Detroit Bad Boys: All Posts by Blake SilvermanA community of Detroit Pistons fans since 2005https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48119/detroitbadboys-fave.png2024-03-26T11:00:00-04:00https://www.detroitbadboys.com/authors/blake-silverman/rss2024-03-26T11:00:00-04:002024-03-26T11:00:00-04:00Submit your questions for The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast
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<p>Join us live Thursday at 6 p.m. ET to join the conversation.</p> <p id="2YI5sP">It’s mailbag time. Send in your questions now for this week’s episode of The Pindown: A <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/"><strong>Detroit Pistons</strong></a> Podcast. Please submit your question to the comments section here or on X/Twitter to <a href="https://twitter.com/therealwesd3"><strong>@TheRealWesD3</strong></a> and/or <a href="https://twitter.com/blakesilverman"><strong>@blakesilverman</strong></a>.</p>
<p id="YG7spQ">This week we have Pistons expert, former DBB Live co-host and friend of the show Jack Kelly (<a href="https://twitter.com/jack_kelly_313"><strong>@jack_kelly_313</strong></a>) of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqJ4JdXqgYfBKJNWlVE1duQ">Pistons Intellect</a> joining us.</p>
<p id="9lSbOk">Join Wes, Blake and Jack on Thursday at 6 p.m. ET where we’ll discuss the past week of Detroit basketball and revisit preseason expectations and predictions. Send in any questions you have to hear answered on the show. Is there anything we can expect to learn from the rest of the season? What have we learned through a putrid year? What’s needed to turn this ship around? We’ll take both pre-submitted questions as well as some from the live chat.</p>
<p id="IfAGYp">The podcast will be uploaded to all audio platforms on Friday morning.</p>
<h2 id="yQN4p2"><strong>The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast Vitals:</strong></h2>
<p id="hNWBTA"><strong>When: </strong>Thursday March 28 at 6 p.m. ET</p>
<p id="xGTS0X"><strong>Where: </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlDOA-REXr0"><strong>Detroit Bad Boys YouTube Channel</strong></a></p>
<p id="8zj1ZK"><strong>How to submit questions:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="xjtcQU">Detroit Bad Boys Website: Comment section of the weekly Pindown episode articles.</li>
<li id="BWKcci">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/detroitbadboys"><strong>@detroitbadboys</strong></a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/blakesilverman"><strong>@blakesilverman</strong></a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/therealwesd3"><strong>@therealwesd3</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="MQuPZE">YouTube: Chat section of The Pindown live recording — <a href="http://www.youtube.com/@detroitbadboys313"><strong>Subscribe here</strong></a>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="0PIeXl">As always, leave any questions or topics you want to be discussed in the comment section below.</p>
<p id="g5qgpc">Listen to the show’s recording Friday morning wherever you listen to your podcasts.</p>
<ul>
<li id="6OtJrK"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pindown-a-detroit-pistons-podcast/id1542163027"><strong>Apple Podcasts</strong></a></li>
<li id="zHHlfr"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/78T3xbrlmUQsNdQkLQp97d"><strong>Spotify</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="YEs2kE"><strong>Last Week’s Show:</strong></h2>
<div id="GsTQRX"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1NdGxBiCg4A?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2024/3/26/24111966/submit-questions-pindown-detroit-pistons-podcastBlake Silverman2024-03-20T10:50:56-04:002024-03-20T10:50:56-04:00Detroit Pistons sign Chimezie Metu to 10-day contract
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<figcaption>Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The sixth year stretch forward most recently played for the Phoenix Suns before he was traded to and waived by the Memphis Grizzlies at the deadline.</p> <p id="jXOCAx">The Detroit Pistons signed stretch forward Chimezie Metu to a 10-day contract, the team announced today.</p>
<p id="FrdgHl">He began the season with the Phoenix Suns, appearing in 37 games, including five starts, averaging five points and three rebounds in 12.1 minutes per game on the year. At February’s trade deadline, he was sent to the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team deal that netted the Suns David Roddy and Royce O’Neale. The Grizzlies waived Metu the following day, <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/chimezie-metu-27015/transactions/">according to Spotrac</a>.</p>
<p id="qdSaKp">Throughout his career, he has averaged 5.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game over 246 career games and 31 starts. He played a majority of those games with the Sacramento Kings, where he spent the past three seasons prior to signing a one-year deal in Phoenix.</p>
<p id="IE9Mb5">He began his NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs, who brought him in as the No. 49 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. He played three seasons at USC prior to the NBA, where he was named first-team All-Pac-12 in 2018 and second-team All-Pac-12 and Most Improved Player in 2017. Over his three collegiate seasons, he averaged 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.</p>
<p id="cfrRjV">The Pistons have six games over their next 10 days to get a look at Metu, including tonight’s contest against the Indiana Pacers, should he be available. Detroit had an open roster spot, which Metu now absorbs, where he can compete for another 10-day deal or a rest of season contract.</p>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2024/3/20/24106759/detroit-pistons-chimezie-metu-10-day-contractBlake Silverman2024-03-19T10:31:41-04:002024-03-19T10:31:41-04:00Submit your questions for The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast
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<p>Join us live Thursday at 6 p.m. ET to join the conversation.</p> <p id="2YI5sP">It’s mailbag time. Send in your questions now for Wes and Blake to answer this week on The Pindown: A <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/"><strong>Detroit Pistons</strong></a> Podcast. Please submit your question to the comments section here or on X/Twitter to <a href="https://twitter.com/therealwesd3"><strong>@TheRealWesD3</strong></a> and/or <a href="https://twitter.com/blakesilverman"><strong>@blakesilverman</strong></a>.</p>
<p id="9lSbOk">Join Wes and Blake on Thursday at 6 p.m. ET where we’ll discuss the past week of Detroit basketball. Send in any questions you have to hear answered on the show. Which members of the team’s “core” should the Pistons keep for the long haul? How can they string together some wins heading into the end of the season? Which NBA draft prospects should you keep an eye on throughout March Madness? We’ll take both pre-submitted questions as well as some from the live chat.</p>
<p id="IfAGYp">The podcast will be uploaded to all audio platforms on Friday morning.</p>
<h2 id="yQN4p2"><strong>The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast Vitals:</strong></h2>
<p id="hNWBTA"><strong>When: </strong>Thursday March 21 at 6 p.m. ET</p>
<p id="xGTS0X"><strong>Where: </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NdGxBiCg4A"><strong>Detroit Bad Boys YouTube Channel</strong></a></p>
<p id="8zj1ZK"><strong>How to submit questions:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="xjtcQU">Detroit Bad Boys Website: Comment section of the weekly Pindown episode articles.</li>
<li id="BWKcci">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/detroitbadboys"><strong>@detroitbadboys</strong></a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/blakesilverman"><strong>@blakesilverman</strong></a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/therealwesd3"><strong>@therealwesd3</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="MQuPZE">YouTube: Chat section of The Pindown live recording — <a href="http://www.youtube.com/@detroitbadboys313"><strong>Subscribe here</strong></a>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="0PIeXl">As always, leave any questions or topics you want to be discussed in the comment section below.</p>
<p id="g5qgpc">Listen to the show’s recording Friday morning wherever you listen to your podcasts.</p>
<ul>
<li id="6OtJrK"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pindown-a-detroit-pistons-podcast/id1542163027"><strong>Apple Podcasts</strong></a></li>
<li id="zHHlfr"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/78T3xbrlmUQsNdQkLQp97d"><strong>Spotify</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="YEs2kE"><strong>Last Week’s Show:</strong></h2>
<div id="qwUmRW"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uRPsVz_wucU?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2024/3/19/24105754/questions-pindown-detroit-pistons-podcastBlake Silverman2024-03-14T10:00:00-04:002024-03-14T10:00:00-04:00Nate Knight is a constant for the Motor City Cruise: “This entire business runs on flexibility and durability.”
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<img alt="Fort Wayne Mad Ants v Motor City Cruise" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uZm63gHuQly3AzTZi454_BaR0NI=/0x0:3744x2496/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73206512/2041445639.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Knight has capitalized on a fresh start in Detroit with the Motor City Cruise, NBA G League affiliate of the Pistons.</p> <p id="7aL4Tn">When the Motor City Cruise acquired Nate Knight in December after he started the season playing with the Maine Celtics, he was reunited with a former coach.</p>
<p id="4pIlX7">After four years of dominating at William & Mary, the Syracuse native began his professional career on a two-way contract with the <a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com">Atlanta Hawks</a> during the shortened 2020-21 season. He appeared in 33 games as a rookie for then-head coach Nate McMillan. Jamelle McMillan, current Motor City Cruise head coach and Nate’s son, worked on Atlanta’s staff as an assistant coach.</p>
<p id="jWj3IY">This season, Knight got a fresh start in Detroit playing for Jamelle.</p>
<p id="goKhvT">“Me and Jamelle go way back,” Knight said in an interview with Detroit Bad Boys. “He knows my journey, he knows my story. He knows how much basketball means to me. I was really excited when I found out I was coming to be coached by (Jamelle).”</p>
<p id="Vk1Oky">Knight competed in the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com">New York Knicks’</a> training camp this past offseason before signing a two-way contract with the Boston Celtics. <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/2023/12/12/23999079/boston-celtics-waive-nathan-knight-report-g-league-maine-celtics-two-way-jd-davison-neemias-queta">He was then waived by the team</a>, which paved the way for the Cruise to acquire him shortly after the move.</p>
<p id="jlHQpl">He spent each of his first three seasons as a professional getting NBA games under his belt. After his time in Atlanta, he spent the next two seasons with the <a href="https://www.canishoopus.com">Minnesota Timberwolves</a>. He’s played in 108 NBA games over the three years, including a 20-point and 11-rebound double-double for the Timberwolves in the first start of his career.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nate Knight. always takes FLIGHT. <a href="https://t.co/5H01W1vi8H">pic.twitter.com/5H01W1vi8H</a></p>— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Timberwolves/status/1669022007663501324?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2023</a>
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<p id="bbPvfl">Now a three-year NBA veteran, spending all of his playing time in the G League during year four brought a challenge. Knight mentioned that this year has been difficult for him both mentally and physically. Arriving in Detroit helped reinvigorate his game and add confidence. </p>
<p id="JCjm17">In 12 games with Maine to begin his season, he put up just four total 3-point attempts. He started in all 12 of those games and played just under 250 total minutes, averaging 9.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game with Boston’s NBA G League affiliate.</p>
<p id="BkObot">Now, through 30 games with the Cruise, he is putting up 2.7 3-point attempts per game and connecting on 38.8% of them. He’s averaging 12.8 points per game in the Motor City, serving as one of the best floor spacing big men across the G League. He mentioned that the 3-point shot is a piece of his game that he honed in on all offseason, making minor tweaks to his jumper to make it more fluid and consistent. </p>
<p id="LkNE0y">Knight said that he may have shied away from taking those shots early in the year. Now, he’s in Detroit to develop his game and make himself a better player so he can best contribute to the organization he’s with. Comfortability taking more threes allows that to happen and opens the floor for both him and his teammates.</p>
<p id="3U8Poy">In the G League, rosters and status reports are always changing. Players go back and forth between NBA rosters, elect to sign contracts overseas or even get called to play internationally, which happened for the Cruise recently when big man <a href="https://www.usab.com/news/2024/02/usa-basketball-announces-2024-mens-americup-qualifying-february-2024-roster">Jayce Johnson was selected to play for Team USA</a>. Since Knight arrived, he has been a constant for the Cruise through differing personnel situations on any given night.</p>
<p id="Xmc8B6">“This entire business runs on flexibility and durability,” Knight said. “It’s one thing to be there, but it’s another thing to be there and be ready. Nate and Jamelle (McMillan) have taught me that since my rookie year: don’t just be there, come in with a positive attitude and the intention to positively impact the organization day by day. And that’s really all I’ve been trying to do.”</p>
<p id="QwWIc3">Knight’s consistency has given the Cruise a leader in the frontcourt. On Feb. 8, he had 20 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in a revenge situation on the road in Maine, helping Motor City to a 120-112 win against his former team. A few days later, he dropped 25 points and a G League career high 18 rebounds to help the team beat the Grand Rapids Gold. He’s averaging 16.2 points per game over his past 10 games, scoring 20 or more points in four of those contests.</p>
<p id="Ggqqlr">Jamelle mentioned that his job is to keep Knight and all of his players in position on the basketball floor to do what they trust and what they’ve worked on. This allows his guys to see pieces of success at multiple points during games. Once they hit a small goal within a game, grabbing a certain amount of rebounds in the next three minutes, for example, it leads to the next mini victory, and then the next. </p>
<p id="c7yOkX">Jamelle said that Knight has taken that philosophy to heart. Not thinking too much and getting his job done on the court.</p>
<p id="dchmWr">Buddy Boeheim, Pistons two-way player and teammate with the Cruise, trained with Knight while growing up as two kids from the Syracuse area. This season in Detroit is the first opportunity they’ve had to play for the same team.</p>
<p id="ObWJis">“Nate’s a professional,” Boeheim said. “He shows up every day ready to work. A great team guy, someone you love to go to war with.”</p>
<p id="rwkoGp">To be that constant NBA veteran presence that’s so valuable in the G League, Knight focuses on where he is, remaining in the moment through a season that challenged him both mentally and physically.</p>
<p id="yCKyfx">“For me, it’s about focusing on where my feet are, and that’s on the court,” Knight said. “And to have them on the court with a coaching staff like this makes it a lot easier.”</p>
<p id="qhUwy1">The Cruise have seven games left in their regular season schedule, chasing one of the final playoff spots in their conference. They can still experience sudden roster changes for a myriad of reasons. Knight serves as a constant for the team through any challenge that surfaces. He’s shown the ability to do so throughout the regular season. And now, he’s playing his best basketball at the right time. </p>
<p id="93Vczu">He may even regain the eyes of a team at the next level. As a standard G League player, any NBA front office can sign him to a contract to help their team down the stretch or even beyond. </p>
<p id="G1f8kQ">Wherever Knight is, he’ll focus on where his feet are. And that’s on the court, ready to show off his game and help contribute to a win. </p>
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https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2024/3/14/24099339/motor-city-cruise-nate-knight-detroitBlake Silverman2024-03-12T11:00:00-04:002024-03-12T11:00:00-04:00Submit your questions for The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast
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<p>Join us live Thursday at 6 p.m. ET to join the conversation.</p> <p id="2YI5sP">It’s mailbag time. Send in your questions now for Wes and Blake to answer this week on The Pindown: A <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/"><strong>Detroit Pistons</strong></a> Podcast. Please submit your question to the comments section here or on X/Twitter to <a href="https://twitter.com/therealwesd3"><strong>@TheRealWesD3</strong></a> and/or <a href="https://twitter.com/blakesilverman"><strong>@blakesilverman</strong></a>.</p>
<p id="9lSbOk">Join Wes and Blake on Thursday at 6 p.m. ET where we’ll discuss the past week of Detroit basketball. Send in any questions you have to hear answered on the show. After recent wins, are the Pistons actually building something sustainable? What do we make of James Wiseman’s sudden surge? Can Cade Cunningham keep his dominance going? We’ll take both pre-submitted questions as well as some from the live chat.</p>
<p id="IfAGYp">The podcast will be uploaded to all audio platforms on Friday morning.</p>
<h2 id="yQN4p2"><strong>The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast Vitals:</strong></h2>
<p id="hNWBTA"><strong>When: </strong>Thursday March 15 at 6 p.m. ET</p>
<p id="xGTS0X"><strong>Where: </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRPsVz_wucU"><strong>Detroit Bad Boys YouTube Channel</strong></a></p>
<p id="8zj1ZK"><strong>How to submit questions:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="xjtcQU">Detroit Bad Boys Website: Comment section of the weekly Pindown episode articles.</li>
<li id="BWKcci">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/detroitbadboys"><strong>@detroitbadboys</strong></a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/blakesilverman"><strong>@blakesilverman</strong></a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/therealwesd3"><strong>@therealwesd3</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="MQuPZE">YouTube: Chat section of The Pindown live recording — <a href="http://www.youtube.com/@detroitbadboys313"><strong>Subscribe here</strong></a>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="0PIeXl">As always, leave any questions or topics you want to be discussed in the comment section below.</p>
<p id="g5qgpc">Listen to the show’s recording Friday morning wherever you listen to your podcasts.</p>
<ul>
<li id="6OtJrK"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pindown-a-detroit-pistons-podcast/id1542163027"><strong>Apple Podcasts</strong></a></li>
<li id="zHHlfr"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/78T3xbrlmUQsNdQkLQp97d"><strong>Spotify</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="YEs2kE"><strong>Last Week’s Show:</strong></h2>
<div id="BYOBfa"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iejcnfQ5QnQ?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2024/3/12/24098185/questions-pindown-detroit-pistons-podcastBlake Silverman2024-03-05T11:02:53-05:002024-03-05T11:02:53-05:00Submit your questions for The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast
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<p>Join us live immediately following Pistons-Nets to join the discussion.</p> <p id="2YI5sP">It’s mailbag time. Send in your questions now for Wes and Blake to answer this week on The Pindown: A <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/"><strong>Detroit Pistons</strong></a> Podcast. Please submit your question to the comments section here or on X/Twitter to <a href="https://twitter.com/therealwesd3"><strong>@TheRealWesD3</strong></a> and/or <a href="https://twitter.com/blakesilverman"><strong>@blakesilverman</strong></a>.</p>
<p id="9lSbOk">Join Wes and Blake on Thursday immediately following the Pistons-Nets game where we’ll discuss the past week of Detroit basketball. Our immediate reaction to the game as well as the team’s Florida road trip. Send in any questions you have on recent play, lineups, looking ahead to the offseason and NBA Draft or anything Pistons related. We’ll take both pre-submitted questions as well as some from the live chat.</p>
<p id="IfAGYp">The podcast will be uploaded to all audio platforms after the live recording.</p>
<h2 id="yQN4p2"><strong>The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast Vitals:</strong></h2>
<p id="hNWBTA"><strong>When: </strong>Thursday March 7 directly after the Pistons-Nets game</p>
<p id="xGTS0X"><strong>Where: </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iejcnfQ5QnQ"><strong>Detroit Bad Boys YouTube Channel</strong></a></p>
<p id="8zj1ZK"><strong>How to submit questions:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="xjtcQU">Detroit Bad Boys Website: Comment section of the weekly Pindown episode articles.</li>
<li id="BWKcci">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/detroitbadboys"><strong>@detroitbadboys</strong></a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/blakesilverman"><strong>@blakesilverman</strong></a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/therealwesd3"><strong>@therealwesd3</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="MQuPZE">YouTube: Chat section of The Pindown live recording — <a href="http://www.youtube.com/@detroitbadboys313"><strong>Subscribe here</strong></a>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="0PIeXl">As always, leave any questions or topics you want to be discussed in the comment section below.</p>
<p id="g5qgpc">Listen to the show’s recording Friday morning wherever you listen to your podcasts.</p>
<ul>
<li id="6OtJrK"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pindown-a-detroit-pistons-podcast/id1542163027"><strong>Apple Podcasts</strong></a></li>
<li id="zHHlfr"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/78T3xbrlmUQsNdQkLQp97d"><strong>Spotify</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="YEs2kE"><strong>Last Week’s Show:</strong></h2>
<div id="tvqvkw"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rb7N3r9emZU?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2024/3/5/24091231/submit-questions-pindown-detroit-pistons-podcastBlake Silverman2024-03-04T10:00:00-05:002024-03-04T10:00:00-05:00Find Buddy: Boeheim’s heroics are a product of his development in Detroit
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<figcaption>Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Buddy Boeheim signed a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons after a strong season improving in the G League with the Motor City Cruise.</p> <p id="z3jhc8">Tie game with less than one second remaining. The Motor City Cruise are set to inbound the ball on their end of the floor. Their best plan to end the game in regulation is simple: find Buddy.</p>
<p id="4Wh4RL">Tosan Evbuomwan inbounds the ball after he sees Buddy Boeheim run off of a screen, who creates an inch of room for himself to get one last 3-point shot up during regulation. Off the catch, Boeheim shifts his body to align with the hoop and pushes the ball up with one arm toward the general area of the rim.</p>
<p id="rREYgC">It floats through the net, he sprints toward the opposite baseline with a wide smile, shocked as anyone that the ball went in. His teammates swarmed, they jumped up and down to celebrate a miraculous 119-116 victory over the Westchester <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com">Knicks</a>. A big win as the Cruise hunt for a spot in the NBA G League playoffs.</p>
<p id="2Zq3Fa">In the end, the Cruise did what they intended. They found Buddy.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ARE YOU KIDDING ME⁉️⁉️<br><br>Buddy Boeheim just hit one of the craziest <a href="https://twitter.com/TISSOT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TISSOT</a> buzzer-beaters you’ll ever see to give to <a href="https://twitter.com/MotorCityCruise?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MotorCityCruise</a> an insane 119-116 win over the Knicks. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TissotBuzzerBeater?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TissotBuzzerBeater</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThisIsYourTime?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThisIsYourTime</a> <a href="https://t.co/yl5KW5c0Kb">pic.twitter.com/yl5KW5c0Kb</a></p>— NBA G League (@nbagleague) <a href="https://twitter.com/nbagleague/status/1764391651332722972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2024</a>
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<p id="9hcBnt">“It’s the ultimate luxury,” Jared Rhoden, Motor City’s leading scorer, said when asked about playing alongside Boeheim. “We have a play that’s literally called ‘find Buddy’ where we try to get him shots. It’s such a luxury, it’s a pleasure to play with somebody that can shoot the ball like that. Takes so much pressure off of me as a scorer, as someone looking to get people going and get myself going too. He does a great job of alleviating that.”</p>
<p id="YT21Zn">His season isn’t defined by Sunday’s shining moment, though.</p>
<p id="T8y3x8">Boeheim has made 87 total 3-pointers so far through the G League’s regular season schedule, which is second in the entire league behind only Antoine Davis. He’s draining threes efficiently, at a 44.6% clip on 7.8 attempts per game. </p>
<p id="s8qKkA">He averages 15.8 points, while also contributing 3.9 rebounds and two assists per game. He focused on getting stronger this year, allowing him to score in different ways at the professional level.</p>
<p id="WY7xT6">As a shooter, he has worked to get his shot off quicker and increase his range from deep. That’s a product of focusing on every rep, he says. Going at game speed, moving with and without the ball and holding his follow through on every shot. No matter when and where he gets each shot up.</p>
<p id="ugGVkg">“I think it’s easy to get a little lackadaisical or go through the motions per se on some off days or game day shots because you think you’re going to make them in the game,” Boeheim said. “But you have to focus on every rep you take and that’s really been a huge focus for me. It gets repetitive, but you have to be obsessed with it and focus on every shot you take every day.”</p>
<p id="mlvm2W">It’s easy to focus on what he does as a shooter. He makes putting the ball through the hoop look effortless. But his development with the Cruise has centered on improving in other areas, mainly on the opposite side of the floor.</p>
<p id="O6hsj6">Throughout Detroit’s organization, both at the NBA and G League level, defense is a priority. Boeheim has made noticeable strides as a defender this season to evolve his game. </p>
<p id="i0Y08B">“It’s something I took the most pride in this offseason,” Boeheim said of his defensive play. “Not being a liability for our team, not hurting our team on defense, getting called in pick-and-rolls. I think I really pride myself on that this year and I’ve really improved in that.”</p>
<p id="z9Msq2">He credits offseason and practice reps, lateral movement drills, lifting and film for that improvement. He focused on footwork, making sure he doesn’t hop as much into players he’s guarding while moving his feet better.</p>
<p id="WGwd3g">“Doing whatever I can to help us on defense,” He continued. “I think that’s honestly where I’ve made the most growth, as much as anything.”</p>
<p id="WsYg8I">Working on rounding out his game recently paid off, signing a two-way contract with the <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com">Detroit Pistons</a> on Feb. 23. He played on a two-way last season, which was his first as a professional. </p>
<p id="dKU35w">This past offseason, he signed an Exhibit 10 deal to compete in the team’s training camp. He spent time in Detroit over the summer to train and played with the Pistons’ Summer League team before his season ultimately started with the Cruise.</p>
<p id="zzYFwm">Going from a two-way spot one year to not having that security the next is difficult for anyone. But Boeheim focused on his craft, finding ways to get better and work his way up the NBA ladder. He knew that was going to be a process.</p>
<p id="8knm48">After shining in the G League, a couple other teams were interested in his services. Any team could have signed him to an NBA contract off of the Cruise’s roster. But an <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2024/2/21/24079586/detroit-pistons-waive-two-way-malcolm-cazalon">opportunity opened in Detroit</a>. For Boeheim, it made sense and rewarded the work he put in within the organization’s walls.</p>
<p id="DuN2kG">“I wanted to stay in Detroit, I love it here,” He said. “After being on a two-way last year, then being in the G League this year, I was fighting and having a good year. Just facing adversity and proving a lot, knowing I had to get better. I feel like I put myself in a good spot the last couple of months taking advantage of my time.</p>
<p id="YYTn1t">“I signed (the two-way deal) the second day I got back after All-Star break. It was a pretty awesome and proud moment for me.”</p>
<p id="clgZRd">Since signing the new contract, he has continued to serve as a primary option for the Cruise. He continues to shoot at a high rate and works to impact the game in more ways than that.</p>
<p id="4nklZS">As one of the few players on the Cruise who has been around for more than just this season, he’s a constant, veteran-like presence for the group. The consistency of working in the same facilities and having relationships with the coaching staff helps his individual development. </p>
<p id="azx5wW">But it also helps his teammates, especially through the ever-changing nature of life in the G League. Players can receive NBA call-ups or become a part of roster adjustments that quickly shift a group’s personnel.</p>
<p id="M5oIUz">Nate Knight, who was acquired by the Cruise earlier this season, has waited his whole life to play with Boeheim. Both are from Syracuse, New York, but they haven’t had the chance to play together until this year in the Motor City.</p>
<p id="jzch1V">Knight mentioned that Boeheim welcomed him to the team with open arms and helped instill confidence to have a strong season himself, including shooting the 3-ball at a high rate. He also appreciates having the ability to get the ball to a guy like Boeheim who can knock down a shot from anywhere.</p>
<p id="xIw84v">“We’re very like basketball minds,” Knight said. “One part of my game I’ve really locked in on is being that guy who can help players get open, help players get into their shots. That’s one of the things that I genuinely enjoy doing. </p>
<p id="Oma2mo">“Buddy’s one of those guys where if he catches it and he has airspace, he’s going to shoot it. Being able to work with a guy like that and kind of have that Bam (Adebayo) and Duncan Robinson connection has been really fun.”</p>
<p id="KEpgi0">Boeheim is showing no signs of slowing down for the Cruise, especially after his game-winning heroics on Sunday. He’ll continue to focus on every rep and score at will. Fresh off of signing the two-way contract, he has a chance to compete at the NBA level this season. That gives him the ability to show off the improvements to his game which he prides himself on.</p>
<p id="OHo5gO">On the court, he’ll hunt for the right shot while his teammates help him do the same. </p>
<p id="GGVD3p">Sooner or later, they’ll find Buddy.</p>
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https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2024/3/4/24089754/find-buddy-boeheim-heroics-development-detroitBlake Silverman2024-02-27T11:00:00-05:002024-02-27T11:00:00-05:00Submit your questions for The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast
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<p><em>Tune in live Thursday at 6 p.m. ET to join the conversation.</em></p> <p id="2YI5sP">It’s mailbag time. Send in your questions now for Wes and Blake to answer this week on The Pindown: A <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/"><strong>Detroit Pistons</strong></a> Podcast. Please submit your question to the comments section here or on Twitter to <a href="https://twitter.com/therealwesd3"><strong>@TheRealWesD3</strong></a> and/or <a href="https://twitter.com/blakesilverman"><strong>@blakesilverman</strong></a>.</p>
<p id="9lSbOk">Join Wes and Blake on Thursday where we’ll discuss the past week of Pistons basketball. Our thoughts on what Cade Cunningham’s recent play means for the team’s future, initial reaction to Quentin Grimes after his first few games as a Piston and of course, the officiating after a couple of heartbreaking losses.</p>
<p id="IfAGYp">The podcast will be uploaded to all audio platforms after the live recording.</p>
<h2 id="yQN4p2"><strong>The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast Vitals:</strong></h2>
<p id="hNWBTA"><strong>When: </strong>Thursday Feb. 29 at 6 p.m. ET</p>
<p id="xGTS0X"><strong>Where: </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb7N3r9emZU"><strong>Detroit Bad Boys YouTube Channel</strong></a></p>
<p id="8zj1ZK"><strong>How to submit questions:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="xjtcQU">Detroit Bad Boys Website: Comment section of the weekly Pindown episode articles.</li>
<li id="BWKcci">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/detroitbadboys"><strong>@detroitbadboys</strong></a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/blakesilverman"><strong>@blakesilverman</strong></a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/therealwesd3"><strong>@therealwesd3</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="MQuPZE">YouTube: Chat section of The Pindown live recording — <a href="http://www.youtube.com/@detroitbadboys313"><strong>Subscribe here</strong></a>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="0PIeXl">As always, leave any questions or topics you want to be discussed in the comment section below.</p>
<p id="g5qgpc">Listen to the show’s recording Friday morning wherever you listen to your podcasts.</p>
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<h2 id="YEs2kE"><strong>Last Week’s Show:</strong></h2>
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https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2024/2/27/24084329/submit-questions-the-pindown-detroit-pistons-podcastBlake Silverman2024-02-22T14:36:41-05:002024-02-22T14:36:41-05:00My Buddy: Pistons sign Buddy Boeheim to two-year, two-way contract
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<figcaption>Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Pistons opened up a two-way spot yesterday by waiving Malcolm Cazalon. Boeheim gets the call-up after strong play with the Motor City Cruise.</p> <p id="1dCGye">The Detroit Pistons signed Buddy Boeheim to a two-way contract according to a <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1760741160849658296">report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski</a>. The deal spans across multiple seasons according to the report.</p>
<p id="0UnucM">Detroit opened up one of their two-way roster spots yesterday after <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2024/2/21/24079586/detroit-pistons-waive-two-way-malcolm-cazalon">waiving first-year player Malcolm Cazalon</a>.</p>
<p id="Hd5zoC">Boeheim has spent this season with the Motor City Cruise exclusively after playing on a two-way deal with the Pistons last season. This year, he’s near the top of the G League in total 3-pointers made with 67, while shooting at 43.8% clip on 7.7 3-point attempts per game throughout the Cruise’s regular season schedule.</p>
<p id="THHdBx">He dropped 38 points on Feb. 8 to lead the Cruise to a win over the Maine Celtics. He made seven threes while adding eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. As of late, he has broken out as a top option and highly efficient scorer for the Cruise, averaging 24.6 points over his last five games.</p>
<p id="DpvA30">This past summer, he played with the Pistons during Summer League and participated in their training camp prior to joining the Cruise for the regular season. He has added size in an effort to improve defensively and round out his game on top of his scoring ability. </p>
<p id="Xmanic">Now, he gets the opportunity to split time between the Cruise and the NBA club after making 10 appearances with the Pistons during his rookie season. For the Pistons, Boeheim brings an efficient shooter on volume who can show off improvements made to his game while developing within their organization.</p>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2024/2/22/24080291/detroit-pistons-sign-buddy-boeheim-two-way-contractBlake Silverman2024-02-21T17:41:39-05:002024-02-21T17:41:39-05:00Detroit Pistons waive two-way player Malcolm Cazalon
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<img alt="Rip City Remix v Motor City Cruise" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qTf7QQymx5ycOyBEtDKl8kfoKA8=/0x0:5234x3489/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73155382/1983631616.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Cazalon was on a two-way contract with the Pistons. He appeared in 14 games and averaged nine points in the G League regular season.</p> <p id="7X8G8F">The Detroit Pistons waived first-year player Malcolm Cazalon, according to a <a href="https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1760425425384210876">report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski</a>. He held a two-way contract with the team throughout this season.</p>
<p id="es88g0">The French product played overseas prior to signing the two-way deal to play in Detroit. He played with the Pistons’ Summer League squad and spent most of his regular season in the G League with the Motor City Cruise. He appeared in 26 games for the Cruise throughout the Winter Showcase and regular season schedule. </p>
<p id="1ub7Ps">He averaged 9.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 34.6% from three throughout the G League’s regular season. In the Winter Showcase, he averaged 11.8 points per game and shot 42.8% from deep.</p>
<p id="RNiNzw">Cazalon’s release opens up a two-way spot for Detroit, alongside other current two-way players Stanley Umude and Jared Rhoden. Both have seen more NBA action compared to Cazalon, who briefly appeared in one game for the Pistons earlier this season. Umude has made 17 appearances with the NBA club this season, while Rhoden has played in six games.</p>
<p id="GtYMFD">It’s currently unclear what the Pistons plan to do with their newly opened two-way spot. The team may look to take a flier on a young player who will get some NBA action throughout the final stretch of the season.</p>
<p id="OdA22c">One name that may make sense for a two-way deal is Tosan Evbuomwan, who is currently playing on a <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2024/2/11/24069594/detroit-pistons-sign-tosan-evbuomwan-10-day-contract">10-day contract with the Pistons</a>. Before his brief deal with the Pistons, he completed another 10-day deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. Prior to both NBA call-ups, he played with the Cruise after signing with the Pistons as an undrafted free agent this past summer.</p>
<p id="uzIzaz">Should the organization want to keep Evbuomwan around, their only option may be signing him to a rest of season contract or a two-way deal, as he’s already received NBA interest elsewhere.</p>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2024/2/21/24079586/detroit-pistons-waive-two-way-malcolm-cazalonBlake Silverman