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Good news, everyone!*
J.R. Smith, who has been previously linked to the Detroit Pistons as they look to build talent on the wings, is apparently not high on the Pistons' wish list.
Marc Berman of the New York Post (h/t to Piston Powered):
The under-the-cap Pistons have been mentioned as a potential big suitor for J.R. Smith, but a league source said Detroit's interest isn't strong.
When Joe Dumars shocked the world (aka Ann Arbor) by selecting shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope instead of Michigan point guard Trey Burke, the surprise didn't come just because Burke is a really good player.
The Pistons, throughout the leadup to the draft, had been endlessly linked to the top point guards in the class, including Burke, C.J. McCollum and Michael Carter-Williams.
The news about the interest in Smith, a shooting guard who likes to shoot three pointers, came shortly before the draft as well.
After the selection of KCP, much was made of Dumars' purposeful deception. He met with the prospect but made KCP promise not to admit to it. And in his post-draft interview he talked about wanting to keep his cards close to the vest.
The thinking was that Dumars wanted to make sure the Minnesota Timberwolves, well known admirers of Caldwell-Pope, didn't think Detroit was interested and didn't feel they needed to trade up to get their man.
The fact that it was leaked that the Pistons were once interested in Smith and the subsequent news that, no, now they're not, plays right into that deception.
Dumars, you sneaky, sneaky devil.
*If a Professor Farnsworth picture isn't the first comment I see, I'm going to be sorely disappointed.
UPDATE: Maybe they are high on him?
Hearing Pistons & Bucks will be main suitors for JR. Other teams w/cap space, such as Dallas, could be in mix depending where others sign.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) July 3, 2013
Funny line from a friend: "J.R. would rather intern for the #Knicks than play in Milwaukee."
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) July 3, 2013
Most close to J.R. Smith believe if all offers are the same, he'd remain in New York. That's far from a sure thing at this point, though.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) July 3, 2013