We are three days removed from Thanksgiving. With that said, it is only appropriate for me to share what I’m thankful for most as a Piston fan. To rebel against the system, I have created not a top five, or top ten list, but a top six. Just doing my part to stick it to the man. Here’s the list.
Things to be thankful for (in no particular order)
1. Rasheed Wallace dancing in the middle of a pregame huddle. If you have yet to see this, the three or so seconds of Sheed doing a Jig is well worth it. Maxiel tried to fill in for Wallace, do to his injury. Let’s just say nobody can bring the funk like Sheed can
2. Loyalty. Alan Houston, Grant Hill (twice) and Ben Wallace. What do they all have in common? All three were made famous playing for the Pistons but conveniently forgot this fact when it was time to resign with the team. Luckily Motown has at least one player who knows where his bread is buttered. Chauncey Billups showed real loyalty this off season, resigning with the Pistons for the next five years. Yes, the contract may be too steep, and yes Billups may have very little left in a few years, BUT that’s not the point. The point is, Chauncey remembered the team that made him the player he is today. Ben Wallace forgot that. How are the Bulls doing anyway?
3. We are not the New York Knicks. This one doesn’t require much explanation.
4. We are not the Miami Heat. This one doesn’t require much explanation either except to say that Shaq should be able to get the senior discount at Denny’s fairly soon.
5. The best Public Address Announcer in sports hands down. I happened to watch the Spur’s ring ceremony this year. It had everything the Piston’s ring ceremony did, minus the pumped up crowd, and exciting atmosphere. If you wanna find someone more boring then Tim Duncan, just listen to the Spur’s Public Address Announcer. Thank God for Mason!
6. Joe Dumars. He is the straw that stirs the Piston’s drink. I think his plan to develop talent from within will pay off. When Rodney Stuckey comes back Joe’s master plan should look a lot clearer. God Bless Joe Dumars.
The original plan for second year Center Check Samb was to send him to the NBDL for more experience, and playing time.
Well, plans change.
According to coach Flip Saunders, and Team President Joe Dumars, Samb may be sticking around with the Pistons, perhaps for good. Because of the injury to Antonio McDyess, and with Rasheed Wallace and Jason Maxiel in foul trouble, Samb recieved extended playing time Friday against the Lakers. No, he didn’t put up Kevin Garnett like numbers, but he did make a impact blocking shots, and showing off a nice jump shot.
“He definately has a presence,” Flip Saunders said after the game.
Check Samb still needs a lot of work, considering he has only been playing basketball for a few years. But the upside could be high, REALLY HIGH. He is a true center, a dying breed in the NBA these days. Samb also appears to have the offensive skills too match his aggressive defense. Sure there will be some growing pains, a hard time adjusting to the upgraded physicality of his competition, or on the flip side, Samb may use his aggressiveness to freely, and struggle with early foul trouble. All this could happen, but fortunately it hasn’t so far. Early indications have shown that until Samb’s skills ( and body he is a very skinny 195 lbs) fully develop, he is by no means a liability to have on the court. Samb adds depth, and most importantly, defense and energy to the front line. If he continues to contribute, even just a little, then court experience for Check Samb will do wonders for his development. Start thinking up some snazzy nick names because this guy could be around for a long time.
This entry is fairly short.
According to reports, The Pistons and Lakers were ready to pull the trigger on a deal that would would have sent Rip Halmilton, Tayshawn Prince, and Amir Johnson to LA for kobe Bryant.
Bryant exercised his no trade clause
I have a spare baseball bat handy for anybody who needs one.
On Sunday the Pistons beat the Atlanta Hawks 92-91 via a winning free throw by Chauncey Billups. Besides the win, one of the most encouraging signs was the play of Jason Maxiel. Fifteen points, eight rebounds, and four blocks is pretty solid. In fact, it’s ridiculously solid. In contrast, Antonio McDyess had a quiet day with only four points in nearly thirty minutes.
Despite being only three games into the season, early indications have shown McDyess having some difficulty adjusting to his new starting gig. While it’s certainly not appropriate to proclaim doom and gloom just yet, if McDyess continues to struggle as a starter, questions will arise. Questions such as whether Maxiel would be a better option as a power forward.
The Pistons need to come out of the gate aggressively to avoid falling behind at the start of games. Thus far, aggressive has been Maxiel’s middle name. Inserting him into the starting line-up may provide the spark McDyess yet to deliver. Coming off the bench is a role McDyess is familiar with, and has excelled at as a Piston player. Perhaps Maxiel is the guy to get the Piston’s engine rolling. And, much like in years past, McDyess is the guy to keep that engine running.
Just a thought.
