Woody Woodpecker

[Oracle]

@Murph: He really does look like a diamond in the rough. One of the few things SVG did right was finding these under the radar guys that are productive but not spectacular.

@Ballin: At 6'10 and 214lbs, yes, he's pretty light in the pants for a center. But after watching him play... Wow! This kid may give Maker a run for his money in smaller lineups. The deeper I got into this video, the more impressive Wood got. He has a real aggressive streak, can score in multiple ways and has very good handles to take people off the dribble and score. He's also scored well while playing with the Pelicans, so he's done it against NBA caliber players as well,

If we're lucky, he may make up for us missing out on another very good G-League player Covington.

[Oracle]

I have mixed feelings.  There was good, so-so, and wait and see.

Good if not Great
Bruce Brown:   His leadership was quite impressive.  His PG play was pretty good also.
With him, they were organized and disciplined.  The ball moved creating shots in rhythm for everyone involved.   People moved on D challenging most shot taken.  
Without him, they looked like a typical SL squad.   Guy bringing ball up took the shots.  No defensive recognition allowing the opponent to score over and over using the same play.
I’m really interested in seeing how much more improvement there will be by start of pre-season. The complete meltdown of the summer league roster once he was shut down was stunning! It's normal to have a dip when your leader goes down, but a total collapse is not. Brown is not flashy at all, but this performance shows he has a bright future in the NBA! He likely won't get a chance to display all of his tools next season, but this performance shows that the tools are there, and that's what we needed to know.

Good
Svi M:  He displayed a nice range of skills.  
Particularly good at manipulating defensive movement to open passing lanes, and making the type of passes creating easy scoring opportunities.  Imagine how good he would have looked if pass recipients could catch & finish.
I would like to see him make his height more of a defensive advantage.  
Nice stroke.  I wonder how fast and high he can improve with regular playing time.  Has the organization seen enough to create a competition for b/u SG with Langston.  Would you put your money on Svi. Stankston Galloway is a microwave with a faulty cord, he's hot one night a month if you're lucky. If given the opportunity, my money is on Svi!

So-so
Kyri.  Not sure he was consistent or well-rounded enough to be included with Svi in challenging Galloway for b/u SG. No he wasn't consistent, but I saw enough that I hope he gets enough PT for us to make a better evaluation.

Bone:   Ok 2-way guy, but seems a bit light in the arse for prime time. G-League for now, but showed flashes

King:  Was he out there. Who?

Costello:  I don’t think he was strong enough defensively to be a third string C.  He was riding high when Svi & Brown were feeding him for easy buckets and against smaller front lines, but when he ran up against a real NBA big, he shrunk to pint size.

Wait and See
Sekou:   Hugely disappointed that he was held out.  I will make no judgements beyond that.  I’ll wait to see if he makes any noise in pre-season. He showed flashes, but the sample size is way too small.

Sirvydis:   I will make no judgements.  I’ll wait to see him next time, whenever that is. This kid is interesting, and has a potentially high ceiling as a shooter, but he's raw. I hope he stays in the USA and plays G-League so that he learns the system, then we'll have a better idea about what we have.

Coaching:  Cannot believe the head guy couldn't scheme a defensive counter to repeated drive and drop offs to the Nets offensively challenged center.

Bottom Line: We have a lot of potential talent in our youngster, more than I've seen in years. A front office needs to deliver hope to get butts in seats. Hope for the future or a hope for a playoff run. Looks like they've delivered both.

[BallinD]

We do now. A a piece I have long coveted in a Pistons uni, then forgot about him till now.

He’s built like KD 6.10 with a 7.3 wingspan but a little light maybe to play center consistently. But he’s so much more fluid and dynamic than Thon, so there’s that. Brown, Wood and Bone, we’re getting some athletes up in here.

A long, young, rangy ferocious rim rattler, yet with a soft J and a dribble drive attack the rim feel for the game. Loves to swat opponents shots. Why can’t we get him, or his clone I wondered. He did it in Summer league posting a legendary 43.5 PER, then went on to avg 29 in the G League and 16.9, 7.9, 1.3 blks in 23 mins for the Pels last season, got cut in a squeeze with Okafor.

[Murph]

Christian Wood certainly looks like a diamond in the rough. He has played amazingly well, in very limited minutes in the NBA. I'm not sure where or how he's going to get any minutes for the Pistons, playing behind Griffin, Morris, Drummond and Maker, but stranger things have happened. This signing reminds me a little of one of those guys SVG use to find, like Moreland or Buycks. I'm hoping Wood sticks around.

[lemonpen]

I have mixed feelings. There was good, so-so, and wait and see.

Good if not Great
Bruce Brown: His leadership was quite impressive. His PG play was pretty good also.
With him, they were organized and disciplined. The ball moved creating shots in rhythm for everyone involved. People moved on D challenging most shot taken.
Without him, they looked like a typical SL squad. Guy bringing ball up took the shots. No defensive recognition allowing the opponent to score over and over using the same play.
I’m really interested in seeing how much more improvement there will be by start of pre-season.

Good
Svi M: He displayed a nice range of skills.
Particularly good at manipulating defensive movement to open passing lanes, and making the type of passes creating easy scoring opportunities. Imagine how good he would have looked if pass recipients could catch & finish.
I would like to see him make his height more of a defensive advantage.
Nice stroke. I wonder how fast and high he can improve with regular playing time. Has the organization seen enough to create a competition for b/u SG with Langston. Would you put your money on Svi.

So-so
Kyri. Not sure he was consistent or well-rounded enough to be included with Svi in challenging Galloway for b/u SG.

Bone: Ok 2-way guy, but seems a bit light in the arse for prime time.

King: Was he out there.

Costello: I don’t think he was strong enough defensively to be a third string C.

Wait and See
Sekou: Hugely disappointed that he was held out. I will make no judgements beyond that. I’ll wait to see if he makes any noise in pre-season.

Sirvydis: I will make no judgements. I’ll wait to see him next time, whenever that is.

Coaching: Cannot believe the head guy couldn't scheme a defensive counter to repeated drive and drop offs to the Nets offensively challenged center.

[lemonpen]

Plain and simple, this trade talk about us taking Westbrook isn't about making Detroit better but, making OKC a real contender in the West no less!  Given the magnitude of talent OKC has allowed to slip through their fingers over the last 5-6 years without a sniff of the Larry O'Brian do you really think THEY are on the road to contention. We're already on our way to contending without Westbrook, who was playing for OKC when they couldn't get a sniff of the Larry O'Brian.When the phuque has Chris Broussard had The Pistons best interests at heart? Would Russell Westbrook guarantee a top three finish in the East for Detroit next season (his first in Detroit) or that the Pistons would advance beyond the second round?   Guarantee, No.  Raise Expectation to top 3, HAIL YES. Isn't $171 million a little pricey for raised expectations?  OKC didn't accomplish staggering results with Westbrook and PG13 so what makes anyone think miracles will happen with Russell in the red, white, and blue? I don't think this trade would be best for Detroit!! Oracle, I remain ice cold to the idea of trading for Westbrook. Now adding Steven Adams to our merry band?


We're ready to give up on Doumbouya already? We've seen all we need to see from Kennard? We hold no faith in, or curious to see if what we're witnessing in Summer League play can translate into the NBA season with the core we already have? Rose, Morris, and Snell will definitely make a positive difference. The young'uns we have "snapping at the bit" are certainly more team friendly and promises to be more exciting on a cold January night once the trek is made to LCA.  Give up, No.  I am more excited about this group of kids than any time over the last decade.  I do harbor Don's fear that we may have too many vets (with track records) in front of the children. This is the reason I don't want to trade the excitement of here and now in for a super ball hog, no matter how talented.

I'm looking at what Brown is doing as a progressing, athletic, PG candidate. Am I the only one who want to see Luke and Svi develop as perimeter snipers...here in Detroit? We watched Leuer sit for $10 million and still bring in some valuable assets, why must Casey play Galloway for extended minutes? He's gone at seasons end with Reggie and that's putting us in a position, CAP wise, to breath. We're still "winning now" and talent is being developed! We're still long and athletic and can be competitive as a defensive team.  I agree that Big Ed is creating a viable way forward.  But, that path has a GAPPING hole.  See below.

The talking heads (Wojo) talk that sh!t about the failure of our past first round picks, (Henry Ellenson, Stanley Johnson, and Luke Kennard) not turning into stars or superstars...those were not Ed Stefanski picks anymore than the restrictive CAP situation could be laid at his feet; give the man a sporting chance. The Pistons landscape is littered with potential stars or a future superstar or two.  No it isn't. I beg to differ.  Russell Westbrook would guarantee we would not see it happen here.  Yes, there is history of him or his organization blocking youth development.

Fans blanched at the size of Griffin's contract (not me) but, Westbrooks is okay. Fans talk about the meaningless stats Drummond puts up and micro examines his shortcomings in a developing game but, Westbrook has a slew of them at the end of his career that we're willing to ignore...strange. Nope.  At the of his career folks will marvel at how he was able to do what NO OTHER HUMAN IN HISTORY could do. "The Big O"? Oscar Robertson set the triple double standard while playing with the Royals but, they didn't come any closer to winning a "ship" than the Westbrook OKC led teams did. The greatest individual stat doesn't mean squat if the player is not capable of thinking win...Robertson won when he subordinated himself to becoming the 3-4th best player on the Bucks' I don't think Westbrook is capable of doing that in Detroit.   I thought I was talking Detroit, not OKC. We'll get the best out of Griffin and let's not look to the future about Drummonds FA with paranoid/negative eyes, but see what Miami does when we back off from the Westbrook sweepstakes. Why isn't the Lakers or Knicks involved in this?

39 of the last 40 (98%) Ship Builders have been led by a top 50 All Time great (or soon to be).  They don't come around often, and currently there are only four in existence.   Top 50 guys dominate at every level, and right away.   We don't have one of those do we?   As a reminder, the only one in the EC is down for the count.

So, all we're doing is preparing a supporting cast while hoping the right opportunity falls in our lap, at the right time, like 25 other teams.  As a matter of fact aren't all 26 of us are attempting to walk the path the Raptors followed.  I wonder how many of those teams could have snatched the 2019 Larry O had they put their nuts on the line for Leonard.  

Will we, if the time comes.  Cause that what we are banking on.  Is that time upon us?
The most exciting thing about this situation is the all-or-nothing-at-all potential.

Lemon, I have the greatest respect for your insight, knowledge, and understanding of the game being played today; not only is your steel-trap mind impressive but, your razor wit is not to be challenged by anyone that has good sense, so take my difference of opinion as nothing more than that, a difference of opinion. I was just surprised that you're in the "Let's get Russell Westbrook camp". I always viewed you as a long range goal type of person, rather than a seeker of instant gratification and the consequences be damned.

Anyway, Miami seems to be backing off, as are other teams who would benefit from having Russ, more than The Pistons. We're on the verge of coming out of CAP hell and the last of SVG's foolish maneuvers are coming to an end (the stupid FA signings, the Josh Smith stretch, are just a couple) and we finally have a decent coach, a collection of skilled, high I.Q., young players...no midgets, ball hogs, or bricklayers. Let's slowly stir the pot m'man. Big Ed has a real process in motion and remember; DETROIT AGAINST THE WORLD!!

Thanks for the kind words. No doubt a Westbrook acquisition has all of the markings of a BOOM or BUST proposition. Maybe the best course was to do nothing long enough to allow someone else to assume the colossal risk.

[Oracle]

[Oracle]

This looked like a totally different team.

Offensively they had no direction and Defensively, they were lost!

This displays in vivid color the impact of not having your offensive driver and defensive leader on the court!

I said and saw how Bruce Brown was clearly the key to this team, the unquestioned leader, but even I wasn't prepared to believe the difference was this big.

Having said that, there were signs of good stuff. In a NBA environment with leaders on the floor, Svi & Thomas are good players to have on a 2nd unit. Both played well in spurts and looked like crap when they had to do too much because of the lack of Bruce.

Sekou was similar, he did some really good stuff, but he mostly sucked due to lack of playing time and wanting to show more.

Without Bruce, Costello fell back to earth like a huge dud. Bone couldn't get one as he was as limp as dudes that need viagra.

BTW, Jarrett Allen, a 3rd year player, totally dominated our bigs, dropping about 30 on us, most of them dunks. This wasn't an Ellenson situation where the reverse happened, but the level of domination did surprise me.

We had a good run, but oddly both the #1 & #2 seeds fall today to the lowest seeded teams.

[Oracle]

@Lemon: Thanks for the heads up on the trade. I think this was a move Houston had to make to be competitive! IMO, the duo of Westbrook/Hardin is possibly more formidable than Kawhi/George. IMO, Kawhi & George are stoppable, where as Hardin & Westbrook are virtually unstoppable individually, but defensively Westbrook & Hardin solidly take a backseat to the Clippers big 2.

I see the Lakers as the team to beat if they stay healthy, they just have too much on both ends in a 7 game series, IMO.

As for us, we'll be alright! I only have two goals for next season, and I believe we can accomplish both.
1. Be competitive by getting into the playoffs, performing better than last season
2. Develop ALL of the youngster with the possible exception of 2 of the 3 rookies being in the G-League.

Present and future satisfied... but I truly believe we can exceed those meager expectations.

@Sparma: Yes, the Chris Paul watch will be on, and OKC is likely to get some additional picks or youngsters when they move him.

@Phillip: Somebody will want Chris Paul, but I totally agree with you, he's done, and he was also the reason the Clippers never won anything. He imploded in the playoffs, although Blake deserves some of the blame early on, but once ZBo toughened him up, he wasn't the problem anymore, it was Chris. We could use another PG, but he certainly isn't the one!

@Don: We're on the same page about summer league, the big men we have are absolutely playing their butts off. We also have to give some credit to the coaching, the TEAM defense of these Pistons is solid, especially late in games when they stiffen and make it very difficult to score on them. IMO, our backup big is on this team, it's just a question of which one to pick. Costello has the advantage because he has a balance between offense and defense, but we'll see. You get props from me for observing that level of detail, not everybody is talking about our bigs play.

@DX: Devil for a witch is funny  . However in this case Hardin & Westbrook are childhood buddies, so I think they'll figure out the obvious. The obvious is that ALL people talk about is spacing the floor. Well, there's an opposite to that, and Westbrook is a master of that... it's called collapsing the defense. When Westbrook drives to the hole, he attracts a hell of a lot of attention, and Hardin will get a lot of good looks from 3 because of it. This is a combo made to cause a lot of problems, and Westbrook isn't the Westbrook of their early years of playing together.

@Murph: Drummond improves EVERY year, but people keep acting like he's a finished product. Big men mature at different rates and at slower rates than most other positions. He has flaws, but for whatever reason, as he eliminates those flaws he never gets credit, they just complain about something else. When he stops improving, that's when you make evaluations about if he has the skill set you need team wise, not before.

BTW, the league is changing again, and big men like Drummond are becoming valuable again!

[cool breeze]

How about the foot work and help defense these Piston big men are showing? If only Andre Drummond would watch those guys and try to improve his foot speed. The Summer league bigs play team defense and are unselfish. They show great energy. Just hoping Piston management does not let them go to another team. These are winning type players. Not stat orientated players. Hand and arms up to deflect passes and contest shots. Fast running in transition always knowing where the ball is located. Fake stats have been created by NBA player agents for gullible fans to worship. Something is being done right by this Piston front office. They have somehow picked some winners or players fans can bond with. Brown and Thomas look so good together. High energy on both ends. Chemistry is so good.

[Murph]

That was a whack deal by the Thunder. They traded Westbrook and two 1st rounders for Chris Paul??? Whatever the Pistons were offering was better than that. Oh well...


Sparma...you know what I think of Nate Silver already (not much). I would like to see the methodology behind his defensive system that rates Drummond poorly.

The thing that has always intrigued me about Drummond is his defensive rating, or how many point per 100 possessions that the opposing team scores when Drummond is in the game. Drummond is consistently near the top of the League in defensive rating every year.

And correct me if I’m wrong, but defensive rating is not an advanced stat that has been arbitrarily concocted through some kind of regression analysis. Rather, it is an objective observation of how poorly opposing teams score when Drummond is in the game. In other words, it is a fact that opposing teams don’t score well when Drummond is on the floor, for whatever reason.

To me that proves Drummond’s defensive value, regardless of what some mediocre political pollster might claim.

[deusXango]

We dodged a bullet and didn't fall victim to delusional thinking, all dressed up looking like hope but, the reality is, we'd be disappointed and frustrated for years to come...we've done that already! Stay the course Big Ed and Co.

Best of luck Houston...trading the devil for the witch is always a good idea when your ass is on fire...ours isn't.

Every GM that has a valued rookie that they plan on being the face of their franchise is being held out of Summer League play...minor "injuries" that keep players out of unimportant competition prevent real/serious injuries from occurring before the NBA season begins. Every fan isn't going to agree with that line of thinking or understand the wisdom of that. Chew on this. The middle of the summer in a hot Las Vegas gym and Williamson comes out for a breather and before he sits down, the chants fill the air, "Zion!, Zion!, Zion!, Zion!" calling for a return to play. Right after the earthquake, Zion is out for the remainder of Summer League play. I'm glad Sekou is being held out of summer play...the youngest player in the draft. This is one of the positive differences of having an experienced president and FO with genuine player concerns as opposed to the "Stan Van Gundy Traveling Clown Show".

Bruce Brown is showing that he has what it takes to become a better than average PG. Khyri Thomas is proving he belongs in the rotation, whether he's played or not. Svi Mykhailiuk has impressed with more than his height and length; I.Q., court vision, slashing ability, deadly outside shot, and willingness to play team ball are impressive. These three are second year players who's talents would've gone totally unseen and we'd have to rely on whatever the Vince Ellis's around here reported (mostly negative) on the quality of our players. Sight unseen, Sekou Doumbouya can play...the reigning league MVP is raw but, he can play! It'd be a damn shame if The Pistons don't sign Matt Costello as Drummond's backup at center...that boy has quietly worked hard on his game and developed into a real NBA player. I'd personally take Costello over Galloway and if Big Ed can't trade Langston (thus removing the temptation for Casey to play him) I'd sign Matt anyway!

[Phil-Good]

Passing on Westbrook was cool OK City wanted too much. Lots of picks and what-not.

I would offer ZERO for Chris Paul. He fat, small, and A grumpy old man. I would offer zero picks or no young prospects for Chris Paul. Not worth it.


I can't wait to see the French Kid. 2019 pick. I want to see what he can do. His feel for the game. Bruce looks solid at the PG. Still looking for that jump-shot but the development is going well with him and Kyrie Thomas.

[Sparma]

Chris Paul, anyone?  Surely, helping OKC get out from under that salary sooner would about do it (Reggie/Galloway/Snell?).  Adding a protected 1st (top 20?  no lottery pick at least) would have to be enough.

Or maybe we'd pick a 1st from OKC?  (Wojnarowski spoke of OKC being able to add from from vast stock of 1st round picks to incentivize with a pick to Miami).

I'd be tempted by giving up a late 1st & salaries, if only rev things up around the Motor City.  If we'd pick up a 1st, I'd definitely do it.  When can Chris Paul be traded again?

I see Paul averages over 25 PER for his career, which has to be one of the all time highest career averages (Isiah averaged 18.1 for his career).  Granted, he's going down, but still a good 19.7 last year.  He's still a good (not great) shooter: his 35.8% from 3 looks like just about the NBA league average taken over the past 3 seasons (.355 last year).

What say ye, Blake?  He's earned a veto right concerning his ex-teammate, right?  But maybe he'd like the idea.

Per NBA TV, Westbrook is a Rocket, and Paul is a Thunder.

[lemonpen]

Per NBA TV, Westbrook is a Rocket, and Paul is a Thunder.

[Oracle]

Lemon, I have the greatest respect for your insight, knowledge, and understanding of the game being played today; not only is your steel-trap mind impressive but, your razor wit is not to be challenged by anyone that has good sense, so take my difference of opinion as nothing more than that, a difference of opinion. I was just surprised that you're in the "Let's get Russell Westbrook camp". I always viewed you as a long range goal type of person, rather than a seeker of instant gratification and the consequences be damned.

Anyway, Miami seems to be backing off, as are other teams who would benefit from having Russ, more than The Pistons. We're on the verge of coming out of CAP hell and the last of SVG's foolish maneuvers are coming to an end (the stupid FA signings, the Josh Smith stretch, are just a couple) and we finally have a decent coach, a collection of skilled, high I.Q., young players...no midgets, ball hogs, or bricklayers. Let's slowly stir the pot m'man. Big Ed has a real process in motion and remember; DETROIT AGAINST THE WORLD!!

DX, there's nothing wrong with your point of view, I consider it absolutely valid. This is one of those things that literally can go either way and I'll live with the results.

I think we can make some noise with the team we already have, and frankly, do better than a LOT of people think, health permitting. In addition, I think we have some really good youngsters on this roster that we need to develop, and without Westbrook, we have a better chance to do that. The Westbrook trade is exciting, but it also has a lot of risk associated with it, CAP hell is one of them, but we would be a top team in the east.

At this point I'll leave it to the guys that get paid to make these decisions and let the chips fall where they may.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marcus Morris: Interestingly, he was able to get the better deal with the Knicks because Reggie Bullock failed his physical and has a lingering issue that guarantees that he'll be in and out of the lineup all season. They're looking at re-working his original deal so they can sign Morris first. He'll still be getting a big raise over the 2.5M per he was making.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bruce Brown: How special was that last game? Brown became only the 2nd player in Summer League history to get a triple double, the first being Lonzo Ball!

[deusXango]

Plain and simple, this trade talk about us taking Westbrook isn't about making Detroit better but, making OKC a real contender in the West no less!  Given the magnitude of talent OKC has allowed to slip through their fingers over the last 5-6 years without a sniff of the Larry O'Brian do you really think THEY are on the road to contention. We're already on our way to contending without Westbrook, who was playing for OKC when they couldn't get a sniff of the Larry O'Brian.When the phuque has Chris Broussard had The Pistons best interests at heart? Would Russell Westbrook guarantee a top three finish in the East for Detroit next season (his first in Detroit) or that the Pistons would advance beyond the second round?   Guarantee, No.  Raise Expectation to top 3, HAIL YES. Isn't $171 million a little pricey for raised expectations?  OKC didn't accomplish staggering results with Westbrook and PG13 so what makes anyone think miracles will happen with Russell in the red, white, and blue? I don't think this trade would be best for Detroit!! Oracle, I remain ice cold to the idea of trading for Westbrook. Now adding Steven Adams to our merry band?


We're ready to give up on Doumbouya already? We've seen all we need to see from Kennard? We hold no faith in, or curious to see if what we're witnessing in Summer League play can translate into the NBA season with the core we already have? Rose, Morris, and Snell will definitely make a positive difference. The young'uns we have "snapping at the bit" are certainly more team friendly and promises to be more exciting on a cold January night once the trek is made to LCA.  Give up, No.  I am more excited about this group of kids than any time over the last decade.  I do harbor Don's fear that we may have too many vets (with track records) in front of the children. This is the reason I don't want to trade the excitement of here and now in for a super ball hog, no matter how talented.

I'm looking at what Brown is doing as a progressing, athletic, PG candidate. Am I the only one who want to see Luke and Svi develop as perimeter snipers...here in Detroit? We watched Leuer sit for $10 million and still bring in some valuable assets, why must Casey play Galloway for extended minutes? He's gone at seasons end with Reggie and that's putting us in a position, CAP wise, to breath. We're still "winning now" and talent is being developed! We're still long and athletic and can be competitive as a defensive team.  I agree that Big Ed is creating a viable way forward.  But, that path has a GAPPING hole.  See below.

The talking heads (Wojo) talk that sh!t about the failure of our past first round picks, (Henry Ellenson, Stanley Johnson, and Luke Kennard) not turning into stars or superstars...those were not Ed Stefanski picks anymore than the restrictive CAP situation could be laid at his feet; give the man a sporting chance. The Pistons landscape is littered with potential stars or a future superstar or two.  No it isn't. I beg to differ.  Russell Westbrook would guarantee we would not see it happen here.  Yes, there is history of him or his organization blocking youth development.

Fans blanched at the size of Griffin's contract (not me) but, Westbrooks is okay. Fans talk about the meaningless stats Drummond puts up and micro examines his shortcomings in a developing game but, Westbrook has a slew of them at the end of his career that we're willing to ignore...strange. Nope.  At the of his career folks will marvel at how he was able to do what NO OTHER HUMAN IN HISTORY could do. "The Big O"? Oscar Robertson set the triple double standard while playing with the Royals but, they didn't come any closer to winning a "ship" than the Westbrook OKC led teams did. The greatest individual stat doesn't mean squat if the player is not capable of thinking win...Robertson won when he subordinated himself to becoming the 3-4th best player on the Bucks' I don't think Westbrook is capable of doing that in Detroit.   I thought I was talking Detroit, not OKC. We'll get the best out of Griffin and let's not look to the future about Drummonds FA with paranoid/negative eyes, but see what Miami does when we back off from the Westbrook sweepstakes. Why isn't the Lakers or Knicks involved in this?

39 of the last 40 (98%) Ship Builders have been led by a top 50 All Time great (or soon to be).  They don't come around often, and currently there are only four in existence.   Top 50 guys dominate at every level, and right away.   We don't have one of those do we?   As a reminder, the only one in the EC is down for the count.

So, all we're doing is preparing a supporting cast while hoping the right opportunity falls in our lap, at the right time, like 25 other teams.  As a matter of fact aren't all 26 of us are attempting to walk the path the Raptors followed.  I wonder how many of those teams could have snatched the 2019 Larry O had they put their nuts on the line for Leonard.  

Will we, if the time comes.  Cause that what we are banking on.  Is that time upon us?
The most exciting thing about this situation is the all-or-nothing-at-all potential.

Lemon, I have the greatest respect for your insight, knowledge, and understanding of the game being played today; not only is your steel-trap mind impressive but, your razor wit is not to be challenged by anyone that has good sense, so take my difference of opinion as nothing more than that, a difference of opinion. I was just surprised that you're in the "Let's get Russell Westbrook camp". I always viewed you as a long range goal type of person, rather than a seeker of instant gratification and the consequences be damned.

Anyway, Miami seems to be backing off, as are other teams who would benefit from having Russ, more than The Pistons. We're on the verge of coming out of CAP hell and the last of SVG's foolish maneuvers are coming to an end (the stupid FA signings, the Josh Smith stretch, are just a couple) and we finally have a decent coach, a collection of skilled, high I.Q., young players...no midgets, ball hogs, or bricklayers. Let's slowly stir the pot m'man. Big Ed has a real process in motion and remember; DETROIT AGAINST THE WORLD!!

[Oracle]

[Sparma]

Someone at mlive mentioned a 538 article by Nate Silver (a hero of mine, who first made his mark as a baseball analyst, growing up as Tigers fan) generating a new measure of defensive prowess, in which Drummond is ranked poorly. I've taken a look, but will need to study it more carefully later.

We know that Drummond's ranked very well in DWS. I welcome fresh (statistically based) perspectives! Not sure what to make of it.

[Oracle]

Morris reportedly reconsidering deal with Spurs

Marcus Morris reportedly agreed to a two-year, $20 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs on July 6. It seems he may be having second thoughts on that, though, and could be headed back to the Eastern Conference.

Per Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports and Mark J. Spears and Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Morris is considering a move to the New York Knicks, who are offering him a one-year, $15 million deal, Haynes reports. To make room for the potential Morris signing, the Spurs dealt Davis Bertans to the Washington Wizards to free up salary-cap room.

[Oracle]

JVTV is upset: Justin Verlander: MLB juicing balls, 'turning this game into a joke'

[Oracle]

Man, the Pistons keep rolling, 4-0, and blow a tough game open, leading by 22 in the final 2 minutes.

Bruce Brown goes for a triple double, 11 pts, 14 rebounds and 10 assists.

Costello again paces us as the top scorer with 18 points, but the Pistons are a TEAM under Brown, I'm thoroughly impressed with the way he's so large and in charge of this offense and defense.

[lemonpen]

Plain and simple, this trade talk about us taking Westbrook isn't about making Detroit better but, making OKC a real contender in the West no less!  Given the magnitude of talent OKC has allowed to slip through their fingers over the last 5-6 years without a sniff of the Larry O'Brian do you really think THEY are on the road to contention.  When the phuque has Chris Broussard had The Pistons best interests at heart? Would Russell Westbrook guarantee a top three finish in the East for Detroit next season (his first in Detroit) or that the Pistons would advance beyond the second round?   Guarantee, No.  Raise Expectation to top 3, HAIL YES.  OKC didn't accomplish staggering results with Westbrook and PG13 so what makes anyone think miracles will happen with Russell in the red, white, and blue? I don't think this trade would be best for Detroit!! Oracle, I remain ice cold to the idea of trading for Westbrook. Now adding Steven Adams to our merry band?


We're ready to give up on Doumbouya already? We've seen all we need to see from Kennard? We hold no faith in, or curious to see if what we're witnessing in Summer League play can translate into the NBA season with the core we already have? Rose, Morris, and Snell will definitely make a positive difference. The young'uns we have "snapping at the bit" are certainly more team friendly and promises to be more exciting on a cold January night once the trek is made to LCA.  Give up, No.  I am more excited about this group of kids than any time over the last decade.  I do harbor Don's fear that we may have too many vets (with track records) in front of the children.

I'm looking at what Brown is doing as a progressing, athletic, PG candidate. Am I the only one who want to see Luke and Svi develop as perimeter snipers...here in Detroit? We watched Leuer sit for $10 million and still bring in some valuable assets, why must Casey play Galloway for extended minutes? He's gone at seasons end with Reggie and that's putting us in a position, CAP wise, to breath. We're still "winning now" and talent is being developed! We're still long and athletic and can be competitive as a defensive team.  I agree that Big Ed is creating a viable way forward.  But, that path has a GAPPING hole.  See below.

The talking heads (Wojo) talk that sh!t about the failure of our past first round picks, (Henry Ellenson, Stanley Johnson, and Luke Kennard) not turning into stars or superstars...those were not Ed Stefanski picks anymore than the restrictive CAP situation could be laid at his feet; give the man a sporting chance. The Pistons landscape is littered with potential stars or a future superstar or two.  No it isn't.  Russell Westbrook would guarantee we would not see it happen here.  Yes, there is history of him or his organization blocking youth development.

Fans blanched at the size of Griffin's contract (not me) but, Westbrooks is okay. Fans talk about the meaningless stats Drummond puts up and micro examines his shortcomings in a developing game but, Westbrook has a slew of them at the end of his career that we're willing to ignore...strange. Nope.  At the of his career folks will marvel at how he was able to do what NO OTHER HUMAN IN HISTORY could do.   I thought I was talking Detroit, not OKC. We'll get the best out of Griffin and let's not look to the future about Drummonds FA with paranoid/negative eyes, but see what Miami does when we back off from the Westbrook sweepstakes. Why isn't the Lakers or Knicks involved in this?

39 of the last 40 (98%) Ship Builders have been led by a top 50 All Time great (or soon to be).  They don't come around often, and currently there are only four in existence.   Top 50 guys dominate at every level, and right away.   We don't have one of those do we?   As a reminder, the only one in the EC is down for the count.

So, all we're doing is preparing a supporting cast while hoping the right opportunity falls in our lap, at the right time, like 25 other teams.  As a matter of fact aren't all 26 of us are attempting to walk the path the Raptors followed.  I wonder how many of those teams could have snatched the 2019 Larry O had they put their nuts on the line for Leonard.  

Will we, if the time comes.  Cause that what we are banking on.  Is that time upon us?
The most exciting thing about this situation is the all-or-nothing-at-all potential.

[Sparma]

Evidently, they were able to stretch him, saving some $$ now, creating some space. I knew we would have been able to do that, but didn't know that his contract could be stretched upon being traded.

I'm not sure why they're doing this, but Bye Bye Leuer: Bucks waive veteran forward Leuer, acquired from Pistons

[Murph]

lemon...I agree.  After much thought, I would be willing to give up RJ, Galloway, Snell, Sekou, a 1st rounder, and either another 1st rounder or Thomas or Svi.  I would like to hold onto Kennard, Brown and Maker.

Surely Westbrook knows by now what his reputation is around the League.   In spite of his ego, even Westbrook must have some desire to play the right way and win.  As he gets older, maybe coming to Detroit and playing for Casey would be the jolt that Westbrook needs to tone down and modify his game.  He certainly has the talent.  He can get to the rim and finish almost at will, and he is an outstanding passer when he wants to be.

And it is just possible that with Embiid's annual injury, Westbrook might be able to lead us to the ECF against Milwaukee.  We're never going to beat the Bucks, but I wouldn't mind trying.

The longer things go with all of this Westbrook talk the more intrigued I become.    Wouldn't it be more fun discussing where we fit in the top three teams in the East instead of how we stack up against the bottom three.   Put the burden on Casey to make things work.  It's what he's paid to do.  After writing down some names I think there is some combination of keepers that would make this worth trying.  I admit to there being a tiny desire for instant gratification at work here, as opposed to playing wait and see with kids.  I've decided I could accept parting with Seku and a 1st, along with RJ, Snell, Galloway.  We would have a true Big 3 + Rose/Morris.  Beyond that, IDK, throw the kids out there for trial under fire.

That would make it exciting to head down to the LCA on some frozen Tues evening in Feb.

Or, maybe this is one of those instances when no decision is the best decision.

 

[Sponsored content]