Flip Saunders explained why Amir doesn't play.

[jab]

I don't like Maxiell starting. He's a great 6th man, and McDyess has been playing well since returning to the starting lineup. Why ruin it? Because we want Amir to get on the court that badly? We've got at least 3 more years with the kid. Give him some time, there will be an opening sooner or later.

Where did he say McNice shouldn't start? John Stockton started during his twilight years but came out at the 6 minute mark of the first qt.

Manu does not start but averages more than 30 minutes a game.

Real ballers just want to help their team WIN

[Low-Ki]

My plan would have McDyess come off the bench backing up Rasheed solely at center and have Maxiell start with Amir backing him up.

And I think seeding might matter more than I gave it credit for because we don't necessarily want Boston early in the playoffs, say first or even second round. Boston is going to play a lot of basketball over this season with their eye on the win record. Extend them 12 games into the play-offs and fatigue and lack of bench might start afecting their legs.

[GJense4181]

You know something - McDyess as the sole back-up for Sheed isn't a terrible idea for the time being. Both could log 24 minutes a game and stay fresh for the play-offs. I was thinking about doing this against Boston anyways - Sheed uses up all his energy defending KG and has little to offer offensively. Maxey cannot guard KG either and we were only close in this last game because KG was out with foul issues (which certainly wont be there come play-off time). If you could cycle Sheed and Dice on KG for 48 minutes, make sure they make him work constantly at both ends for the full 48- that might be the way to go there.

Who guards Perkins? He hasn't exactly killed us, with a combined 12 points [on 5-10 shooting and 2-6 from the line (I'm not going to count his desperation three)], 15 rebounds, and a blocked shot...but that came with Rasheed and/or McDyess checking him. If, as you have planned, Garnett is guarded exclusively by our centers, then Maxiell (averaging 25 mpg against Boston) and Amir (who hasn't played) would have to guard Perkins, Davis, and Pollard, the former(s) being mismatches.

[OneBadMutha]

I know what I heard about Amir. McCosky repeated it on the radio. Amir can't shoot. That's why Flip can't put him out there in this offense. He also mentioned that he doesn't rotate well on defense but let's be real -- you can't use that excuse when Primo gets to play.

We can talk about all the things Amir doesn't do well but the guy has a touch around the rim, good timing on shot blocking and rebounding, and he provides energy. Of course he won't be crisp with the plays but that's because he hasn't ran them often. The Pistons have barely had any full practices over the last month so how does a guy develop on the bench.

[srt4b]

I have completely written off Amir this year (barring any major trade).

If he does more than the occasional windmill between the legs dunk with 1:55 to go in a 105-87 game it's all gravy.