At this point... I'm optimistic because of..... #NoNegativityThread

[313 Professor]

I'm Optimistic because of... Spencer Dinwiddie, Stanley Johnson/Hilliard, a potential healthy Brandon Jennings, Versatility, and SVG

Spencer Dinwiddie
- People seemingly forgot but nobody even expected Spencer to play last year. Not only did he play he played well. He got good looks for offense that he can hit but just missed some shots. He passed well, paced well, had a solid AST/TO ratio, and got in position for good looks. He was one shot away from that true breakout game all year. He needs to hit the weight room so he can absorb more contact when he goes inside, but he has the body control, shot, composure, and overall game to develop into a great player as early as this year. Let Dinwiddie hit that heat check shot and we'll all see it.

Stanley Johnson
- People seem to forget that we have a new Top 10 draft pick wing with an NBA ready body added to our team. All the FA expectations aside, and all opinions on his game aside. He has the physical tools and skills to do a little bit of everything well with NBA spacing on offense and the body for defense. We have enough ball-handling with Jennings, RJ, and Spencer (barring a trade) to let him find his game and confidence. He thinks he was the best player in the draft. Don't sleep on him....

Darrun Hilliard
- Have you seen his stroke? Lefty pullup be nasty, and he can get to it off a pick or a dribble. Smooth. This is the same pick Dinwiddie was drafted. Don't mentally act like he's not there he has some skills... and a stroke... and some swag.

Healthy Brandon Jennings
- Jennings is the only player on the team with that "it factor" and edge. I would hate to see him limited or traded in a "moving on to the new" trade. I think this young group of players needs a guy like Jennings with that streetball type competitiveness. And... we REALLY need his handle and offensive upside.

SVG
- SVG don't **** around and I love it. The bold release of Josh Smith, (even though I disagree with it... bench > free pay) the benching of RJ for not hustling back for a loose ball, calling out KCP publicly for his inconsistency home/road, etc.... he isn't afraid to go against the grain and make HIS move. Nobody is exempt and this roster is going to need that. He's not going to fall in love with a player and have guys feel entitled to mins/the ball. He might swing another deal too! I'm also proud of him for not overpaying bums and absorbing good contracts with cap space. SVG has my trust.

Versatility
- We have a lot of versatile pieces atm... All it takes is the right lineup not the most talent. We have talent too.

I made a poll but could only put 10... What about yall?? No negativity..

[Liqourish]

Where's the all of the above option?

[DETermination]

First year where Dre has the paint all to himself, the last 3 months of the season he was already averaging like 15-16 points and 14-15 rebounds a game. Now imagine him being number 1 option in the paint, he could average 18-20 points a game imo and if that happens I think we are definitely a playoff team. Hopefully Shooting master Hopla can somehow get Dre to shoot at least 50-60 percent from the free throw line too. And now there is even more shooting around Dre than before and this offense has a lot of potential. Reggie and Dre pick n roll combined with all these shooters man its going to be fun to watch.

[joedumars1]

First year where Dre has the paint all to himself, the last 3 months of the season he was already averaging like 15-16 points and 14-15 rebounds a game. Now imagine him being number 1 option in the paint, he could average 18-20 points a game imo and if that happens I think we are definitely a playoff team. Hopefully Shooting master Hopla can somehow get Dre to shoot at least 50-60 percent from the free throw line too. And now there is even more shooting around Dre than before and this offense has a lot of potential. Reggie and Dre pick n roll combined with all these shooters man its going to be fun to watch.

[gusman]

I am optimistic because of nik Stauskas ex girl friend. She favorited a tweet of mine. Shhhhbwwiiinnggg

[gusman]

How do I post q pic?

[dVs33]

im optimistic because the roster is better than last years and there's still more development to come from drummond and the rest of the core guys.
losing moose is big, but a healthy ilyasova should help cover the gap and our SF rotation is much improved with Johnson and Morris.

The option i picked though was KCP's progression. Technically Drummonds progression should be number 1 priority, but i think KCP could take a big step forward this season. He made some big improvements from his first to second season and I think we should see similar improvements. One big thing i expect is a jump in his shooting consistency. He looks far more comfortable and he has a good connection with Reggie. I'm hoping for big things from him.

[MrBigShot]

Here's a positive: since I joined realgm I don't remember our board EVER being as active as it has been this off season. Thinking back to the Stuckey at PG days where we had game threads that only reached 2 pages sometimes, this is great.

Biggest positive we have is potential. Stanley, KCP, Dre, Reggie. We'll go as far as our young talent takes us.

[Cowology]

Players who fit our system.

It's not always about who has the biggest name or most talent. It's about how all the pieces fit together as a cohesive unit.

1). Drummond now owns the paint. He has a defined roll as our go to big in the middle and space to operate.
2). Reggie with a full camp. More driving lanes and improved chemistry w/ Dre.
3). Forwards who can shoot. YAY!
4). Depth. Not as big a deal in the post-season when rotations shrink, but as the Alternators proved depth goes a long way during the regular season.
5). Identity. Stan has completely turned over the he roster, sans Dre, and for the first time in years you can see a clear picture coming together of how we want to play. Like it or hate it at least the entire team is on the same page and moving with one purpose. Or so I hope. That goes a long way.

[Han Solo]

I think we will be competitive.

[Han Solo]

Here's a positive: since I joined realgm I don't remember our board EVER being as active as it has been this off season. Thinking back to the Stuckey at PG days where we had game threads that only reached 2 pages sometimes, this is great.

Biggest positive we have is potential. Stanley, KCP, Dre, Reggie. We'll go as far as our young talent takes us.

Cheers to that my friend.

[Montanabadboy]

Yes!!!! Love this thread.
I picked Dre's progression, RJ with a full camp, and floor spacers for 82 games. I'm also really thrilled with SJ but for next season I'm not counting on a lot from him, so I didn't mark him.

I'm a big believer in Reggie and Drummond and think those guys spending some time together this summer, and having a full training camp together will carry us far. I love how this team is stocked with shooters, like cram packed. Van Gundy is building his team and I'm looking forward to seeing what it looks like. I really enjoyed watching this team last year, but i bet I'm enjoy this team even more.

[Snakebites]

I think any discussion here has to begin and end with Drummond.

No more excuses, Dre. You've got the paint to yourself, a coach who gets it, and 3 years under your belt. Time to be what we think you can be. Everything else we've attempted to do has been towards the effort of building around this guy. Still not sure its enough, but if next season is a success, it will be because of Drummond.

[OneBadMutha]

This team just fits now. They didn't get any big names in free agency or the draft. They did add assets. They did address weaknesses. When guys fit in SVGs system, they'll put up numbers. Efficient players on good contracts are trade chips. Look what happened when the Pistons added RJ.

Right now the Pistons have young pieces to build around and those young pieces are complimented by the right types of role players. No more stepping on each other's toes.

Despite losing one of the biggest names in free agency and not replacing him with a big name, Pistons are better offensively, defensively and in transition.

[Pharaoh]

I'm optimistic because:

SVG!

Our system works and has worked for a long time. Stan's record in Orlando proves it.

Slowly but surely he's re-made the front office AND the playing roster. I believe we scout more than any other team - that was SVGs plan anyway.

If that's true then he's obviously traded for players that fit his system or bring skills that help that system.

I have never seen a GM win every single transaction over 12 months....SVG has done that IMO.

They're not the "best" options or his plan A but I think it shows extreme preparation that no transaction has blown up in his face...yet!

Meeks was overpaid 12 months ago - now looks like a bargain

Tolliver was a key cog last season - got him for scraps

Anthony was extremely valuable last season - got him for scraps

People questioned the Butler signing - he led off the court and then netted Illyasova

You could go on and on but the fact SVG hasn't panicked is KEY!

[mercury]

Glad because we're assured a good draft pick next year (jk)
We didn't blow our cap on a player that didn't fit
We still have a trade ace in the hole (Jennings)
Affordable contracts that are easy to deal
Should be an improved defensive unit
Room for our wings to get into the paint.
Several players that are familiar with Stan's system

[zeebneeb]

I have been one of the biggest offenders this offseason, in terms of pissing and moaning, whining about stans decisions, and just about everything else, so this is a great thread for some clarification on my part.

Positives:

1.)like someone else said, this season begins, and ends with Drummond. His progression is KEY. If he becomes the player, that his insane size, and speed combination dictates he can become, there is no limit to how good we can be. If Drummond plays 35+mpg, he will average the highest RPG since rodman, at around 17-20 a game. Drummond, without the offense being a focus on him, easily gets 14 a game, and this season, the paint is his, so with 35+mpg, he should be at around 17-20ppg as well. Having two fantastic point gaurds, is also important, as he will be collecting alot of lobs, with zero drop off, when the bench pg comes in. ( if Jennings is still here by opening tip).

2.)Pope. I believe he is on the verge of getting it. I already love his defense, and when he's aggressive, he can score in bunches. I look for pope to take the next step, and realize that he is indeed, a shooting gaurd, with the responsibility of dropping 18ppg, night in, and night out. With consistency in both the locker room, and on the sidelines, stability will he a huge boon to a young player.

3.)Reggie has always wanted his own team, and now he has one. He showed at the end of the season, that he knows how to get players the ball, in scoring position. He has a unique player on his team, to land him at least 4-5 assists every game in drummond, and with actual shooters all around him, and coming off the bench, I expect his assist totals to be the highest a Piston player has had, since Isiah. True on the court leader, and can really cut a defense to ribbons when he needs to make something happen.

I truly believe this team is winning 47 games, and making the playoffs, AS IS. I just wanted to land "that" player, that would put us in a dangerous team in the playoffs, and top 3 seed position, this year. Stan's going for the slow build, without losing his mind sign everything now type of position.

I get it. It's just frustrating, and puts ALOT of stress on our rookies, and new players, especially Johnson. That kid HAS to perform, for us to reach the next level.

[313 Professor]

Yall REM sleeping on Spencer...

We didn't blow our cap on a player that didn't fit

I have never seen a GM win every single transaction over 12 months....SVG has done that IMO

This. The lack of panic to just overpay for a FA that's not worth it and take that L, but rather take W's in winning trades gives me confidence moving forward. I was scared reading on here and online some of the names mentioned, and seeing all that money getting thrown around Day 1, but we made the right lowkey moves. I'm glad we don't have some overpaid guy coming in feeling entitled with something to prove.

When a newcomer comes in making big money and the players on the team don't even feel like he deserves it that hurts the chemistry on a team. How do you think Kyle Lowry... an all-star game starter feels about Carroll coming in making more money than him? Demar Derozan?? They both know they are better players, and as a coach/VP especially SVG made the right move saving the money and showing he has confidence in the guys we have.

[313 Professor]

Stanley - I like. He looks like he can be a combination of 33 year old Joe Johnson and current Draymond Green. Can do it all on O including knock down the 3 but can't really dominate in any one area, and has the body and quick twitch to bang defensively and board. I think he can be an excellent 3/4 glue guy with Iggy type impact (more shooting less playmaking/finishing)

He needs to hit the weight room so he can absorb more contact when he goes inside, but he has the body control, shot, composure, and overall game to develop into a great player as early as this year. Let Dinwiddie hit that heat check shot and we'll all see it.

Dinwiddie - Like I said ^^ in the first post he just needs to get stronger.... His game is so smooth but he's like a feather out there. He runs the P&R well, has the vision, has the touch, and knows what to do he just needs to play with more force and start hitting that 3. These SL guys are playing streetball basically so don't look too much into Dinwiddie struggling a little bit because he's a pure NBA ball type of player. They were hitting him with the Steph Curry hedge because of the lack of weapons lol

Hilliard - Smooth... He got to a stepback that looked good too even though he missed it and I'm really impressed with his pull-up package. His release and poise is impressive too. I want him on the team getting some spot up opportunities

[Laimbeer]

I like the concept of a no negativity thread. If someone like me tries to turn it south hope they get set straight!

Drummond/Baynes - Dre should continue to make incremental progress on his offensive game to finish rounding out into one of the elite big men in the league. Baynes prevents a huge drop off when Dre sits. He can contribute on both ends. Good things said about him on the Spurs board when he left.

Ersan/Tolliver - do we realize just how good Ersan can be from three? 39%, 28%, 44%, 46% in the last four seasons. Tolliver is a good bench guy and can also fill threes.

Johnson/Morris - been a long time since we had two guys this talented at the three. Johnson could be on his way to making those like myself who questioned the choice eat some crow. Morris brings a lot to the table with his three point range and many expect being away from his twin to have a positive affect.

KCP/Meeks - Always loved KCP's motor and effort and Meeks can do other things as well as shoot threes. I'm hopeful these guys can both keep contributing more.

Reggie/Jennings/Dinwiddie - So high on seeing Reggie with a full camp and a lineup this talented. I believe Jennings will return with a vengeance and give us a bench boost or great trade chip. Dinwiddie can only improve with more time.

Also, I think this team won't just be four guys lined up around the arc while Dre works inside. They will be able to stretch the floor but we'll have more ability to create offense at those positions than we've seen in quite a while here. I think we end up with a hybrid that's fun to watch.