Manocad wrote:I don't do the treadmill.
The Pistons are not the Red Wings. Detroit is not a draw for free agent stars/superstars and other teams aren't going to trade their stars/siuperstars. 2004 isn't going to happen again. The Pistons need another superstar from the draft (Isiah Thomas) surrounded by good free agent signings/trades and a 2nd round surprise (Tayshaun Prince).
I feel you but with good drafting, signing the right guys, trading the right guys, and using the right lineups we can get to a contending level without tanking for a top 5 pick. You mention a 2nd round surprise like Tayshaun. The NBA is almost like a puzzle now. Giving the correct pieces the correct roles with some specific talents you can compete at a high level without a pure Top 10 player.
Our biggest problem has been loyalty recently. SVG has to experiment with more lineups and be a quicker evaluator of talent with guys like RJ to sell high. When you're not a big FA destination you have to ensure you're getting the absolute most out of the talent you have and be ahead of the curve with talent evaluation. We don't have time or room for error to try to "develop" the wrong talent (Stuckey/Reggie) and fail. The leash has to be shorter for lineups and we have to flip potential for established veteran players more.
Bballnmike wrote:Even last night...
Vs the Raptors Ish wanted that in and out mid range to drop and Toronto hit tough shots that were all contested moderately or stronger. We we're competing. We're not going to make it to the playoffs probably but everyone on the team arguably always competes except for RJ and Dre.
I think we have some solid cards, just have to play the right 5 at a time next year and make a few good moves.