Where do we go from here?

[theBigLip]

I know we have trade threads, fire Dumars threads, get a SF thread, etc. But I want to take a different look at things here.

We made offseason moves to become a playoff team. It's quite likely that Gores is holding Dumars to that or his job is gone.

So at this point in the season, do we:
A) make some trades to ensure we get to the playoffs, even if we lose good, long term assets
B) throw in the towel and make trades to improve our long term future and possibly keep our pick this year
C) don't do anything and see if the current team improves enough to get into the playoffs

[dVs33]

Judging by Joe past moves, i'm going with C.
Its pretty clear that the pieces aren't fitting perfectly, but there's enough talent there that if they can get it together, it's a playoff team. Joe will bank on that happening and maybe make moves next offseason. I'd be surprised if anything happened this year, even though i'd like a few changes to happen personally.

[DBC10]

B all the way. I don't give a care about short term gains, that's the dumb way to think, similar to how NYK and BKN operates.

What will happen is C. Dumars will sit on it and continue "evaluate the situation" and go from there. Which means he'll likely be fired during the offseason and Gores (By the grace of God) brings in someone more competent and younger. There could be an alternate choice to C as well, C part II where Dumars makes a desperate trade and still ends up getting fired.

[ImHeisenberg]

C) don't do anything and see if the current team improves enough to get into the playoffs

Based upon history.

[vic]

wow I just posted almost the exact same concept in a thread 1 minute before this one came up. Its called WWJDD? (What would Joe Dumars Do).

I actually think your option C is suicide, I think he will force Cheeks to change the lineup so teams can't pack the paint.

One of the big 3 is either coming off the bench, or will be a ceremonial starter (1st 4 minutes of game).

[Invictus88]

I think that any routes not aimed at eventually becoming competitive with Indiana and Miami in a 7 game series are wasted efforts. We don't win a championship otherwise.

We should not be content with making the playoffs in the East. The East overall is in terrible shape. Even being third is not really that much of an achievement right now. The gap is that big.

That said I believe that there is a much longer road ahead of us than most seem to want. I would like the goal of the remaining games this season to be in PRIORITY order:

1. Developing our young guys
a. Drummond's post game and FT shooting by calling several plays for him per game on the block
b. Developing Monroe's midrange game from 6-15 feet
c. Further developing Jennings as a pass-first point guard
d. Getting KCP's long range game in order

2. Establishing a defensive scheme that works
a. Establish accountability of a player's man as the top priority. Sit a guy if he sags too far away and leaves him open -- even if he is 'helping' someone else.
b. Value hustle and effort. If a guy is running hard out there, keep him out there in favor of someone who isn't -- even if the guy on the bench is being paid big dollars. Make players realize it's a privilege to be out there. Make them hungry.

3. Establish a patient, serviceable half-court game. You don't win a championship against elite teams without it. We purposely try and fast break way too often which messes up our rhythm and creates needless turnovers.
a. Immediately sit people who take bad shots instead of trying to pass for better ones
b. Lay down the law with people and forbid them from taking shots that are outside their skillset (sort of a).

4. Make a determination whether Singler or Datome are worth keeping around next season.

5. Winning. Yep. This is last on the list. Too many holes to fill to be worried about this right now. It sucks for the fans who go to games but it's the price we need to pay right now.

[Piston Pete]

We need a cheeky tank.

Can I implore some of our graphics guys in here to make me a banner with a tank that looks like a 'rear end?' The cheeky tank.

[theBigLip]

I think that any routes not aimed at eventually becoming competitive with Indiana and Miami in a 7 game series are wasted efforts. We don't win a championship otherwise.

We should not be content with making the playoffs in the East. The East overall is in terrible shape. Even being third is not really that much of an achievement right now. The gap is that big.

That said I believe that there is a much longer road ahead of us than most seem to want. I would like the goal of the remaining games this season to be in PRIORITY order:

1. Developing our young guys
a. Drummond's post game and FT shooting by calling several plays for him per game on the block
b. Developing Monroe's midrange game from 6-15 feet
c. Further developing Jennings as a pass-first point guard
d. Getting KCP's long range game in order

2. Establishing a defensive scheme that works
a. Establish accountability of a player's man as the top priority. Sit a guy if he sags too far away and leaves him open -- even if he is 'helping' someone else.
b. Value hustle and effort. If a guy is running hard out there, keep him out there in favor of someone who isn't -- even if the guy on the bench is being paid big dollars. Make players realize it's a privilege to be out there. Make them hungry.

3. Establish a patient, serviceable half-court game. You don't win a championship against elite teams without it. We purposely try and fast break way too often which messes up our rhythm and creates needless turnovers.
a. Immediately sit people who take bad shots instead of trying to pass for better ones
b. Lay down the law with people and forbid them from taking shots that are outside their skillset (sort of a).

4. Make a determination whether Singler or Datome are worth keeping around next season.

5. Winning. Yep. This is last on the list. Too many holes to fill to be worried about this right now. It sucks for the fans who go to games but it's the price we need to pay right now.

Nice post.

[Warspite]

Since Im not in Detroit and Im not 12yrs old like most RealGM posters I can say that C is the logical and most intelligent call

The plan was to make the playoffs and we are currently the 6th seed. Joe and Mo are doing a good job according to the standings. Sure we dont like playing under.500 and think this team could be a rea team but just because Joe doesnt fit your expectations it doesnt mean he is not doing a good job.

I just believe its absurd to think this team should go from 8th pick to ECF in 1 yr. We will make the playoffs and have a shot at the 2nd rd.