- The Pistons say they are about 80% done with bringing in players and prepping for the draft. A lot could happen in these next nine days leading up to the draft, including certain players improving their stock as they get their final work outs in. Keith Langlois thinks it's becoming increasingly clear that the Pistons would have to for sure move up to land DeMarcus Cousins:
- Chad Ford inked roughly 2,000 words on the draft yesterday. The first Pistons reference came as kind of a shock: swapping with the Nets for the No. 3:
- The second reference explains the Pistons intricate plan of attack:
- Chad Ford thinks the top five picks are far from being set in stone. Tom Ziller at FanHouse wonders the opposite.
- Nike global creative director responds to Pistons banning shoes. Arnie Kander may or may not have been asked for comment, but a lethal roundhouse kick ended the interrogation and a life.
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It's been a while since we've had a quotable CV31 tweet:
It's been a while since my last tweet. Being trying to stay focus on the gym and my family. That's my priority.
- The Detroit News says the Lakers are in an unfamiliar position. I'll disagree and let the DBB faithful take this one.
It now seems unlikely that Cousins, despite concerns about some personality issues, would get past Golden State at No. 6. There are rumblings that Cousins will refuse to work out for the Warriors, but they took Stephen Curry at No. 7 a year ago after Curry declined to work out for them.
Unless the Pistons move up in the draft, it’s likely, then, that they will be choosing among the next tier of big men, a group that starts with Ed Davis, Ekpe Udoh and Cole Aldrich. Joe Dumars will take the one he feels is most ready to step in and contribute, with all three having some elements of the toughness, defense and rebounding he’s looking to add.
The Nets have a bit of a dilemma at No. 3 if Favors and Cousins are on the board. I think from a talent standpoint, Cousins has the edge. You don't draft Cousins to play him 10 minutes a night. He's the most NBA-ready big man in the draft. However, Favors is raw talent and could be brought along more slowly. Also, the team plans to pursue Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire and Carlos Boozer via free agency.
If the Nets are confident they will be getting Bosh, Stoudemire or Boozer, it might make sense for them to swap picks with a team like the Pistons. They could get another critical piece of the puzzle at the 3 and still have a high pick to draft a backup big.
The Pistons, meanwhile, are playing a wait-and-see game. They've explored trading up to get their hands on Cousins or Favors, but nothing seems to be happening right now.