Re: FORUM

[cool breeze]

Sadly, the days when you could keep a crazy brother locked up in a closet are gone!

I totally agree that it's astounding that a clown like that gets the call to do nationally televised games, hell, I'd even take Bill Walton over JVG, at least you'd get a few laughs!

It's not that he makes dumb comments, it's that he makes so many of them, and he uses the platform to attack people over old vendettas!

Having said that, he did say one thing that was important, but I'm sure he's repeating it from somebody else, and I've said it here many times!

JVG said: If the hack a player is such a great rule, why do they stop it in the last 2 minutes?



That's the seminal question that provides the proof that the hack a player is stupid and NOT a basketball play!

Don: If you hack a player WITHOUT the ball, it's unnecessary roughness and should be considered a flagrant 1 foul!

Edit: Let me make a modification, IMO, Flagrant foul may be too harsh. Make it a team foul, which actually makes more sense, and they get to select who shoots the FT's if in the penalty

As long as shooting free throws is a key part of the game attacking those who can't is perfectly legit.

To answer your question though,  IMO hack-a-player is stopped in the final minutes solely for a non basketball reason, "Waning Fan Interest", which ultimately translates to lost R$E$V$E$N$U$E$.   In this era of Sports Center Highlight Competition fans are not sticking around to witness a game end in a parade of free throws.

But not the only one.

However, if it was the single reason, it would be reason enough to stop it, unless having the sport be entertaining isn't something you're interested in. IMO, even if there were NO revenues, keeping the game entertaining would be a compelling reason!

However, if you truly believe that the invertor of basketball actually would think, i.e. the spirit of the game, would think/believe that fouling away from the ball is the way to play the game, then I haven't a prayer of changing your mind, and that's fine. IMO, hacking a player away from the ball is not in the flow or the design of the game!

I don't believe that it's a play that is a true basketball play, just like I don't believe in the following, I see them as cheats that take advantage of rules, cheats that have been executed so long that people actually see them as normal!

1. I don't think throwing the ball off of another player to go out of bounds is a proper play
   
2. I don't believe taking a charge is a real basketball play
   
3. I don't believe flopping is a basketball play
   
4. I don't believe hacking a player away from the ball is a basketball play
   

These are personal opinions, and I fully know that most of them have no chance in hell of ever being seen like I do, but there it is

"TRUE BASKETBALL PLAY"
So you really believe that taking a charge is not a real basketball play? That means you believe in the special rules that were designed for Shaq in his prime playing days. Back your ass slowly towards the rim with a final hard push with the ass when you enter the paint. Then use the shoulder and make a hard turn further knocking your defender back so you can face the basket. Wow that is exciting! Maybe that ref in the NCAA tournament who allowed Winslow to drive directly through the body of the Wisconsin defender knocking him down so he could shoot a two footer without opposition in crunch time should be the norm moving forward. Instead of a charge call, the ref called a blocking foul which to me was the key play of the game. The Wisconsin player had set his body position perfectly as he was taught by his coaches since the 7th grade. He was not moving at the time of impact either. All those hours of hard work learning how to set up to take the charge - all down the drain for that player. He will never forget that bogus call. If like thinking basketball fans like you get their wish, then we will see fat four hounded and fifty pound 7 foot freight train type people backing their way to the basket knocking down anyone in sight so they can get closer to the basket. At the same time NBA officials remove the charge call they can also get rid of the 3 second rule. Yes that slows up the game way too much to force big men to get in and out of the paint like that. All you need to be successful is a large fat ass. Then when the fat ass is fouled, maybe he can select another player to shoot his free throws. It is all about fairness isn't it? It is not fair to stop dribble penetration. Fans want more dunks. Players should step out of the way and allow layups. Then to be fair, the same thing applies when the ball changes hands. How exciting that a would be. I personally love it when players stand in there and take a charge. That takes real courage considering how dumb some players really are when they go full blast out of control without any idea what they intend to do.

In the spirit of fairness we will ban the charge call. We should also dummy down the game more by insisting that horrible free throw shooters are not forced to show off their lack of talent. Fouling away from the ball has been around forever. It was the corrupt NBA that changed the rule to limit this strategy at the end of games to protect their "special" star caliber players like Shaq. That was the real mistake. Maybe the NBA should also keep the game moving faster by ignoring situations when players catch and shoot with one foot out of bounds. That is very irritating and is not a basketball play so let's do it.

Finally I have been guilty of throwing the basketball hard at an opponent so the ball goes off him out of bounds to save a possession many times in my playing career. Maybe I should have been forced to run bare foot through hot coals and then ejected from the game. Be careful what you wish for. Some of us fans have a difficult time staying awake now during many Piston games in the regular season. If the rules are changed maybe our government could force captured enemy prisoners to watch NBA games. Who needs water boarding if you can drive people crazy when they watch a NBA game. You can bet that the lawyers are working on those rule changes you want.

[deusXango]

I'm not a big fan of Bleacher Report, but sometimes they have articles that can be classified as decent; their article on "The Best PF's of 2014-15" didn't include OUR PF, Greg Monroe! The Moose was nowhere to found, so I'm thinking he'll show up as a center, but around here we talk of his stunning offensive accomplishments as a PF, next to Drummond (which doesn't include stepping out to shoot the mid-range shot, but it does stifle Drummonds ability to develop on the interior)......hog wash!

SVG keeps singing that song about Monroe being his priority to re-sign as a FA, but that's dumb; it fosters false hope of a S & T among some fans, but that ship has sailed. In order for a S & T to take place some teams GM is willing to #1 part with some comparable resources and #2 sign Monroe for 5 years at max money....I doubt there's a GM out there willing to make that type commitment for a big man at Monroe's skill level, at least I'll be around to see who makes that gamble with their career and the comforts a GM's money and power provides for the likes of a Greg Monroe. Hell, I ain't even heard that type talk thrown around for signing Aldridge or Love!

Last year, when Monroe should've been signed or traded, SVG drug his feet and fed us that bullsh!t about being prepared for any eventuality, which he wasn't, now he's adding fuel to the fire by not admitting that he was outfoxed, and moving on without rehashing old news. He's got the #8 pick, which he can't afford to f@ck up, and a stellar FA to sign to complete our revamped frontline....Monroe won't do because he's no more than a backup on this team; we don't need two centers starting and neither one can hit a 15-18 foot jump shot on a consistent basis, sh!t Bill Laimbeer could hit from 15 feet out to the 3 line!

[Phil-Good]

This is how you fix the playoffs. Kill the east and west. Put 6 team in new divisions. Detroit, Indiana, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Minnesota and Chicago in the same division. Call it the Great lakes division.

Houston, Dallas, Spurs, OK City, Phoenix and Denver Call them The South West division

Miami, Orlando, Charlotte, Atlanta, Memphis, New Orleans. South Division

West side division: LA, Lakers, LA Clippers, Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Utah Jazz, Portland.

East Division: Washington, NY, Brooklyn, Toronto, Boston,  and Philly.

Playoffs fix: Win your division your in. After that best of the best finish out the last 8 spots. Playoff format. 2-3-2

NBA Draft. This is easy. Make A top 5 lottery. All bottom 5 have A % chance at the number 1 pick. Whoever wins wins. But the next draft, every bottom 5 lottery team is disqualified from A top 5 lottery selection the next draft. So if NY, LA, Min, Philly and Orlando are bottom 5 in 2015. they are disqualified from top 5 lottery draft for 2016 Lottery draft no matter how poor of A record they had. The next qualified 5 will be All new teams unless somebody makes A trade in or out.

Now if somebody wants to tank for the 9th and 10th pick go right ahead. Also add A 3rd round. make every NBA team buy A NBDL team and start to build the D-league up just like MLB. Those high school kids can be drafted in the 3rd round only but they have to stay in the D-League until they 19 or 20 years old.

It's very simple...

[Oracle]

We don't move down... 8th pick it is!!!

Flip is the BIG winner, he gets the #1 pick to add to Wiggins, the rookie of the year!

[Oracle]

Two items are on the table

1. Select teams based on record 1-16, regardless of conference
   
2. Remove the division winner advantage in each conference and select the top 8 teams
   

Of these two, IMO, the selection of the top 16 isn't a good idea. Other than the obvious travel issues, which could be an issue, the biggest issue is IMO, is that it dilutes the whole reason of conferences. I could only favor it if we removed conferences all together, but if you have them, then they should mean something.

The second item is LONG overdue! Stop rewarding winners of weak divisions with a position they don't deserve. Pick the teams based on their conference record, not their division record, since they're playing for a conference title!

However opinions may vary, but that's mine!

Less than 15 minutes to the Lottery... GO PISTONS!!!

[Oracle]

Sadly, the days when you could keep a crazy brother locked up in a closet are gone!

I totally agree that it's astounding that a clown like that gets the call to do nationally televised games, hell, I'd even take Bill Walton over JVG, at least you'd get a few laughs!

It's not that he makes dumb comments, it's that he makes so many of them, and he uses the platform to attack people over old vendettas!

Having said that, he did say one thing that was important, but I'm sure he's repeating it from somebody else, and I've said it here many times!

JVG said: If the hack a player is such a great rule, why do they stop it in the last 2 minutes?

That's the seminal question that provides the proof that the hack a player is stupid and NOT a basketball play!

Don: If you hack a player WITHOUT the ball, it's unnecessary roughness and should be considered a flagrant 1 foul!

Edit: Let me make a modification, IMO, Flagrant foul may be too harsh. Make it a team foul, which actually makes more sense, and they get to select who shoots the FT's if in the penalty

As long as shooting free throws is a key part of the game attacking those who can't is perfectly legit.

To answer your question though,  IMO hack-a-player is stopped in the final minutes solely for a non basketball reason, "Waning Fan Interest", which ultimately translates to lost R$E$V$E$N$U$E$.   In this era of Sports Center Highlight Competition fans are not sticking around to witness a game end in a parade of free throws.

But not the only one.

However, if it was the single reason, it would be reason enough to stop it, unless having the sport be entertaining isn't something you're interested in. IMO, even if there were NO revenues, keeping the game entertaining would be a compelling reason!

However, if you truly believe that the invertor of basketball actually would think, i.e. the spirit of the game, would think/believe that fouling away from the ball is the way to play the game, then I haven't a prayer of changing your mind, and that's fine. IMO, hacking a player away from the ball is not in the flow or the design of the game!

I don't believe that it's a play that is a true basketball play, just like I don't believe in the following, I see them as cheats that take advantage of rules, cheats that have been executed so long that people actually see them as normal!

1. I don't think throwing the ball off of another player to go out of bounds is a proper play
   
2. I don't believe taking a charge is a real basketball play
   
3. I don't believe flopping is a basketball play
   
4. I don't believe hacking a player away from the ball is a basketball play
   

These are personal opinions, and I fully know that most of them have no chance in hell of ever being seen like I do, but there it is

[lemonpen]

Sadly, the days when you could keep a crazy brother locked up in a closet are gone!

I totally agree that it's astounding that a clown like that gets the call to do nationally televised games, hell, I'd even take Bill Walton over JVG, at least you'd get a few laughs!

It's not that he makes dumb comments, it's that he makes so many of them, and he uses the platform to attack people over old vendettas!

Having said that, he did say one thing that was important, but I'm sure he's repeating it from somebody else, and I've said it here many times!

JVG said: If the hack a player is such a great rule, why do they stop it in the last 2 minutes?

That's the seminal question that provides the proof that the hack a player is stupid and NOT a basketball play!

Don: If you hack a player WITHOUT the ball, it's unnecessary roughness and should be considered a flagrant 1 foul!

Edit: Let me make a modification, IMO, Flagrant foul may be too harsh. Make it a team foul, which actually makes more sense, and they get to select who shoots the FT's if in the penalty

As long as shooting free throws is a key part of the game attacking those who can't is perfectly legit.

To answer your question though, IMO hack-a-player is stopped in the final minutes solely for a non basketball reason, "Waning Fan Interest", which ultimately translates to lost R$E$V$E$N$U$E$. In this era of Sports Center Highlight Competition fans are not sticking around to witness a game end in a parade of free throws.

[Oracle]

Sadly, the days when you could keep a crazy brother locked up in a closet are gone!

I totally agree that it's astounding that a clown like that gets the call to do nationally televised games, hell, I'd even take Bill Walton over JVG, at least you'd get a few laughs!

It's not that he makes dumb comments, it's that he makes so many of them, and he uses the platform to attack people over old vendettas!

Having said that, he did say one thing that was important, but I'm sure he's repeating it from somebody else, and I've said it here many times!

JVG said: If the hack a player is such a great rule, why do they stop it in the last 2 minutes?

That's the seminal question that provides the proof that the hack a player is stupid and NOT a basketball play!

Don: If you hack a player WITHOUT the ball, it's unnecessary roughness and should be considered a flagrant 1 foul!

Edit: Let me make a modification, IMO, Flagrant foul may be too harsh. Make it a team foul, which actually makes more sense, and they get to select who shoots the FT's if in the penalty

[Oracle]

I sure would not be opposed to using the 8th pick on Kaminsky. Kaminsky has the mental thing down which was missing with Greg Monroe. I believe that Kaminsky will come into the league as a far superior defender than Monroe is right now after all this time playing for the Pistons. And he will fit the current NBA style of offense being played. He is smart and is a winner. I like the fact that he was a 4 year college player as well. I would not take a chance on any of the Kentucky players in the draft because all of them are not yet NBA ready. We need a power forward who can step right in and make a rotation.

If the Pistons take Kaminsky, then Van Gundy will have to come up with some magic to secure a proven younger small forward. If the Pistons can trade as many as 5 current Piston players for draft picks, I would do it as well. There are some real players in the 2nd round this year.

You make a good point about Kaminsky being more of a finished product than any of the other big men, and nobody should underestimate the importance of a strong basketball IQ!

IMO, the thing keeping him from being the best move for the Pistons is something we all talk about... DEFENSE!!!

You framed it as him being better than Monroe, but that bar is way too low to be something we want or need. We need a rim protector because I'm losing faith that Drummond is coming around any time soon(I hope he makes a fool of me)!

Having said that, Kaminsky isn't a slouch as a rim protector, I've seen him do very well, but I question how well that translates to the NBA.

The bottom line is that he's on my short list, so I wouldn't have any problem with picking him.

On your second point, we do need a SF, and the two top "SF's" in the draft are VERY undersized, and really should be SG's that play SF in a small ball lineup!

We need a SF that's at a minimum of 6'8, and IMO, Singler would have filled the bill as a backup, which would have taken the pressure off, but we do have MAJOR pressure on the SF position.

Without Singler, we're now looking at an unproven D-Leaguer in Quincy Miller as backup, and nobody starting... that's a real danger point! As you said the 2nd round should be decent in this deep draft, but we're not likely to find a starter there, but maybe a really good role player, which we also need.

That means that SVG is going to need a starting SF & a backup SF if Miller doesn't work out... color me a bit worried! Not that we can't fill some of the hole, but worried that SVG will hang on to Butler's ass... that's scary!

[Sebastian]

Thanks, cool, I missed the one time that Jeff Van Gundy articulated a positive comment about Josh's contribution to Rockets moving forward.

When Josh Smith was waived by GM Stan and Gores, NBA folks trashed Josh. Smith was cast as the overpaid, flawed, self-admired NBA player. The guy that who could not play with others. Trashed as a guy, who takes poor shots and didn't play inspired basketball.

By chance: Did any of my fellow Pistons Pals notice how Jeff Van Gundy would never credit Josh on any of his good play, during yesterday's Game 7. Instead JVG spoke loudly of the oldest, ever NBA rookie, Progioni, and the oldest SG, currently in the League, "Jet" Terry. Come 'on JVG, you're better than that! (In my Mark Jackson voice.)

Then, OUR Pistons went on a 8-game winning streak. WE beat the Spurs and the Mavericks in the same week, if I recall, correctly. OUR guys were rolling and Stan Van Gundy was looking like a genius.

Meanwhile Josh would become adjusted to his new teammates, coaches, and travel plans. He would get use to winning basketball games, again, and making winning plays in big games. (If it were not for Josh, the Rockets would not be playing in the WCF).

As for GM/Head Coach Stan and OUR Pistons, WE have not dribbled in a month; ending OUR season on what has become to damn customary, the Tax Deadline date. And, I am just like all my Pistons Pals, can't wait to next most important and relevant event for US Pistons fans: The Lottery Drawing (Tuesday, May 19th).

Not going to the Playoffs is getting really damn irritating.

Oh my vote is to trade the pick for an established NBA SF or PF, if it is number 8 or higher (1,2,3,...).

Jeff Van Gundy did make one comment relating to Smith in this last game. All 3 announcers mentioned that Stan Van Gundy only said good things about Smith on his departure from the Pistons. I think Jeff said Smith and the Pistons were just not a good fit. I felt this before Dumars signed Josh. As for Jeff Van Gundy, I believe he is one of the two worst basketball announcers in the game. The other is Dick Vitale who was also a horrible basketball coach especially when he coached the Pistons. How that group of announcers get the call to handle the NBA Finals is crazy. They go off on stupid nonsense type stories while the game is going on. I also dislike Mark Jackson's style as a announcer. He is a good coach though and should concentrate on getting another coaching job. This is only my humble opinion which obviously is at odds with a lot of playoff viewers. The game is more interesting for me when that crew announces games when I turn off the sound and just watch what is happening on the floor.

Smith to me is mostly responsible for the turnaround in this series where LA played below average over the last two games and Josh Smith was extremely impressive on both ends of the floor. But he wasn't impressive when he wore the Piston uniform. Maybe that was because there was nobody on the Piston team that he respected so he didn't have the passion.

[cool breeze]

I sure would not be opposed to using the 8th pick on Kaminsky. Kaminsky has the mental thing down which was missing with Greg Monroe. I believe that Kaminsky will come into the league as a far superior defender than Monroe is right now after all this time playing for the Pistons. And he will fit the current NBA style of offense being played. He is smart and is a winner. I like the fact that he was a 4 year college player as well. I would not take a chance on any of the Kentucky players in the draft because all of them are not yet NBA ready. We need a power forward who can step right in and make a rotation.

If the Pistons take Kaminsky, then Van Gundy will have to come up with some magic to secure a proven younger small forward. If the Pistons can trade as many as 5 current Piston players for draft picks, I would do it as well. There are some real players in the 2nd round this year.

[cool breeze]

When Josh Smith was waived by GM Stan and Gores, NBA folks trashed Josh. Smith was cast as the overpaid, flawed, self-admired NBA player. The guy that who could not play with others. Trashed as a guy, who takes poor shots and didn't play inspired basketball.

By chance: Did any of my fellow Pistons Pals notice how Jeff Van Gundy would never credit Josh on any of his good play, during yesterday's Game 7. Instead JVG spoke loudly of the oldest, ever NBA rookie, Progioni, and the oldest SG, currently in the League, "Jet" Terry. Come 'on JVG, you're better than that! (In my Mark Jackson voice.)

Then, OUR Pistons went on a 8-game winning streak. WE beat the Spurs and the Mavericks in the same week, if I recall, correctly. OUR guys were rolling and Stan Van Gundy was looking like a genius.

Meanwhile Josh would become adjusted to his new teammates, coaches, and travel plans. He would get use to winning basketball games, again, and making winning plays in big games. (If it were not for Josh, the Rockets would not be playing in the WCF).

As for GM/Head Coach Stan and OUR Pistons, WE have not dribbled in a month; ending OUR season on what has become to damn customary, the Tax Deadline date. And, I am just like all my Pistons Pals, can't wait to next most important and relevant event for US Pistons fans: The Lottery Drawing (Tuesday, May 19th).

Not going to the Playoffs is getting really damn irritating.

Oh my vote is to trade the pick for an established NBA SF or PF, if it is number 8 or higher (1,2,3,...).

Jeff Van Gundy did make one comment relating to Smith in this last game. All 3 announcers mentioned that Stan Van Gundy only said good things about Smith on his departure from the Pistons. I think Jeff said Smith and the Pistons were just not a good fit. I felt this before Dumars signed Josh. As for Jeff Van Gundy, I believe he is one of the two worst basketball announcers in the game. The other is Dick Vitale who was also a horrible basketball coach especially when he coached the Pistons. How that group of announcers get the call to handle the NBA Finals is crazy. They go off on stupid nonsense type stories while the game is going on. I also dislike Mark Jackson's style as a announcer. He is a good coach though and should concentrate on getting another coaching job. This is only my humble opinion which obviously is at odds with a lot of playoff viewers. The game is more interesting for me when that crew announces games when I turn off the sound and just watch what is happening on the floor.

Smith to me is mostly responsible for the turnaround in this series where LA played below average over the last two games and Josh Smith was extremely impressive on both ends of the floor. But he wasn't impressive when he wore the Piston uniform. Maybe that was because there was nobody on the Piston team that he respected so he didn't have the passion.

[Sebastian]

When Josh Smith was waived by GM Stan and Gores, NBA folks trashed Josh. Smith was cast as the overpaid, flawed, self-admired NBA player. The guy that who could not play with others. Trashed as a guy, who takes poor shots and didn't play inspired basketball.

By chance: Did any of my fellow Pistons Pals notice how Jeff Van Gundy would never credit Josh on any of his good play, during yesterday's Game 7. Instead JVG spoke loudly of the oldest, ever NBA rookie, Progioni, and the oldest SG, currently in the League, "Jet" Terry. Come 'on JVG, you're better than that! (In my Mark Jackson voice.)

Then, OUR Pistons went on a 8-game winning streak. WE beat the Spurs and the Mavericks in the same week, if I recall, correctly. OUR guys were rolling and Stan Van Gundy was looking like a genius.

Meanwhile Josh would become adjusted to his new teammates, coaches, and travel plans. He would get use to winning basketball games, again, and making winning plays in big games. (If it were not for Josh, the Rockets would not be playing in the WCF).

As for GM/Head Coach Stan and OUR Pistons, WE have not dribbled in a month; ending OUR season on what has become to damn customary, the Tax Deadline date. And, I am just like all my Pistons Pals, can't wait to next most important and relevant event for US Pistons fans: The Lottery Drawing (Tuesday, May 19th).

Not going to the Playoffs is getting really damn irritating.

Oh my vote is to trade the pick for an established NBA SF or PF, if it is number 8 or higher (1,2,3,...).

[Phil-Good]

Oracle. I have to admit. Towns is very interesting. The kid has some great moves. But I just don't believe in him. Oakfor is the real deal. I believe in him. No he not A high flyer, no he not going to shoot 3bombs but the kid has major talent and pro moves.

It's time for Detroit to get some luck in this lottery system. Detroit is DUE!!! If we can land top 3 we talking Oakfor, D'Angelio, Mudiley or even Towns.

Good Luck Pistons and Pistons fans......

[Oracle]

I agree with your list, and I'm going to take a leap and say that the Pistons are focused like a laser on getting a big man in this draft!

One reason is that we figure to have all of the scoring we need to be successful, and we don't need a SF to dominate, just to contribute some scoring and good defense. Another is that both Drummond & Monroe struggled offensively and more importantly defensively against 7 footers, and we need to matchup better!

Now, we can go either way with that big, but IMO, we're looking for a rim protector to pair with Drummond. We'll take one with limited offense because he's mostly coming off the bench, but it would be nice if he could spread the floor so that he could play with Drummond. Most of all, he needs to be able to shoot FT's!

Having laid some small groundwork, here is where I see the Pistons going.
The Viable Candidates in order of who I think they want(and I agree):

1. Willie Cauley-Stein
   
2. Kristaps Porzingis
   
3. Myles Turner
   
4. Frank Kaminsky
   

All are true 7 footers except Turner.  The first 2 could be gone, but more likely, one of them drops!

Cauley-Stein is, IMO, the most interesting, even though he lacks an offensive game, but I think he's capable of developing one. He also has been a poor FT shooter in the past, but has improved a LOT!!!

"Free-throw improvement is unusual: Cauley-Stein shot 37% from the line as a freshman, 48% last season and now is at 62% this season—a very drastic set of year-to-year increases. Just three players in NBA history have ever seen 10-percentage-point improvements at the line in consecutive years, per Stats LLC. Among them: Karl Malone, who began his career as a very poor foul shooter, but later became solid at the stripe and a threat from midrange." - WSJ: In Defense of Taking Willie Cauley-Stein

All of the candidates have flaws, but what college player doesn't, it's a balancing act to make the smart pick, but I believe SVG and company will get it right!

[Phil-Good]

This would be my order.

1. Oakfor

2. D.Russell

3. Manley

4. Townsen

5. W.C. Stein

6. Winslow

7. Hezonja

8. Prozingis

9. Myles turner

10. Frank Kaminsky

If I'm the Pistons that's the order I'm looking at it. For some reason, I just don't believe in Townsen. I see the size but I don't see anything else that would make me draft him before my top 3 guys.. But I do love his running hook. WOW!!

[Oracle]

Don, I'm not saying he won't be a good player, I just don't see how any GM could pick him in the lottery, IMO, he's likely to drop like a rock! I could be wrong, and best of luck to him, but speaking for me as a GM, I wouldn't take a chance on a guy that has no real position!

However, you shocked me when you wrote,

I had to laugh when reading Oracle's post on Johnson. Johnson is a quick and skilled defender and offensive threat who plays much like the players we see in the playoffs.

Maybe you can let me in on the joke, because if I'm not mistaken, you've been a major vocal person speaking against players too small to play their position! You complained about Augustin, Meeks, and Jennings to name a few of your main targets, based on their small size for their position.

Then comes along a player OBVIOUSLY too small to play his position, a 6'5 SF, and somehow he's the best thing since sliced bread?

Johnson should be a SG, but he can't defend that position, he's too small to play SF, and contrary to what he claims, he doesn't have a prayer of playing PF.

Then you bring up Maxiell, and if this isn't Maxiell all over again, with an even smaller player, I don't know what is!

That's the reason I find it hard to believe any GM will draft him in the lottery with so many other good prospects that actually play defined positions, and he has no defined position that he fits into with any certainty! You just don't waste high draft picks on tweeners that can't tween!

You've said a lot of nice things about Johnson, with very little supporting information, but that's alright. If you like him, fine, just don't over inflate him, it won't do him any good, and won't work anyway!

[cool breeze]

Here's another possibility that I didn't consider(Myles Turner), but once it was mentioned on the sidebar, I took a look and if Monroe is gone, this kid looks pretty good at 6'11 & 1/2! There is one issue with him that's a bit disturbing, and it has to do with the way he moves, and we'll need a medical report to clear it up! from http://www.nbadraft.net/players/myles-turner

NBA Comparison: Chris Kaman

Strengths: The thing that jumps out the most is his exceptional length and frame ... Measuring 6'11.5" tall in shoes, and sporting a 7'4"; wingspan gives him elite size as an NBA power forward ... While still a lean player, he wears his 243 pounds well, and has room to add weight and play at over 250 pounds without much or any projected loss in mobility or athleticism ... Turner also has great hands, and a face up game giving him immense potential in the pick and roll and pick and pop heavy NBA landscape ... Myles most certainly has an NBA position, and 13 games into his NCAA career, he’s really showcasing the type of shooter he is ... Turner is shooting 40% from 3 point range, 44.4% on two point jumpers, and his model of efficiency translates down low as well where the young big is shooting 69.7% at the rim ... It's not often you see a guy pushing 7-feet among the conference leaders in free throw percentage, but Myles 89% clip ranks him 2nd in the Big 12, and 30th in the NCAA ... Young for his class, Myles' accomplishments and polish at just 18 years of age make him a very enticing prospect ... He's shown a great deal of creativity on the block ... He's already executing step backs jumpers, fadeaways, and shown a great feel for the offensive game very early into his collegiate career ... With continued growth and polish he has the potential to be among the best shooting big men and stretch 4's in the game ... Defensively he's no slouch either. In only 21 minutes per game, he's leading the Big 12 in blocked shots (2.7 per game) and has emerged as a terror on the help side. He shows excellent timing and instincts to block shots, and gets off the ground quickly despite his lack of great fluidity ... Also, with a reported 9'1.5" standing reach, he has the length to contest shots 1 on 1 at the NCAA and NBA level, and while his current weight isn't conducive to pushing around NBA big men, 240 pounds is considerably larger than many young forwards have come into the league at since the 1 and done rule was implemented ... Turner even shows surprising passing and decision making with a 1:1 a/to ratio, unusual for a freshman big ... Scores very highly in the character and communication department. Seems wise beyond his years and should have no trouble adapting to the NBA game and staying focused ... 

Weaknesses: Lacks fluidity, certainly he's a guy who is mobile and can run the court, but his athleticism isn't something that jumps out when you watch him ... He has had some difficulties with his hips related to growth. His legs appear to be extremely stiff to the point where it appears he runs with a slight limp. Time will tell whether this is a temporary thing or he will always be a player lacking fluidity ... Since he is so young, he could be one of those players who could improve his athletic ability, and flexibility with continued weight training ... His lower body strength is probably of the most concern right now, as he can be pushed off the block and out of position by older, more physical NCAA players ... While he's definitely held his own in some bigger games this year, when matched against players his own size or larger from a bulk standpoint, he's yet to really excel. In 5 games against major conference opponents, Myles has averaged 6.4 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game which is big drop off when compared to 14.75 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game against smaller mid major schools ... There's a lot to like about Turner, but his stats will need to be a little more reliable as he enters Big 12 play and doesn't have the luxury of beating up on smaller schools who can't match his size ... 

Overall: Turner is a very intriguing prospect due to his length, offensive foundation, and defined NBA position ... At just 18 years of age, he has plenty of room to grow, and a very high ceiling ... A lot of his early shortcomings, are things that can be ironed out or improved upon with experience and physical maturation ... The biggest hump for him will be adjusting to the size and strength of NBA players ... The fact he has such a good jump shot, and the length to help make up for defensive mistakes will aid in his transition ... Not really an NBA ready guy, how well he's able to adjust and how much he grows as a player will determine whether he's a star or a role player, but he already has a fantastic foundation for an NBA stretch 4 at just 18 years of age ...

Notes: Measured in at 6’11.5’’ in shoes, with a 7’3.75’’ wingspan, 9’1.5’’ standing reach, and weighed in at 242 pounds at the 2014 Hoop Summit. Measured 6'10 (in shoes) 223 lbs, with a 7'2 wingspan at the 2013 Nike Big Man Skills Academy ... Measured 6'10, 242.5 lbs, with a 7'4 wingspan and 9'3 reach at the 2014 USA U18 tryouts ... 

It sucks that we can't see these Euro cats going up against the likes of Johnson and Turner... I'm also intrigued by Turner... at 18 and 242 this ain't no bean pole... but his lack of quick feet hurts his stock... I'm leaning towards Johnson or Lyles...

Mario & Porzy are the swing for the fences and hope it's not a dribble to the pitcher kinda gamble... I'm leery of what the draft gurus consider elite athletisism when it comes to Euros... what kind of athletes have they gone up against?...the Piston scouts better be on their A game.

I had to laugh when reading Oracle's post on Johnson. Johnson is a quick and skilled defender and offensive threat who plays much like the players we see in the playoffs. What did the experts say about Curry? He had a hard time getting a a free ride playing college ball. Then the experts said he would be a long shot in the pro game where height and wing span are so important. That is pure nonsense. Remember when Dumars talked about Jason Maxiell's amazing wingspan? How about Larry Bird. He had slow feet and for sure would be a bust in the NBA. Wrong! How about basing decisions on a player's history and how the player competes and what the player's practice habits might be from the time they are in high school through college. I know that Johnson is a gym rat much like Jason Terry who still talks like a young kid about the subject of basketball. Certain players are special and just love to compete hard and love to work on improvement. I do know that Stanley Johnson is one hard ass worker and has always made his teams better and his teams usually win rather than lose. Johnson is a quick 245 pounds. He is skilled enough offensively to make a rotation in his rookie season. And he likes to play defense. Both of the foreign players being considered by the Pistons have a long history of being slackers on defense. Can the team really handle another weak defender? How many players who have 7 foot 5 inch wing spans are currently playing in the playoffs? Johnson plays above the rim. He gives out hard fouls. He positions himself well for rebounds and knows how to box out and does it. The devil is in the details. But I fully expect that Johnson will be drafted before the 8th pick so it is unlikely our Pistons will even get the opportunity to draft Johnson. It was more important for the Piston management to win more meaningless games at the end of the regular season like always. We could have had a good chance of securing the 5th pick but no way was that going to happen. It is critical for horrible teams in this day and age especially franchises like the Pistons to get the lowest pick possible in the draft. Somehow our management people don't know that and play the vets at the end of a losing season. This is the time when the vets of all out while playing for new contracts. We never get to see the young players who sit on the bench while watching vet players who never gave a honest effort during the tough months like Dec, Jan, and Feb. In recent history our players have not shown up during those months. Does our management have a short memory? I just don't get it. You need to lose big if your players are getting their asses kicked in those 3 big months of the season. Right now we will most likely only get an 8th pick to go with a weird mix of players coming back next year. If Johnson is gone before the 8th pick then I would try to trade that pick. This team needs toughness. We need some players who will not allow the rest of the players sleep walk through the long season again. Maybe Stan can bring in a few hard ass women to compete for playing time.

[cool breeze]

This guy has always been fun to be around. He makes basketball fun even for highly paid NBA players. Kerr reveals one of his secrets of success. Crank up the music. Try a few full court shots and just have some fun before you get down to work. That interview was great. And Golden State players look like they are having fun playing basketball with Curry doing amazing things that stun the fans. I hope like hell this team can win it all. The refs did everything they court to give Memphis an edge with about 12 bogus calls. It didn't work. Green plays his ass off fearless on defense. If only the Pistons could somehow sign him the culture would change for the better for sure. But why would he leave Golden State unless the money is not right.

By the way, Kyle Singler is looking to sign a contract in the 6 M range with the Thunder. Middleton might get locked in for much more than that. Both players have a bright future along with Knight too. What rejects will we Piston fans watch next year? Somehow I can't get excited after watching the playoffs.

The Pelicans would have to be out of their minds to hire Joe Dumars as their coach. Joe became so out of shape mentally and physically it would take electric shock treatments to bring up to speed. The Pelicans need a solid tough-minded proven coach. Dumars needs to stay retired. He is still loved and respected in basketball circles. Don't ruin it for yourself Joe. I love the guy for what he did as a player but he made so many bone headed decisions in his last 6 years one should consider if he had lost his mind. Joe had no plan like all other GMs create for their team. Maybe the owner had the final say regarding with player decisions and trades.But how in hell would anyone put together an entire roster for several seasons where perhaps only one player could play average defense? The rest of the players were a work in progress with one thing missing. Joe's players never looked like they really loved the game of basketball and showed anyone how much they loved it by playing as hard as they could. Half assed effort type players were the guys Joe became attracted to it seems. We are still suffering from what Joe brought to the Pistons in his last few years. Of course historians could say the same thing about Franklin Roosevelt who helped enslave Eastern Europe and allowed the slaughter of most teachers, Attorneys, military officers, land owners and anyone else who questioned the harsh rule of the Soviet Union in Poland along with every other country Joe Stalin's thugs occupied. But as Roosevelt said, " Joe (Joseph Stalin) is my friend". Franklin's friend only murdered 4 times the number of innocent people that Hitler is responsible for killing. If only Roosevelt had retired, removed his entire staff of idiots in the State department and let a fresh set of eyes take a look at what might be best for the world and America towards the end of WW2, much suffering could have been avoided by innocent people.

Meanwhile all Piston fans still suffer from decisions made by Joe Dumars. I get a bit upset with people who attempt to rewrite history and especially Piston history. Now what in hell can Stan Van Gundy do now to turn this ugly franchise around? We need at least one ball busting nut crunching Bad Boy on next year's roster. Who will that be? I want D. Green.

[Sebastian]

First off Monty Williams should have not been fired as Head Coach of the Pelicans, but the idea of replacing Monty Williams with Joe (Dumars) is not a crazy ass idea.

I always thought that Joe should have step down to the bench and became the Head Coach. The dude would make a fantastic coach in my opinion. He was always like a coach on the floor, especially from about about '92-'99, during the Doug Collins regime and the Alvin Gentry years.

[Sebastian]

Yo, Oracle and other Pistons Pals: I would offer OUR #8 Pick or even higher pick, if WE are so fortunate to land a Pick 5 - 7, to the Golden State Warriors for Harrison Barnes, quick, fast, and in a hurry.

As I mentioned below, I was a bit put off by his height! I was excited when I thought he was 6'8 and suspecting he may be 6'7, but when he measured at 6'5 without shoes, I was pretty turned off!

"Arizona's Stanley Johnson sat down with Jeff Bower and the Pistons at the NBA Draft Combine according to Vincent Ellis. Despite some underwhelming measurements, coming in at 6'6" in shoes, Johnson's tantalizing skillset still has many teams salivating over his potential. The forward told MLive's David Mayo that he has considered playing for the Pistons, and has some Motown connections that could make a potential transition to the NBA a lot easier" - NBA Draft Combine roundup: Pistons meet with prospects

And here's the vexing question, IMO: Will it be easier to get a SF or a PF via trade or free agency!

Without taking a good look, I think we'd have an easier time finding a serviceable SF than a PF! If that's the case, then I would focus the draft on finding the following.

1. Best player available, but within some parameters. If they're clearly the best of the rest, then pick them, otherwise, pick the best player that fits a need.
   
2. Get a Power Forward, not a SF, and pick a PF that can log some minutes at center if needed. Also, we need better size down low, so I would pick a player as close to 7'0 as possible
   

Just thinking out loud, LOL!

[Oracle]

As I mentioned below, I was a bit put off by his height! I was excited when I thought he was 6'8 and suspecting he may be 6'7, but when he measured at 6'5 without shoes, I was pretty turned off!

"Arizona's Stanley Johnson sat down with Jeff Bower and the Pistons at the NBA Draft Combine according to Vincent Ellis. Despite some underwhelming measurements, coming in at 6'6" in shoes, Johnson's tantalizing skillset still has many teams salivating over his potential. The forward told MLive's David Mayo that he has considered playing for the Pistons, and has some Motown connections that could make a potential transition to the NBA a lot easier" - NBA Draft Combine roundup: Pistons meet with prospects

And here's the vexing question, IMO: Will it be easier to get a SF or a PF via trade or free agency!

Without taking a good look, I think we'd have an easier time finding a serviceable SF than a PF! If that's the case, then I would focus the draft on finding the following.

1. Best player available, but within some parameters. If they're clearly the best of the rest, then pick them, otherwise, pick the best player that fits a need.
   
2. Get a Power Forward, not a SF, and pick a PF that can log some minutes at center if needed. Also, we need better size down low, so I would pick a player as close to 7'0 as possible
   

Just thinking out loud, LOL!

[Oracle]

RIP BB King

[Sebastian]

Thanks for sharing, Oracle. There was no one of his contemporaries better during the 5 minutes of a game. Chaunce even went on to have some very good nights as a Nugget and Clipper. The dude is smooth and confident, as hell.

I hate the "ESPN Top 5" listing mentality, but Chaunce is definately one of my Top 5 Pistons, along with: Zeke, Joe, Grant Hill, and Rodman.

[Oracle]

O By the way. would anybody here know who Kentucky second leading scorer was???


Devin Booker.

Don't be shocked if Detroit takes this kid 8th in the Draft. He only 18 years old. He has A lifetime to learn in the NBA but the crazy thin is if he stayed in College for 3 or 4 years he would be A top 5 pick.


Don't be shocked people. He is A S.G. who dame sure shoot the ball.

The highest I've seen him ranked was at #12, but generally lower near #16-#20.

It would be a huge risk to take him, and he's a SG standing 6'4.5/6'5.75, which is good size, about KCP's size.

Don't get me wrong, I like the kid, but not at #8.

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