Around the League

[Blkbrd671]

Pistons fans, how are you feeling about this upcoming season? Can the team improve on a disappointing 2016/17?

Biggest questions for you guys:
- Can Bradley prove to be a long term fit?

I wouldn't call this a "big question", he does fit , its more a question of
-can he stay healthy
-can we pay him less than 25 mil per

- How big an impact do you think Kennard can have?

In seasons past i've always harped on posters who have huge expectations for rookies as the history of the league tells us , Rookies rarely make a impact on playoff teams.

Having said that

SVG seems really high on Kennard, and i personally don't think its a coincidence that we made our offseason moves right after SVG had a SL with Luke. His scoring ability , imo EVENTUALLY going to be right up there with Klay and Steph. he's one of those players that can shoot a ball backwards and swish it because of his touch. I don't think since Isiah we've had this potent of a scorer.

He has a feel for the game, and his bball iq is quite obvious

In terms of his impact, i think the most he'll have is some games through out the season where he drops buckets and helps us through the win. I think for the majority of the season he's just going to be a scorer off the bench. There is a legit chance that he adjusts quickly to the speed of the NBA and starts pushing for more minutes. He's that good

- Will Drummond or Jackson be traded?

highly doubt it, SVG is in year 4 of his 5 year plan, trading either is giving up on that plan and probably the end of the SVG era. The "trade rumors" surrounding Dre and RJ last season and this offseason where largely overblown. SVG literally said at end of last season that "Everyones on the block" and never tells a player he's not. I think last season the Pistons were little more willing to listen to offers , and per SVG, there wasn't anything even close.

- Can the bench be a weapon?

i don't consider this a "big question", the more important question is can RJ realize he has teammates and is SVG going to step away from a PNR heavy offense now that we have viable options outside of RJ.

[Blkbrd671]

We've written up some thoughts on the Pistons offseason, would value some feedback from you guys: https://thefourpointplay.blog/2017/09/24/nba-pistons-season-preview/

i definitely disagree with the 1 step forward and 1 step back discussion.
SVG in my opinion has done nothing but take steps forward with this team in terms of the GM aspect but as far as the coaching aspect i think SVG deserves some flak. Even at the beginning of last, we were determined to be a PnR heavy offense despite the fact the rest of the league has moved away from it, then our starting PG gets injured and now we are left with Ish smith as the only realistic viable option.

I just feel at times SVG isnt always right and as a coach needs to adjust to the younger generation of players that are more sensitive than years past.


This season will largely determine at least my attitude towards SVG as a coach.

[Wiltside]

We've written up some thoughts on the Pistons offseason, would value some feedback from you guys: https://thefourpointplay.blog/2017/09/24/nba-pistons-season-preview/

i definitely disagree with the 1 step forward and 1 step back discussion.
SVG in my opinion has done nothing but take steps forward with this team in terms of the GM aspect but as far as the coaching aspect i think SVG deserves some flak. Even at the beginning of last, we were determined to be a PnR heavy offense despite the fact the rest of the league has moved away from it, then our starting PG gets injured and now we are left with Ish smith as the only realistic viable option.

I just feel at times SVG isnt always right and as a coach needs to adjust to the younger generation of players that are more sensitive than years past.


This season will largely determine at least my attitude towards SVG as a coach.

Rightly or wrongly, I think SVG's plan is relatively clear - he's looking to emulate that Orlando team, but hasn't got the tools to do it. In some ways that Orlando team was ahead of its time (heavily reliant on 3pt shooting), however Drummond just isn't the defensive menace, or offensive powerhouse that was prime Dwight.

I think Detroit needs to see what they've got in guys like Ellenson, Johnson, Kennard etc, so hopefully all three of these guys get opportunities to play this season. For Detroit to get better, they're gonna need a healthy Jackson and to get these younger bodies into the rotation and their confidence up.

[Blkbrd671]

We've written up some thoughts on the Pistons offseason, would value some feedback from you guys: https://thefourpointplay.blog/2017/09/24/nba-pistons-season-preview/

i definitely disagree with the 1 step forward and 1 step back discussion.
SVG in my opinion has done nothing but take steps forward with this team in terms of the GM aspect but as far as the coaching aspect i think SVG deserves some flak. Even at the beginning of last, we were determined to be a PnR heavy offense despite the fact the rest of the league has moved away from it, then our starting PG gets injured and now we are left with Ish smith as the only realistic viable option.

I just feel at times SVG isnt always right and as a coach needs to adjust to the younger generation of players that are more sensitive than years past.


This season will largely determine at least my attitude towards SVG as a coach.

Rightly or wrongly, I think SVG's plan is relatively clear - he's looking to emulate that Orlando team, but hasn't got the tools to do it. In some ways that Orlando team was ahead of its time (heavily reliant on 3pt shooting), however Drummond just isn't the defensive menace, or offensive powerhouse that was prime Dwight.

That was the intial thought, but i think or hope SVG saw enough of KCP and TH running the offense to make him consider integrating more off ball movement in the offense and not so PG dominant. Seeing how he's changed our roster and made "secondary ball handler" a priority, we at least hope he's moving away from it.

i think you put it best, "we don't have the tools for it", hopefully SVG see's that, and based on how detailed he is, i am sure he'll see it.

I think Detroit needs to see what they've got in guys like Ellenson, Johnson, Kennard etc, so hopefully all three of these guys get opportunities to play this season. For Detroit to get better, they're gonna need a healthy Jackson and to get these younger bodies into the rotation and their confidence up.

Agreed, internal improvement is what is needed, thankfully in a sh* east , our playoff spot is relatively in reach.

[Pharaoh]

Mmmm where have I read about:

1 - changing the offense when RJ went down

2 - utilisation if Tobias & KCP as secondary handlers

3 - less PnR heavy offensive system

4 - more ball movement and more player movement

?

[mattao313]

We've written up some thoughts on the Pistons offseason, would value some feedback from you guys: https://thefourpointplay.blog/2017/09/24/nba-pistons-season-preview/

i definitely disagree with the 1 step forward and 1 step back discussion.
SVG in my opinion has done nothing but take steps forward with this team in terms of the GM aspect but as far as the coaching aspect i think SVG deserves some flak. Even at the beginning of last, we were determined to be a PnR heavy offense despite the fact the rest of the league has moved away from it, then our starting PG gets injured and now we are left with Ish smith as the only realistic viable option.

I just feel at times SVG isnt always right and as a coach needs to adjust to the younger generation of players that are more sensitive than years past.


This season will largely determine at least my attitude towards SVG as a coach.

I think its less about what the league is doing and more about using the pieces that we got/can get. I mean Drummond is terrific in the pnr, his only real positive on the court so of course you're gonna run a lot of pnr. Its the whole reason SVG was brought here in the first place.

[Blkbrd671]

We've written up some thoughts on the Pistons offseason, would value some feedback from you guys: https://thefourpointplay.blog/2017/09/24/nba-pistons-season-preview/

i definitely disagree with the 1 step forward and 1 step back discussion.
SVG in my opinion has done nothing but take steps forward with this team in terms of the GM aspect but as far as the coaching aspect i think SVG deserves some flak. Even at the beginning of last, we were determined to be a PnR heavy offense despite the fact the rest of the league has moved away from it, then our starting PG gets injured and now we are left with Ish smith as the only realistic viable option.

I just feel at times SVG isnt always right and as a coach needs to adjust to the younger generation of players that are more sensitive than years past.


This season will largely determine at least my attitude towards SVG as a coach.

I think its less about what the league is doing and more about using the pieces that we got/can get. I mean Drummond is terrific in the pnr, his only real positive on the court so of course you're gonna run a lot of pnr. Its the whole reason SVG was brought here in the first place.

to clarify


I am not advocating completely going away from the PnR, i am more so saying implement a lot more off ball movement to help the PnR. If you recall when KCP and TH where running the offense, it was a good blend of both that kept the defense guessing. in other words, Dre's still going to be setting the picks, i am just saying it shouldn't always just be for RJ .

[ChuckVanBrown]

Looks like Wade is heading to Cleveland. Who would have thought LeBron and Wade would both be Cavs 6 years ago? Funny how things work out.

I think Cleveland is a better team than last season, assuming IT is healthy. They essentially replaced Irving for IT, Wade, Rose and Crowder. They also still got role players like JR Smith and Korver who can get them buckets. Wade has lost a step with age, but he can still be a big player in the right situation. They got the best player in the world, and a deep team to back him up.

Cavs lost to Warriors in 5, but games 3 and 5 were close. The finals were more competitive than it seemed. A lot of teams got better this offseason, but I think the Cavs are still the team best equipped to beat the Warriors.

[Pharaoh]

Looks like Wade is heading to Cleveland. Who would have thought LeBron and Wade would both be Cavs 6 years ago? Funny how things work out.

I think Cleveland is a better team than last season, assuming IT is healthy. They essentially replaced Irving for IT, Wade, Rose and Crowder. They also still got role players like JR Smith and Korver who can get them buckets. Wade has lost a step with age, but he can still be a big player in the right situation. They got the best player in the world, and a deep team to back him up.

Cavs lost to Warriors in 5, but games 3 and 5 were close. The finals were more competitive than it seemed. A lot of teams got better this offseason, but I think the Cavs are still the team best equipped to beat the Warriors.

If Korver makes that open 3 Cleveland win that game...

Personally I'm happy OKC, GSW, HOU & CLE all loaded up.

Spurs will be Spurs but the vast majority on the league is on the same level where if things go well for you it'll be a fun season

[Blkbrd671]

Refreshing to See SVG admit his error in bringing RJ back so early.

[Pharaoh]

Think it's hilarious the Westbrook extension was announced on Durant's birthday!

In a league gone soft it's nice to see some darkness - even if it might be all manufactured

[El Chivo]

Kuzma looks good.

[vege]

I know it`s only pre-season but KCP shot 14%...

[Blkbrd671]

I know it`s only pre-season but KCP shot 14%...

makes me feel beter bout ab

[Pharaoh]

Kuzma!

Sent from my SM-J110F using RealGM mobile app

[BadMofoPimp]

I know it`s only pre-season but KCP shot 14%...

And, his (-21) was by the worst on the team.

[Pharaoh]

Gary Harris signed a 4 year $84 mil contract extension.

Sent from my SM-J110F using RealGM mobile app

[zeebneeb]

The Knicks are a damn train wreck. That team is going to be BAD. The bulls may be just as bad this season.

Its not going to happen this, or maybe even next year but because if their fans and their terrible newspapers putting pressure on the team, the Knicks may start hearing offers for Porzingus. I know it sounds far fetched but that whole organization has been just horrible at managing talent and the team as a whole and of any player in the league besides Anthony Davis I want next to Drummond, its Porzingus.

Just something to keep your eyeballs on.

Knicks may not win 20 games this year, and the Bulls maybe not 25. Man they just look bad, and super young which is usually a recipe for disaster.

[dVs33]

How did my NBL team lose to the thunder by 1 point?? That's better than what the Pistons will do. Pretty cool

[Blkbrd671]

Embidd just signed a 29 mil per contract and has had 0 healthy seasons. Sixers plan was actually ingenius and would have worked a lot sooner if they knew how to draft .