opposed to taking him. He's a 7 foot white guy that runs as fast as Lebron and jumps as high as a guard. I'm already impressed. More? He hedges really great on P/R's. He's got cat like quickness and can jump out quick halting any PG's path around him. His offensive game is a lot better with his back to the basket. Both he and Bennett look to have the most skilled offensive games of big men I've seen. Bennett's is more outside in and face up. Zeller can face up but he's not a mid-range shooter. He only attempted 24 jump shots the whole year. He's kind of a wuss though. Half the video is of him getting pushed around by Payne/Sims or McGary/Morgan pretty much the only legit front courts he played against all year and then there's that whole Syracuse debacle where every shot he took was blocked. He turns it over quite a bit when a dude bodies him up he loses control. He just gets way too many shots blocked. Whatever vertical he showed up with at the combine he doesn't look to have in games.

Ok so overall impressions: Pick your poison? I was impressed with all of them, but KCP, McCollum, and Bennett would be my top 3. I like KCP's willingness to jack it up from outside and play tough defense and rebound. That would really help stretch the floor on offense for our big men down low. McCollum just looks fantastic on offense. He can't play PG and trying to force that would just be a disaster, but he could be a more efficient Ellis/Iverson at SG, and a definite upgrade over Knight. I don't know what to say about Bennett. I love his game. It's so old school and he dunks it every chance he gets. There is no pussy-footing around when he's by the rim. I wish he was a little bit taller, but I don't have to wish that he was a baller. (update) I'm coming around on Zeller, but his agent is telling people he's a stretch 4 for some reason I'm not understanding. He would need to not be such a pansy though and I'm not sure how a team would go about fixing that.

I can't decide.

So here are my thoughts on likely Pistons targets:

I can't decide.

The Rebuilding Process: What's the foundation and how much longer?

2013-05-23T15:37:45Z

When I think about the rebuilding process of the Pistons over the last four years, it reminds me of driving down the same road you've been taking to work for years and passing the same vacant lot that has bulldozers, tractors, and trucks that don't ever seem to move and you don't ever remember seeing a worker there. This rebuilding process also doesn't seem to follow most common professional sports rebuilding methods. In most cases, you blow up the team very quickly, acquire a crap ton of draft picks, and have all but maybe one or two holdovers from 2-3 years prior.

However, we know that's not the case with the Pistons. It's felt like they've been removing a brick and putting a newer, not better, brick right back in that spot. Work was done, but you're still where you left off. One year Ben leaves, then later Billups, then Sheed leaves, then Ben comes back, then Hamilton leaves, then Ben leaves again, then Tayshaun leaves (honestly, I may have that order messed up some). Those "newer" bricks were Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva, Austin Daye, "The Wrong" DaJuan Summers, Chris Wilcox, etc.

Finally, we got a couple better bricks laid when we drafted Jonas Jerebko, Greg Monroe, and Andre Drummond (this jury is still out on BK7). However, starting this season, there were still four players on the roster who played on the 2008-09 roster (Maxiell, Stuckey, Prince and Bynum). Two of those players, Stuckey and Prince, were resigned since 2008-09. Absolutely too slow of a rebuild and around the wrong players.

So going into the 2013-14 season, the Pistons will very likely only have 1 player left over from the 2008-09 season, and that's Rodney Stuckey. Looking at the Pistons' salary obligations for next season (via HoopsHype) it appears that the Pistons have 10 players returning. I had heard elsewhere that English and Kravtsov are team options, but I haven't confirmed that. So we'll have just over 2/3 of the team from the 2012-13 season returning. We have three draft picks (currently) and around $23-$25M to spend in free agency to pick up the rest of the players to fill out the roster.

So what do we have returning as the foundation to build on? All of the following is assuming that we aren't able to resign Calderon, we let Maxiell, Maggette, and Bynum walk, keep Kravtsov and English, and don't use the Amnesty clause on Villanueva. Also for the following, I'm only going off of the last 36 games of the season (when we traded for Calderon).

Well, using each individual player's PG stats, it appears that we'll have 75.4% of the offense coming back. The combined FG% of those returning is 45.15% as compared to the 45.3% the entire team was, so barely any drop off. Our 3P% gets even worse, going from 34.4% to 31.2%. As expected (by losing Calderon), our FT% gets even more abysmal, dropping from 70.5% to 65.2%. As for rebounding, 83% of our offensive, 80.3% of our defensive, and 80.87% of our total rebounds return. We lose our second best thief (Calderon), our second best blocker (Maxiell), and our best and third best facilitators (Calderon and Bynum).

Another question is, how does this look on an efficiency level? On a Per36 level, we have 75.8% of our made shots and 77.04% of our taken shots, 76.7% of our made 3 pointers, 82.6% of our taken 3 pointers, 80.07% of our made free throws and 83.9% of our taken free throws returning. All of that means that we have 76.63% of our offense coming back on a Per36 level. In terms of rebounding, 83.47% of our offensive, 81.77% of our defensive, and 82.4% of our total rebounds returning.

Now there are some other things to take into consideration with these numbers. Not any one player played in all 36 of those final games. Andre missed 24 due to injury, Calderon 8, and Maxiell 12. But even Knight didn't play in 9 of those, Monroe in 3, Jerebko in 6, Stuckey in 2, Villanueva in 5, Bynum in 9, Middleton in 13 and English in 15. If you're wondering why that matters, it's because having Calderon for more of those games could have shown a better offense, meaning we might not be losing as much, or could be losing more, by losing Calderon. If Drummond had played more (and started during that time), the offense may have looked even better, meaning we wouldn't be losing so much by losing Calderon, Maxiell and Bynum.

Ok, so to the title question: What's the foundation and how much longer? Well I'm sure most of us believe the foundation primarily lies around two players: Monroe and Drummond. However, due to youth and potential, you could argue that Jerebko, Singler and Knight (eh!!!) could be a part of that foundation. But taking who's returning next year, along with being 19 wins out of the playoffs (39.6% of the wins needed to make the playoffs, 65.5% of our wins for the year), needing to hire (and learn) a new coach...I don't think the Pistons will likely be in the playoffs until 2014-15. Now, a lot of that also hinges on what we do with our picks (draft them, trade them, move up/down, etc.) and cap money.

My prediction for next year is a team that will be more fun to watch (just by having Drummond in the starting lineup all year) and will be two spots out of the playoffs. Cleveland has two first round picks, expect them to get marginally better. Chicago will have Rose back. Indiana is a strong team and not likely to be going anywhere. Milwaukee seems to be the only team in our division that will likely be worse than us. Miami is going to be Miami, NYK may still hold it's own (though losing J.R. Smith will hurt), Brooklyn will likely play better, Washington could possibly leap frog us (pick, healthy Wall, etc.)... Now, there are some teams that are going to have a hard time. Atlanta, unless they lure Howard, is likely to fall hard. Boston, to be continued... Philadelphia, new coach, depends on if Bynum stays, etc. Toronto is Toronto. Charlotte and Orlando are likely to stay the same, though they'll try really hard to improve.

So the front office of the Pistons needs to be really smart and savvy this summer. If they need to trade players for picks or to move up, do it (but leave Monroe and Drummond alone in doing so). If they feel the need to overpay anyone other than CP3, DON'T DO IT!!! The Pistons, for their fans sake and for Joe's job, can ill-afford a botched draft pick, letting trades fall through, and another free agent crapper like 2008-09.

A legit chance for another First Round Pick

2013-05-22T17:45:48Z

According to Chad Ford on ESPN, The Dallas Mavericks seem to be very interested in trading the 13th pick so they can free up cap room to make a run for Dwight Howard.

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/mavericks/post/_/id/4696123/sources-mavs-trying-to-trade-no-13-overall-pick

Is this a pick the Pistons should make a play for, packaging their 2 second rounders? Guys in this range include Kentavious Caldwell Pope, Dennis Schroder, and Steven Adams (consensus from both NBADRAFT and Draft Express, players in totally different spots between sites not included)

According to Chad Ford on ESPN, The Dallas Mavericks seem to be very interested in trading the 13th pick so they can free up cap room to make a run for Dwight Howard.

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/mavericks/post/_/id/4696123/sources-mavs-trying-to-trade-no-13-overall-pick

Poll

Should the 13th pick be in play for the Pistons Draft Strategy?

The Pistons should select Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, what else do they have to lose?

2013-05-22T11:27:50Z

Now that the Pistons have not been able to procure good luck in the lottery yet again, there don't seem to be a lot of great options at the number 8 pick. I, like probably many of you have, have heard this Kentavious Caldwell-Pope name being talked about rising up the draft boards. I was a skeptic, until I saw this video ...

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 2013 NBA Draft Scouting Report Video (via DraftExpress)

... and I gotta say, I think I'm on board this bandwagon. He can stroke it, comes off screens really well, is a willing defender, and he plays the passing lanes like Dwyane Wade, which is really impressive. Many say that he played in a weak conference, but that has little to do with how well he can shoot the ball or his defensive motor. The conference thing was a concern against Paul George and a lot of other players who have done okay. His main weakness is poor shot selection, but in an interview with DraftExpress he said he realizes that is his weakness that he needs to improve upon, and he said his favorite part of playing is being on defense. I don't know if you can ask for much more than that.

And really, who else will be available that we really want? Alex Len? He'll be a decent backup at best. C.J. McCollum? I could be ok with this but I'm so, so tired of combo guards. Shabazz Muhammed? (No) Michael Carter-Williams? (NO) Cody Zeller? (GOD NO)

I think Caldwell-Pope has a 2 way skill set, who with decent coaching could turn out to be a heck of a basketball player. A wing player who can defend and shoot 3's at a high percentage is a coveted thing in the NBA. At worst, he's great trade bait. At best, he's a steal of the draft. If we're not going to trade up or trade out of this draft, I say why not pull the trigger?

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 2013 NBA Draft Scouting Report Video (via DraftExpress)

The case for Detroit NOT picking Shabazz at #8

2013-05-22T11:08:14Z

Well, at last, Detroit has got the #8 pick. That means they have virtually no chance of picking either McLemore, Burke, Oladipo or Porter, the only players in this draft that would start right away as Pistons. And, because of this, I have seen many comments from fans wishing Detroit would "gamble" on Shabazz Muhammad. I think this would be a mistake.

Let's assume Cleveland picks Noel, Orlando picks Burke, Washington picks Porter, Charlotte picks McLemore, and Phoenix picks Oladipo. New Orleans and Sacramento come before the Pistons, and I would assume the best players on the board are: Len, Zeller, Bennett, Carter-Williams and McCollum. I am not mentioning Muhammad, Caldwell-Pope and Plumlee because I consider them one step down from this 2nd tier and 2 steps down from the 1st five mentioned.

McCollum is a complicated case. He seems to have potential, but he's too much like Knight and Stuckey and Detroit does not need another combo guard (except if they don't plan on having Stuckey around, which I think they shouldn't).

Carter-Williams could be paired with a veteran PG (Bynum or Calderon or any other good FA) and become our next starting PG in the future, if they see potential. I see the same case for Bennett. If they pick him, leave him as Singler's backup alongside Middleton, and the SF position would be set. He can also play PF against a small lineup.

Zeller or Len would be the logical "first big man off the bench" behind Monroe and Drummond. So, either one would be useful.

The problem in see in picking anybody from the next tier with a #8 pick is that Muhammad would not be an upgrade over Singler or Middleton. I just like having Daye again. Of course they're completely different players, but you cannot say for sure that any of the 4 should be starting SF anywhere in the league. Caldwell-Pope would not be an upgrade over Stuckey and English, and Plumlee wouldn't be much better than Slava.

Also, if Detroit does not pick any of those 3 at #8, I imagine all 3 of them going somewhere between 13-17th. In my opinion, the problem is not picking them. It's picking them at #8.

So, my point is that, considering the first 5 will be gone, and N.O. and Sacramento would pick 2 of those 5, the Pistons should pick one of whoever is left from Zen, Zeller, Bennet and Carter-Williams. If they are planning on shopping Stuckey, include McCollum on that shortlist.

I also have 2 other suggestions: trade up to the top 5 (using Stuckey and/or CV), or trade down to 12-15, where they would pick Shabazz Muhammad, or gamble (yes, this time would be a gamble) on Giannis Adetokunbo or Dennis Schroeder.

About the other fanpost suggestion Detroit should give the pick to Charlotte, as I read from Pistons.com, both would have to agree on that. Charlotte may believe Detroit won't be in the lottery next year, but they also know that the next class in much better than this one. I see this move as an option too, if Charlotte wants it.

Zeller or Len would be the logical "first big man off the bench" behind Monroe and Drummond. So, either one would be useful.

Also, if Detroit does not pick any of those 3 at #8, I imagine all 3 of them going somewhere between 13-17th. In my opinion, the problem is not picking them. It's picking them at #8.

Specifics of the Bobcats trade

2013-05-21T17:00:27Z

Does anyone know if the Pistons acquired another 1st Rd. pick either this year or next via trade, would they be able to give that to the Bobcats to fulfill the Maggette-Gordon trade?

What about choosing to give up this year's pick to Charlotte rather than next? For instance, they get hosed tonight and end up 8th or 9th in the draft. It might make more sense to give up this year's pick in a weak draft class because even if the Pistons draft 15th-20th next year, they might be able to get a better player.

Are any of these options contingent on Charlotte's approval?

Does anyone know if the Pistons acquired another 1st Rd. pick either this year or next via trade, would they be able to give that to the Bobcats to fulfill the Maggette-Gordon trade?

Are any of these options contingent on Charlotte's approval?

Players and Plays - 12-13 Recap

2013-05-17T15:27:21Z

I wanted to share an experience that may illustrate what happened with the Pistons last season and show what may come in the future.

I'm from Brazil, and of course, like everybody here, I consider myself someone who knows a lot about football (or soccer, as americans call it). In football, the formation, the tactics and the plays play a big part.

Although I'm a big Pistons fan, I'm starting to learn about basketball tactics now. And it's a very interesting thing to learn the strategic part of a new game when you already know about another one. It gives you a different insight and it's much easier for you to think outside the box.

Also, I myself like to play NBA 2k13 on my videogame, and I always try to play the whole season, with 48-minute games, in the "Star" difficulty, one harder than the regular one.

So, last year, I started with the Pistons. Playing Knight, Stuckey, Prince, Maxiell and Monroe. In the first 10 games I was something like 1-9. Then I decided to change to Bynum, Knight, Prince, Monroe and Drummond. It got better, but I was still a losing team.

I stayed 4 months without playing and recently I decided to start over. Now, with the trade, I'm playing Calderon, Knight, Singler, Monroe, and Drummond. But, before starting, I went ahead and tweaked the team strategy and gameplan.

First of all, I changed Frank's playbook to Memphis' playbook. And also, I tweaked the sliders, asking the team to play a much slower tempo (but with a lot of fastbreaks on counterattacks), a lot of 3-pointers and postgame, and very little mid-range. Basically, the C and PF lurks near the box to get the ball and score. The SF tries to take a defender from the box and the SG looks for an outside shot.

And suddenly, the game is MUCH easier. I won all the first 10 games, except for Lakers. I'm hitting 12-15 3 pointers everygame (with Knight, Singler, Calderon, Jerebko, Middleton and English when he plays). Drummond and Monroe get a lot of points and rebounds, and Calderon getting 12-15 dimes a night.

Of course, it's just a game. But it's a very well-made game where you can apply what you think may help the team. And I can conclude that the season could have gone the other way if the headcoach thought differently.

I can only hope that the next season coach can play the Pistons to their strenghs.

Cheers from Brazil!

I wanted to share an experience that may illustrate what happened with the Pistons last season and show what may come in the future.

Also, I myself like to play NBA 2k13 on my videogame, and I always try to play the whole season, with 48-minute games, in the "Star" difficulty, one harder than the regular one.

I can only hope that the next season coach can play the Pistons to their strenghs.

Cheers from Brazil!

Its NBA Draft Combine Time!........ crickets.

2013-05-16T01:36:50Z

Well with the NBA draft combine coming up in Chicago and understanding that its pretty much worthless except for getting accurate measurement, I only really want to talk about a few prospects and not even ones on the Pistons radar.

I think like alot of Americans I like a good redemption story, and this combine will showcase potentially three of them: Glen Rice Jr., Ricardo Ledo and Norvel Pelle.

Rice is probably the most well known, the guy who was kicked off Gerogia Tech and took his talents to the Rio Grande, a 6'6 205 pound SG/SF he took the D-League by storm with 25 pts and 9.5 bounds in their playoffs. Guy has an awesome jumper and can get steals and blocks (but only if he's feels like working for it.) Glen Rice has rocketed up boards from 2nd rounder to mid first rounder (Draft Express 24 Chad Ford 18.) I'm rooting for Rice because it would be another feather for the D-League. Something I think is sorely under utilized in the current NBA.

Next Ricardo Ledo a 6'7 195 pound SF/SG he was committed to play for the Providence Friars, but never got onto the court. Coming out of highschool Ledo had an 89 ranking from ESPN and was a Providence, RI native to boot. But Ledo was known for having a rough background and as Rodney Dangerfield said

"the neighborhood I grew up in was tough, they asked a kid to prove the law of gravity... he through the teacher out the window."

Maybe it wasn't that bad for Ledo but he did do 4 High Schools in 5 years. The last time Draft Express checked in with Ledo was 2011 and they saw someone who had alot of positives when it came to scoring, perimeter, pullup and attacking the basket and had worked on his negatives with mixed results (defense). NBA Draft has him at the 60th pick while Draft Express has him 46th out of the top 100.

Last but not Least Norvel Pelle listed anywhere from 6-9 to 7'1 and 199 to 215 pounds. This big man has not competed against anyone in two years. He was supposed to go to St. Johns but grades kept him out and then Iona, but he opted for the draft. He's been bouncing around prep schools and community colleges, and his work ethic and drive were questioned. But at private workouts and according to his trainer that is no longer an issue. He was known for shot blocking, baseline speed, and defending multiple positions. He is Draft Express's 99 out of 100.

I'd like to see at least two of the guys make it two the draft and possibly all three. I was a big Herb Pope supporter last draft, and was sad that he had to kick off his career in Israel so to see these guys get in will make me happy and have some underdogs to route for. until they do something to show they're not good at basketball. The combine, why else watch it?

I think like alot of Americans I like a good redemption story, and this combine will showcase potentially three of them: Glen Rice Jr., Ricardo Ledo and Norvel Pelle.

"the neighborhood I grew up in was tough, they asked a kid to prove the law of gravity... he through the teacher out the window."

Poll

Out of these three who will get in?

I want U-D's Doug Anderson!

2013-05-16T01:04:56Z

I hope Joe Dumars has been paying attention to this high flying, highly athletic swingman right in his own backyard. Anderson reminds me of Jason Richardson or dare I say it, I poor man's Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins. The boy can get up and he's more athletic than any Piston currently on the team. He has the size and talent to defend and he just needs to work on his offensive game a little and Joe will have the best rookie ever in his tenure. Anderson would be a steal in the 2nd round and he at least merits a free agent look. What do you guys think?

Jonas Jerebko to represent Sweden in EuroBasket 2013

2013-05-13T14:41:44Z

Rough translation from Swedish Television news site:

NBA player Jonas Jerebko, of the Detroit Pistons, helped Sweden to quality for the European Championship in 2013. Now it is also clear that he will play for Sweden in the European Championships in Slovenia in September.

"It will be fun to go and compete against the best teams in Europe," said Jerebko, to the Swedish Basketball Association.

Sweden will play for the European Cup for the first time since 2003 and will do it with two NBA players, as Jeff Taylor also gave a positive response a couple of weeks ago.

"I have played with all who are being considered for the team except Jeff Taylor (NBA player on Charlotte Bobcats), but him I have played against. Me and Jeff have been talking a bit with each other during the season to play EuroBasket, so now it will be fun to play with him too," said Jerebko.

Sweden launches EuroBasket on Sept. 4 against Greece. Then follow a game against Finland on September 5. Sweden has a day off on September 6 before then playing three days in a row, against Russia, Turkey, and Italy. The top three teams in the four groups move on to a new group play where you play for a spot in the quarterfinals..

"We got a tough draw, then it's very nice to be able to put up our best players," says national manager Jonte Karlsson.

CJ McCollum ladies and gentlemen!

2013-05-13T01:15:44Z

Most mock drafts have us drafting shabazz or oladipo which I honestly wouldn't mind. I'd prefer Trey...but that's probably not happening. But if you haven't seen McCollum, u need to go youtube his highlights ASAP! Dude is a monster and I believe he's gonna be incredible in the league. Plug him at the two and go get Andre I. to put in that three slot. Bold move..but I think it'll pay off!

SENRYU TIME - boring playoff edition -

2013-05-11T05:13:59Z

Hello Everyone. Do you enjoy your time without Pistons Post Games. The opportunity to get rid of your boredom is presented. Let's make Senryu for new head coach, draft prospect and free agents and so on.

Moose and Penguin

It's not zoological GARDEN

in the PALACE

Now your turn.

DEEEE EE E EEE E EEE E EE E E E E EE E E T R O O O O O O O O O O O OOOOOIT

PIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII I I I I I II IS TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONS!!!!!

Moose and Penguin

It's not zoological GARDEN

in the PALACE

Now your turn.

DEEEE EE E EEE E EEE E EE E E E E EE E E T R O O O O O O O O O O O OOOOOIT

PIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII I I I I I II IS TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONS!!!!!

Chad Ford's NBA mock draft 2.0: Shabazz Muhammad to Pistons

2013-05-09T13:25:00Z

1. Orlando Magic - Nerlens Noel

2. Charlotte Bobcats - Ben McLemore

3. Cleveland Cavaliers - Otto Porter

4. Phoenix Suns - Victor Oladipo

5. New Orleans Pelicans - Trey Burke

6. Sacramento Kings - Anthony Bennett

7. Detroit Pistons - Shabazz Muhammad

Analysis: The Pistons have had a bit of luck the past few years in the lottery. Every year a player who is ranked very high at the start of the season seems to slide to them later in the draft and somehow fits a perfect need. First it was Greg Monroe in 2010. Brandon Knight slid in 2011. Last year it was Andre Drummond. At times, all three were ranked in the top five with Monroe and Drummond going as high as No. 2. Could it happen again this year with Muhammad? The Pistons clearly have a need for a shooter, and before the season began, many scouts had Muhammad as a top-three pick. He didn't look like one at UCLA, but draft prospects rarely shine in Ben Howland's system.

8. Washington Wizards - Alex Len

9. Minnesota Timverwolves - C.J. McCollum

10. Portland Trailblazers - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

11. Philadelphia 76ers - Cody Zeller

12. Oklahoma City Thunder - Gorgui Dieng

13. Dallas Mavericks - Dario Saric

14. Utah Jazz - Kelly Olynyk

Joy...

1. Orlando Magic - Nerlens Noel

2. Charlotte Bobcats - Ben McLemore

3. Cleveland Cavaliers - Otto Porter

4. Phoenix Suns - Victor Oladipo

5. New Orleans Pelicans - Trey Burke

6. Sacramento Kings - Anthony Bennett

7. Detroit Pistons - Shabazz Muhammad

Analysis: The Pistons have had a bit of luck the past few years in the lottery. Every year a player who is ranked very high at the start of the season seems to slide to them later in the draft and somehow fits a perfect need. First it was Greg Monroe in 2010. Brandon Knight slid in 2011. Last year it was Andre Drummond. At times, all three were ranked in the top five with Monroe and Drummond going as high as No. 2. Could it happen again this year with Muhammad? The Pistons clearly have a need for a shooter, and before the season began, many scouts had Muhammad as a top-three pick. He didn't look like one at UCLA, but draft prospects rarely shine in Ben Howland's system.

8. Washington Wizards - Alex Len

9. Minnesota Timverwolves - C.J. McCollum

10. Portland Trailblazers - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

11. Philadelphia 76ers - Cody Zeller

12. Oklahoma City Thunder - Gorgui Dieng

13. Dallas Mavericks - Dario Saric

14. Utah Jazz - Kelly Olynyk

Joy...