The bed is Dirty

[BallinD]

How many times will these Pistons Sh!t the bed when they need to simply show up and play. Out of the gate for the second half of the season and this is what they do, lay an egg. Stan will be bald by June at this rate.

So yeah, where is the leadership. Jennings was right. Jackson and Dre are so buddy buddy they cant get on each other and say what needs to be said when there is no life, no fight, no urgency. Who will hold these players accountable?

Isaiah said they could not win until he and Laimbeer policed the locker room and the team. Chauncey said the Pistons had no chance for a championship till Sheed came, barking out defensive assignments, positioning, picks, screens, etc., essentially providing that extra leadership spark to compliment Chauncey's cool and collected "what me worry" style.

Who will do that for these Pistons? No tired leg excuses now. No "we don't have the talent" excuses.

And I sure as hell don't want to see them continue to sh!t the bed now during the stretch run, only to get hot after its too late to earn a playoff berth...we've seen that year-after-year.

Washington was on the second game of a back-to-back and we couldn't jump down their throat!

BTW Jennings hit 18 and Illy 16 in an overtime thriller over Dallas, but Dre and Jackson couldn't get out of bed

Troubling! Love Tobias Harris debut, but without consistent efforts from Dre and Jackson, we're going backwards fast.

[Sebastian]

Illy (16 pts, 5 rbs) and B. Jennings (18 pts, 4 ast.) and Scott Sciles knows both players from his days in Milwaukee.

OUR new guy, Tobias played a wonderful offensive game. He played at a much faster and aggressive pace than the guysWE have come to know.

At this point, I think that D-Mo' may be the key. Indeed, he was traded for a 2016 1st Round Pick (top 8th protected). If D-Mo can play w/o games missed to his back and play like he did last season and as I saw recent footage of him in the D-League, recently.

WE could roll with:

PG- Reggie/Blake (very briefly)
SG- KCP/Stanley/Thornton
SF- Tobias/Morris
PF- D-Mo/Tolliver
C- Dre'/Baynes

Now, Morris comes in when either Tobias or D-Mo leaves the floor. Tollver becomes a spots minute back-up PF. Stanley gets 30 minutes each night going forward: 15 minutes backing up KCP and 15 backing up Reggie. Yes, Stanley gets the bulk of the PG back-up minutes with shooters like Thornton and KCP (like he was playing 8 of the 10 games he played before his injury. And, if needed Stanley can play even more minutes backing-up at the SF position.

Also, D-Mo' can play minutes at the Center position. Some possessions on the post and sometimes as a "Stretch 5". D-Mo can prove to be an additional option for Reggie.

Reggie has got to increase his assist numbers. His defense has to improve, along with his focus. But, GM Stan has really put that guy in a bad spot, He has no backup partner. No one that he can count on to give him a breather.

GM Stan should had gone after Ray McCallum Jr. He's sitting behind Tony Parker and Patty Mills. I'm sure a future second round pick would have gotten in done. WE all know that the Spurs know how to draft.

Damn, GM Stan!

I'd say that the two trusty players was Ersan & Jennings!

In the "Out of the mouth of babes" department,

“Last night wasn’t a good start for us,” Stanley Johnson said. “But we’re paid to work through stuff like this. Our offense is not that complicated where (new) guys won’t know what they’re doing. Guys know how to play basketball.” - Stanley Johnson

No Sh!t... that's my point, everybody and their mama knows exactly what the Pistons are going to do on offense!

Come on SVG, you're better than this!!!

[Oracle]

I'd say that the two trusty players was Ersan & Jennings!

In the "Out of the mouth of babes" department,

“Last night wasn’t a good start for us,” Stanley Johnson said. “But we’re paid to work through stuff like this. Our offense is not that complicated where (new) guys won’t know what they’re doing. Guys know how to play basketball.” - Stanley Johnson

No Sh!t... that's my point, everybody and their mama knows exactly what the Pistons are going to do on offense!

Come on SVG, you're better than this!!!

[Sebastian]

Yo Stones, which two trustworthy players were OUR Pistons missing in last nights game that the Wizards played and OUR Pistons scrimmaged?

We didn't have 2 of our trustworthy players last night.  We had 3 new players, Harris played WELL, but had to find his own shot since no plays were called for him.  He didn't know the playbook yet.  

Additionally, KCP is knocking off the rust.  Be patient.  The others were also rusty, but don't have as much of an excuse.

We are really thin at PG.  I'm hoping that while Stache was down with D-League that the coach taught him what he needed for the NBA.  I believe you will find that Stache will be ahead of Blake very soon once he gets healed from his injury.  Again, I believe SVG will consider adding a waived PG in the coming weeks.  I was hoping DJ Augustin or Jameer Nelson would be waived.  

This summer we will not have a 1st round draft pick, so SVG can work on a back-up or change of pace PG.  It wouldn't be bad to have a taller veteran, but that seems to be an oxy moron.  Some of the PGs available include: Conley, Clarkson (R), Jennings, Rondo, Dellavedova, D.Williams, Vasquez, Shaun Livingston, Linsanity, Mario Chalmers, Ish Smith, Mo Williams, Norris Cole, and Jason Terry.  I'd love to get an aging vet like D.Williams, Mo Williams or Jason Terry.  Conley is out of our price range, as are Jennings and Rondo.  I think Vasquez would be the best fit overall.  29 year-old 6'6'' PG - currently injured with bone spur removal to ankle.  He will be under the radar on most teams.  He has range (~37-38% from 3-poin line).

[Oracle]

I'll just keep it simple!

We have people that will make any excuse on the planet... "If they like a player"! And ONE, count them ONE game to wipe out the entire season and make claims that boggle the mind on other players, while ignoring the bigger issues! That won't change, so it isn't worth thinking about!

As usual people that actually look at what's going on can easily see what's really ailing this team, and it's the same thing... DEFENSE!

It's been discussed DURING the game, and even more after the game, and it's whoever is coaching defense on this team is FAILING... PERIOD!

The announcers made a point of how easy the Wiz got shots and how hard it was for us to get shots! SVG said he would simplify the defense for this game, and it appears that it worked, it was so simple Washington figured it out right after the first tip off!

Drummond has trouble defending players taller than he is, that's just a fact! Reggie isn't a PG that sets up people very much, so everyone outside of Drummond on occasion, are just going to get late in the clock kick out's to launch up prayers! Wall made him look like a rookie out there the way he kept setting up people for easy shots! Reggie out played him last time, but it wasn't even close last night!

None of this excuses the poor production of KCP & Stanley, and I don't buy the rust excuse for more than a quarter!

This was indeed a VERY bad loss, one that's particularly hard to swallow, but it's not the end of the world, or cause for panic! Having said that, it is a cause for deep concern about the coaching on this team!

I LOVE SVG, but that's not going to stop me from calling him out when he's doing such a piss poor job, and here's how I know he's struggling!

He's putting it on the players saying that they have a lack of effort! Well, they could play like they did out of the gate, but there was no way they could keep that up for a whole season!

Yes defense is about effort, but it's also about schemes, and SVG's defensive scheme falls apart unless you burn the players out, in short it's a dumb ass defense!

Don't believe me? Watch the teams defending the Pistons... they aren't even breaking a sweat! Watch the Spurs! It's not about super human effort, it's about schemes designed to produce the best results while expending the least amount of effort!

And don't get me started on this simple ass offense! I bought the excuse of keeping it simple for awhile, but what do you want?

Keep it simple and lose games or try to get better and possibly lose games? I'll take trying to get better most times, but I do admit that he's blown the bigger part of the season, making the decision ridiculously hard right now.

Scoring more will cover up the problem, but if we make the playoffs, it'll be exposed!

But blaming the players is the easiest way to go, and is the fallback position, but it's more complicated than that.

Unfortunately, it may have to be the players that will have to overcome the deficiencies in the coaching if we want to win!

Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the absolutely fantastic game Harris had, and I agree, he needs to be in that starting lineup ASAP!

We didn't have 2 of our trustworthy players last night.  We had 3 new players, Harris played WELL, but had to find his own shot since no plays were called for him.  He didn't know the playbook yet.  

Additionally, KCP is knocking off the rust.  Be patient.  The others were also rusty, but don't have as much of an excuse.

We are really thin at PG.  I'm hoping that while Stache was down with D-League that the coach taught him what he needed for the NBA.  I believe you will find that Stache will be ahead of Blake very soon once he gets healed from his injury.  Again, I believe SVG will consider adding a waived PG in the coming weeks.  I was hoping DJ Augustin or Jameer Nelson would be waived.  

This summer we will not have a 1st round draft pick, so SVG can work on a back-up or change of pace PG.  It wouldn't be bad to have a taller veteran, but that seems to be an oxy moron.  Some of the PGs available include: Conley, Clarkson (R), Jennings, Rondo, Dellavedova, D.Williams, Vasquez, Shaun Livingston, Linsanity, Mario Chalmers, Ish Smith, Mo Williams, Norris Cole, and Jason Terry.  I'd love to get an aging vet like D.Williams, Mo Williams or Jason Terry.  Conley is out of our price range, as are Jennings and Rondo.  I think Vasquez would be the best fit overall.  29 year-old 6'6'' PG - currently injured with bone spur removal to ankle.  He will be under the radar on most teams.  He has range (~37-38% from 3-poin line).

[Go Stones!]

We didn't have 2 of our trustworthy players last night. We had 3 new players, Harris played WELL, but had to find his own shot since no plays were called for him. He didn't know the playbook yet.

Additionally, KCP is knocking off the rust. Be patient. The others were also rusty, but don't have as much of an excuse.

We are really thin at PG. I'm hoping that while Stache was down with D-League that the coach taught him what he needed for the NBA. I believe you will find that Stache will be ahead of Blake very soon once he gets healed from his injury. Again, I believe SVG will consider adding a waived PG in the coming weeks. I was hoping DJ Augustin or Jameer Nelson would be waived.

This summer we will not have a 1st round draft pick, so SVG can work on a back-up or change of pace PG. It wouldn't be bad to have a taller veteran, but that seems to be an oxy moron. Some of the PGs available include: Conley, Clarkson (R), Jennings, Rondo, Dellavedova, D.Williams, Vasquez, Shaun Livingston, Linsanity, Mario Chalmers, Ish Smith, Mo Williams, Norris Cole, and Jason Terry. I'd love to get an aging vet like D.Williams, Mo Williams or Jason Terry. Conley is out of our price range, as are Jennings and Rondo. I think Vasquez would be the best fit overall. 29 year-old 6'6'' PG - currently injured with bone spur removal to ankle. He will be under the radar on most teams. He has range (~37-38% from 3-poin line).

[cool breeze]

NBA coaches can only do so much. If you are a coach and certain players disregard basic fundamentals of playing defense, it feels like you are talking to empty heads. It is critical if you are a GM to sign players who have a history of showing that they know how to play the right way. We have our big gifted center who is capable of being a game changer on defense when the team has problems making shots. Last night Detroit went 3 for 16 in the first quarter. So I was looking for someone to get nasty and start talking to other players on defense. It didn't happen. And the one guy who really disappointed was Andre Drummond. He simply will not advance himself with the necessary effort to become a leader on defense. That will be the only way this team will start winning again. He has taken 10 steps back on defense. There is no way that Andre Drummond could be checking his I Pad to see what the coaches are asking from him from game to game. Last night Gortat who is not a great player, made Drummond look like a child playing his first basketball game. It seems that all guards playing in the NBA now have Andre's number. They know that he will not attempt to challenge them when they drive in the paint. However, look at what happens to our guards when they attempt to enter the paint. It looked like the Wizards were using the pack line defense against our one on one Piston specialists. If one had never watched a Piston game in the past, that person would have believed that the best center on the Piston team is Aron Baynes who was sick as hell before game time.

fans are missing Brandon Jennings. However, SVG knew that playing Jackson and Jennings together would never work because both are weak on the defensive end. Neither player can guard a NBA 2 guard. Last night might not be an indication of things to come. Once the other two new players get in action, we might see a better Piston team. Last night Tolliver was horrible. I was surpassed. Maybe he was trying too hard but Tolliver played poorly all night long.

This team needs to show Reggie Jackson that they really want the basketball on offense. He is doing too much and it affects his energy level on defense. I have seldom seen an NBA team who had such little player movement on offense as I saw last night. That was not basketball. Why not just show up and play a game of HORSE? Maybe that would be more exciting for the fans. Nobody sets screens. Nobody runs hard with purpose trying to get open for a pass with the exception of Harris and the rookies Johnson and Hilliard. It is like playing Russian Roulette when you throw the ball inside to Andre Drummond. How do you rely on that type of offense? Drummond needs to understand that he biggest value for the Pistons is to play his ass off on defense and rebound on both ends of the floor. But it appears that Andre wants to make his mark with stats. He wants to be known as an offensive player and the coaching staff is trying too hard to keep him happy perhaps.

Andre you need to appear that you are at least interested in playing defense. Our guards including KCP cannot stop dribble penetration. They cannot anticiapte the high screen and that is caused because Drummond does not communicate and get involved at all on defense on the high screen and roll play. How many times does the opponent have to run it before you wake up? This must drive the coaching staff mad. If Andre cannot shoot free throws, he better get good in other areas if he wants the status of a super star. Nobody is afraid of Andre Drummond in the painted area. He has a soft reputation throughout the league as a defender. So what in hell does Stan Van Gundy do with him? Right now he reminds me of the way he played in his one and only year in college. I know all the excitement of playing in the All Star game had to be special. But who really gives a crap about the All Star game? People care about winning. Andre has no history of being on winning teams. Will he change or be another Greg Monroe? Andre please made the change so our Pistons can start winning. Remember when Zeke first arrived in the Motor City and played his first season? Zeke was used to winning. We could all see the change in everything about the Pistons. SVG might need to make sure he does not sign any future players who have had a history of playing on losing teams. KCP and Drummond are examples of players who lost before they arrived in the NBA and continued to lose once they got there. You would think they are tired of losing but you wouldn't know it when you watch them play some nights. It is time for Andre and KCP to turn it all around and lead with confidence and high effort.

[Sebastian]

All great observations and points, cool.

WE only had 13 assist. And, the guys, who have been wearing Puistons jerseys have to take serious look at themselves.

When the new guy (Tobias) wants to win, more; and plays better - in his very first game than [you], then damn! (Note: D-Mo and Thornton were not available.)

SVG better start showing some positive results.

GM Stan should have never traded B. Jennings. Brandon is a true PG. His presence would have continued to allow Reggie the best chance to remain focused and efficient.

And, B. Jennings could have allowed Reggie to play off the ball, thus allowing both the opportunity to be on the floor, together.

WE are a far less threatening team w/o B. Jennings.

I know Stan wants to wait for A few games. But I would slide Harris into that starting group next game.

R.Jackson and Drummonds got outplayed by John Wall and Gortot. Just that simple. For this game, they were your DADDY'S Because they spanked that A.S.S.

KCP and Stanley Johnson. You both get Both of you look TERRIBLE!! Wild, out of control. Just TRASH! Lucky for you two Stan will not play his best 2-Guard on the team right now. Hilliard. Because if it were me, Hilliard wold be starting right now.

TERRIBLE LOSE DETROIT PISTONS!!

I agree on everything you said here especially based on this game, Hilliard is the superior 2 guard on this team. Of course he didn't play earlier in the game so we don't really know how he would have held up guarding either Washington guard when they were really playing hard.

My concern is with Pope. The Pistons have really gone out on a limb with this guy. He played like a first year player again which he has done several times so far this season. I am tired of people saying Pope is a good defender. He is not. He has been gambling all season long. He cannot stay in front of his man and prevent dribble penetration. If your reputation is supposed to be that you are a great defender, then even if your shooting touch is beyond horrible, that should make a player stoke up their defense more not less. He was flat out horrible last night as we all know. However, this is not really new. All season long, Reggie Jackson has had no real scoring threat at the 2 guard position. He has been forced to burn himself out because of that because the Piston 2 guard position offers no threat inside or outside right now. What has to be worrying SVG is the fact that our team should have been primed for this game knowing how tough it was going to be. However, our players decided to mail in this game. They were not mentally prepared to play and would have lost to any team in the NBA last night. Looking back, I saw no ball movement or and very little player movement on offense. Drummond, our supposed All Star does not communicate on defense at all. He failed to recognize that Gortat was getting shots 4 feet from the basket knowing that Andre would not move his big feet and take one step to meet Gortat at that same spot in the middle of the paint. Most of Andre's rebounds were rebounds that almost any scrub center would have gotten in this game. He looked confused much like Pope did for the entire game.

Stanley Johnson is going through an adjustment playing the 2 guard since Pope sustained his injury. He looked good at the 3 and could be very effective in the paint setting screen for other players which opened up his teammates for uncontested shot attempts. For the players who are now playing the 3, we need more screening from them. No screens are being set at all other than the weak high screen by Drummond. Baynes did set some screens but I noticed that at times, the guards were going the wrong way after the screen was set. If I were SVG, I would alter the offense when Johnson is playing the 2 guard and get him more involved in interior screening especially for a guy like Harris who can make shots. I believe that Johnson and Hilliard are superior to Pope on defense. They both think about help defense. Pope is always trying for the home run steal. But this is only one game and Pope has not played. And a lot has been invested in KCP. I have my doubts about his ability to become a winning type player. He played on a horrible college team. Does he have any experience relating to what it takes to win consistently?

One thing we learned from this game is that Washington is a certain playoff team unless they sustain injuries. That team kicked Detroit's ass big time and that was no fluke. Their players play together on both ends of the floor. I expect that they will go on a big winning streak and be right up high in the standings at the end. They have players who have won in the past and know what it takes to win. We have players like Andre Drummond and KCP who do not have a clue as to identifying

[cool breeze]

I know Stan wants to wait for A few games. But I would slide Harris into that starting group next game.

R.Jackson and Drummonds got outplayed by John Wall and Gortot. Just that simple. For this game, they were your DADDY'S Because they spanked that A.S.S.

KCP and Stanley Johnson. You both get Both of you look TERRIBLE!! Wild, out of control. Just TRASH! Lucky for you two Stan will not play his best 2-Guard on the team right now. Hilliard. Because if it were me, Hilliard wold be starting right now.

TERRIBLE LOSE DETROIT PISTONS!!

I agree on everything you said here especially based on this game, Hilliard is the superior 2 guard on this team. Of course he didn't play earlier in the game so we don't really know how he would have held up guarding either Washington guard when they were really playing hard.

My concern is with Pope. The Pistons have really gone out on a limb with this guy. He played like a first year player again which he has done several times so far this season. I am tired of people saying Pope is a good defender. He is not. He has been gambling all season long. He cannot stay in front of his man and prevent dribble penetration. If your reputation is supposed to be that you are a great defender, then even if your shooting touch is beyond horrible, that should make a player stoke up their defense more not less. He was flat out horrible last night as we all know. However, this is not really new. All season long, Reggie Jackson has had no real scoring threat at the 2 guard position. He has been forced to burn himself out because of that because the Piston 2 guard position offers no threat inside or outside right now. What has to be worrying SVG is the fact that our team should have been primed for this game knowing how tough it was going to be. However, our players decided to mail in this game. They were not mentally prepared to play and would have lost to any team in the NBA last night. Looking back, I saw no ball movement or and very little player movement on offense. Drummond, our supposed All Star does not communicate on defense at all. He failed to recognize that Gortat was getting shots 4 feet from the basket knowing that Andre would not move his big feet and take one step to meet Gortat at that same spot in the middle of the paint. Most of Andre's rebounds were rebounds that almost any scrub center would have gotten in this game. He looked confused much like Pope did for the entire game.

Stanley Johnson is going through an adjustment playing the 2 guard since Pope sustained his injury. He looked good at the 3 and could be very effective in the paint setting screen for other players which opened up his teammates for uncontested shot attempts. For the players who are now playing the 3, we need more screening from them. No screens are being set at all other than the weak high screen by Drummond. Baynes did set some screens but I noticed that at times, the guards were going the wrong way after the screen was set. If I were SVG, I would alter the offense when Johnson is playing the 2 guard and get him more involved in interior screening especially for a guy like Harris who can make shots. I believe that Johnson and Hilliard are superior to Pope on defense. They both think about help defense. Pope is always trying for the home run steal. But this is only one game and Pope has not played. And a lot has been invested in KCP. I have my doubts about his ability to become a winning type player. He played on a horrible college team. Does he have any experience relating to what it takes to win consistently?

One thing we learned from this game is that Washington is a certain playoff team unless they sustain injuries. That team kicked Detroit's ass big time and that was no fluke. Their players play together on both ends of the floor. I expect that they will go on a big winning streak and be right up high in the standings at the end. They have players who have won in the past and know what it takes to win. We have players like Andre Drummond and KCP who do not have a clue as to identifying

[Phil-Good]

I know Stan wants to wait for A few games. But I would slide Harris into that starting group next game.

R.Jackson and Drummonds got outplayed by John Wall and Gortot. Just that simple. For this game, they were your DADDY'S Because they spanked that A.S.S.

KCP and Stanley Johnson. You both get Both of you look TERRIBLE!! Wild, out of control. Just TRASH! Lucky for you two Stan will not play his best 2-Guard on the team right now. Hilliard. Because if it were me, Hilliard wold be starting right now.

TERRIBLE LOSE DETROIT PISTONS!!

[Sebastian]

This was a bad lost, Pistons Pals. The Wizards are 2 games behind OUR Pistons. The Hornets (7th spot, 2 games ahead) beat the Bucks. The Pacers (6th spot, 2.5 games ahead) beat the Thunder. And, the Bulls beat the Raptors (8th spot 1.5 ahead).

WE need to get OUR sh!t together, as WE are currently 27-28. OUR first time below .500, all season.

Next up: The Pelicans, a 3:30 PM Sunday matinee at the Palace.

[Sebastian]

All the talking heads seem to like all of SVG moves I haven't heard anything bad about them.  

WTF, I posted a few threads, earlier, how I feel about the trades, if you are interested in reading.

I'm fine with the trades for the most part, but WE need a backup PG, quick, fast and in a hurry.

[WTF]

All the talking heads seem to like all of SVG moves I haven't heard anything bad about them.

[Oracle]

[Oracle]

These moves were massive, and really changes the outlook for this team and the playoffs!

1. If Donuts is healthy, this team has 2nd seed capability beyond a doubt.
2. If he's not, we're 4-5th seed capable!

Why wouldn't we achieve this value? Well, it comes down to experience, we just don't have players with much experience in winning and the playoffs on their own. The hope is that, just like the 2004 Pistons, that the coach offsets that to some degree(even though that team had extensive playoff experience).

So if we factor in coaching and experience, with a healthy Donuts, we're likely capable of landing 3-5th seed, and without, 5-8th seed. The difference may be losing a first round series due to lack of home court.

The east is stronger from top to bottom this year, but it's also weaker near the top than last year, which makes it more possible to move up while making it easier to fall out of the playoffs at the same time, depending on the teams play!

Trust me, I was skeptical about the Houston trade, but I've changed! It's still risky, but we shouldn't analyze it solely on the risk, but also on the upside! I was basically taking an average of the two, but now I prefer to look at the possibility of what it can mean, and state the factors that could derail it!

FYI, DMo's Surgery: Microdiscectomy Spine Surgery

Microdiscectomy Success Rates

The success rate for microdiscectomy spine surgery is approximately 90% to 95%, although 5% to 10% of patients will develop a recurrent disc herniation at some point in the future.

A recurrent disc herniation may occur directly after back surgery or many years later, although they are most common in the first three months after surgery. If the disc does herniate again, generally a revision microdiscectomy will be just as successful as the first operation. However, after a recurrence, the patient is at higher risk of further recurrences (15% to 20% chance).

[Go Stones!]

I could tell Illy was gone by the way SVG was using him for starter, but then quickly would replace him with Tolliver. He played less than any other starter.

[Go Stones!]

I've been watching carefully to see if Jameer Nelson (prior SVG PG in Orlando) or DJ Augustin or any other intriguing PG may be waived or bought out.

[deusXango]

With the excitement generated with recent trades (which I personally like) coupled with the development of team chemistry and gradual turnaround, all without benefit of Jodie Meeks having a positive impact, I can't for the life of me understand why his name continues to come up as being important to this team now or ever! I mean, he's never done more than make FT's (big freaking deal; he did it from playing limited minutes and please don't cloud the issue by bringing up Andre's poor performance from the line), take up a roster spot, and foster false hope. In a community that consistently examines player contracts, who truly believes he's earned or will live up to the contract he signed?!

Ilyasova was supposed to be a health risk, because he couldn't stay healthy in Milwaukee but, from the day he came to the "D" until he was traded away, he performed within his capabilities; he was no Greg Monroe but, hasn't Drummond's game flowered and the team done better? My point is, let's not make Motiejunas' back become an issue until it becomes an issue; with 20+ games left, I'm not for wasting a one of them with Tolliver playing in front of Donatas or Tobias! If he starts, it shouldn't be for more than a game.

[Sebastian]

Recap of Trades:

WE moved Illy (PF) and B. Jennings (PG) for a young, versatile, and under contract Tobias Harris (SF/PF).
Potentially, Harris makes OUR offense better. He offers more flexibility, offensively, and helps to spread the floor. I hope like hell Tobias plays even better than he has, thus far, as he enters the prime of his career.

WE moved a protected first round pick (top eight) and Joel Anthony, a guy who was not even seeing the floor for US, for Donatas Montiejunas (PF/C) and a heat-check replacement (Marcus Thornton) to F@ckin' Jodie Meeks.
Note: D-Mo' has only played in 14 games this season, one more than Joel Anthony. Motiejunas hasn't played in more than a month due to a back issues. I hope like hell that D-Mo' has overcome his back injuries and is not 7'0" of damaged goods. However, if he is able to return to the level of play that he demonstrated, last season, before his injuries developed, and WE are able to resign him to a reasonable sum, then GM Stan has scored. D-Mo' was rolling at one point, last season, the dude was stretching the floor, scoring down low, with left-hand and right-hand moves. He could easily become the replacement to Dre', when a hack-a-Dre' episode develops. D-Mo' can replace either Morris or Harris, when WE need to go big, playing next to Dre'.

Marcus Thornton will serve well as a heat-check weapon, when dry spells develop on offense. He cant guard a chair, but he can shoot, like hell.

But, someone, please tell me, who is going to relieve Reggie Jackson, when he sits or becomes ill/injured. Note: Reggie averages 31.0 minutes, thus far this season. The NBA game is a 48 minute session. Steve Blake is not the backup PG that is going to help US doing this playoff push, nor is Dinwiddie. I haven't seen Spencer on the floor, since November.

Maybe, Denver will waive D.J. Augustin. Something still has to be done at the backup PG position.

Note to GM Stan: Marcus Thornton is not a backup PG. He (Thornton) is a Heat-Check SG!

Once the dust settles, and if everybody is cleared for play and healthy, here's our lineups

Starters: Reggie Jackson, KCP, Marcus Morris, Tobias Harris, Andre Drummond
Bench: Steve Blake, Marcus Thornton, Stanley Johnson, Donatas Montiejunas, Aron Baynes

That's a pretty potent team!

IMO, if everything works out well with DMo's helth, I would expect that one additional possibility would be,

Starters: Reggie Jackson, KCP, Donatas Montiejunas, Tobias Harris, Andre Drummond
Bench: Steve Blake, Marcus Thornton, Stanley Johnson, Marcus Morris, Aron Baynes

SVG gets a stretch 4 into the starting lineup with great size and that blows the doors open for Reggie, Harris & Drummond, while his size and agility massively improves our defense, finally giving Drummond help defending the basket and post area in general!

Yes there are a LOT of if's in this plan, but it is beginning to look like a solid workable plan!

Of course there are a lot of big time losers, but there are also side benefits that makes this very attractive.

Hilliard: Sadly, just as he was starting to show his stuff, may as well hit the beach! Stick a fork in him, he's done for the season unless something goes very wrong, he's simply not needed! Bullock, who you have to think hard to remember that he's even on the team may as well register in the witness protection program!

KCP & Morris: Big win for our two most used players! Both should see their minutes finally decline, and decline the most, as hopefully others in the starting unit should see minute declines, just not as much!

Hack a Dre: Yet another option to deal with teams fouling Drummond!

The Team: Having starters that are FRESH in the 4th is something we haven't had all season, and well, that's going to be refreshing!

Don, I disagree, you don't make moves like this and miss the playoffs unless there is a VERY good reason! I don't see it as pressure, I don't ever feel pressure when asked to do what I do well and am paid to do, that's your job!

SVG doesn't fear this, he embraces this, and he WILL make it work barring injury!

[FlyDog]

Eh..............I dunno. We did okay I guess. My enthusiasm is tempered by the fact that I think Jennings was going to be a huge asset down the stretch as he got his legs under him. But apparently the guys who see him every day in practice felt differently.

I know I'm in the minority on this one, but I'd have rather seen Morris go than Illy. His game bores me, and I think he's an underachiever. I guess time will tell how these moves work out.

[merc]

Before we hand SVG exec of the year there are some questions that should be answered...
* What is the status of DMO's back issues... just a muscle pull or structural?... I understand that he says he's 100% for the next game.
* Will he be retained if another team offers 16+ mil first year?... bye bye draft pick?
* What is the plan if Jackson is injured... Blake & Dinwiddie?
* Has our defense become better or worse?
* Does the team get better by reducing the minutes for Baynes, Morris & SJ?

I'll hold any judgement for at least a month for the team to try to gell with new players & system (don't be surprised if we don't make the playoffs).

Count me as skeptical short term... and possibly long term.

[BallinD]

Great Trades. Stan Van Bower have set the bar high for the players for a playoff push. You got tired legs, well we got you some reinforcements!! This front office action should definitely set the team on fire!! I think Tobias can easily step in to give us what Illy offered, and then some, with no loss of continuity. Hopefully his cutting and athleticism will fire up the big fella!

Thornton can be instant offense in the short term like Meeks was supposed to be. DMO started over the player formerly known as Josh Smith and is a big, long, young shooter who can grow with the core, if his back is healed. He reportedly said he is ready to go. We'll see. If he is ready, we are looking at an embarrassment of riches.

Harris gives us great talent, athleticism and youth. He adds another dimension with cutting, slashing, dynamism to help lively up the starters.

There's lots of caveats, but you have to love what SVBower is doing here. All the years of Dumars standing pat at the trade deadline as the team stumbled toward the finish line are now becoming a distant memory.

If DM is our defacto first round pick (he is restricted, so we can sign him) I'll take it. I always hated him as an opponent, long and crafty, with a good shot!

Too bad we missed out on Augustine; we would be so set, if we coulda got him!

[Oracle]

Here's a little bit, click on the link for more...

In what has been a quiet buildup to the NBA trade deadline thus far, the Detroit Pistons have been the most active team, and, far away, the biggest winners of the week.

On Tuesday, the Pistons traded Brandon Jennings and Ersan Ilysova to the Orlando Magic for Tobias Harris.

Then on Thursday, the Pistons pulled off another trade, sending Joel Anthony and a protected 2016 first-round pick to the Rockets for Donatas Motiejunas and Marcus Thornton.

None of these are particularly riveting names on the surface, but that belies the significance of what Stan Van Gundy — coach and GM of the Pistons — is building in Detroit.

[Oracle]

Once the dust settles, and if everybody is cleared for play and healthy, here's our lineups

Starters: Reggie Jackson, KCP, Marcus Morris, Tobias Harris, Andre Drummond
Bench: Steve Blake, Marcus Thornton, Stanley Johnson, Donatas Montiejunas, Aron Baynes

That's a pretty potent team!

IMO, if everything works out well with DMo's helth, I would expect that one additional possibility would be,

Starters: Reggie Jackson, KCP, Donatas Montiejunas, Tobias Harris, Andre Drummond
Bench: Steve Blake, Marcus Thornton, Stanley Johnson, Marcus Morris, Aron Baynes

SVG gets a stretch 4 into the starting lineup with great size and that blows the doors open for Reggie, Harris & Drummond, while his size and agility massively improves our defense, finally giving Drummond help defending the basket and post area in general!

Yes there are a LOT of if's in this plan, but it is beginning to look like a solid workable plan!

Of course there are a lot of big time losers, but there are also side benefits that makes this very attractive.

Hilliard: Sadly, just as he was starting to show his stuff, may as well hit the beach! Stick a fork in him, he's done for the season unless something goes very wrong, he's simply not needed! Bullock, who you have to think hard to remember that he's even on the team may as well register in the witness protection program!

KCP & Morris: Big win for our two most used players! Both should see their minutes finally decline, and decline the most, as hopefully others in the starting unit should see minute declines, just not as much!

Hack a Dre: Yet another option to deal with teams fouling Drummond!

The Team: Having starters that are FRESH in the 4th is something we haven't had all season, and well, that's going to be refreshing!

Don, I disagree, you don't make moves like this and miss the playoffs unless there is a VERY good reason! I don't see it as pressure, I don't ever feel pressure when asked to do what I do well and am paid to do, that's your job!

SVG doesn't fear this, he embraces this, and he WILL make it work barring injury!

[WTF]

Team seemed stuck something needed to be done nice to see that Stan is like Fat Joe stuck on stupid. I don't think this was a big risk move so it really doesn't hurt the team I think its a matter of how much it helps them move forward if they're to move forward at all but I don't see anything that hurts them with the trades.

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