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TA has been really showing support for his teammates from the bench, I don't think he sat down once the entire game. That's what you want to see from guys on the bench and it looks like he's not as angry about his playing time as we might at first think. This is a good thing, because if Tony has a clear mind he can be pretty valuable versus the Pistons.

The Hawks and Cavs both have very large 2/3s, but that's not the case with the Pistons. Although Prince and Hamilton are tall, they are both lanky players that Tony matches up better with than someone like LeBron or Joe Johnson. Additionally, Detroit has been playing Stuckey occasionally as their backup 2. Tony should be able to handle him better than someone like Ray or Paul Pierce. Finally, Chauncey Billups has always struggled when matched up against bigger players. For this reason, I think it might work to switch Ray onto Billups and put Rondo on Hamilton. If either of these guys get into foul trouble, or need a breather, it'd be nice to have Tony come in and pressure the ball handler. (I also wouldn't be against using Eddie in a similar role.)

On another subject, I wonder what Posey's role will be in the Detroit series. We used Posey to cover LeBron and Joe Johnson, when the choice was obvious, but what Piston will he be able to shut down? I don't think he's fast enough to chase Hamilton all day and he could do a good job against Prince, but Prince isn't exactly an offensive juggernaut. Do we put Posey on Sheed to chase him out around the 3 point line? Is Posey strong enough to keep Wallace out of the post?

Hopefully Tony will take a page right out of Eddie's book and play stellar D after 2 rounds on the bench.

I remember some disastrous results in the regular season when Posey tried to guard Rasheed. The height difference is too much (it seemed more of a factor than you'd expect for only being 3 inches...)

I agree that Tony's minutes are needed now. The starters are getting too worn down and Tony off the bench can at least pentrate and draw fouls. Ray needs less minutes and Detroits guards are tough. Tony can at least give Billups some hard fouls.

I hope so.

I want him hungry right out of the cage.

Definitely want to see TA against DET. He is perfect for defending Hamilton and Billups! Come on, Doc, give Tony a few of Ray`s minutes!

And I would like Posey to cover Billups at times! Billups isn`t too quick it might work for short stretches! Posey is long!

ditto, he deserves time and will earn it

I definitely see Posey getting more time at PF in this series. One of the matchup problems with Cleveland is their size. We had to give big minutes to PJ, Powe or Baby and luckily PJ stepped up. Fortunately against Detroit, Posey can be our backup to Perkins again and will be able to hold his own against McDyess or Maxiel and occasionally Rasheed.[/img]

prince is probably the one guy i'm worried about the most offensively to be honest. he's not a kobe bryant, but he's pretty decent and he's the heart and soul of the pistons IMO.

Rocky5000 wrote:TA has been really showing support for his teammates from the bench, I don't think he sat down once the entire game.

Lets keep it that way. He can contribute from the bench. He is not of value anymore IMO.

How can you justify playing him in a series as big as this one?


He can't dribble anymore....can't drive....can't shoot...fouls too much at wrong times... I don't understand the support. Scal is fired up on the bench too. Should we give him some of KG's minutes?

The support comes because last year when PP was hurt he was often the best player on the floor. <g> He is too talented to ride on the bench.

Much like PP he will make turnovers handling the ball - but he plays good D, can slash to the hoop and could potentially be an energy player. Id love to see him get some burn.

Pete

GuyClinch wrote:The support comes because last year when PP was hurt he was often the best player on the floor. <g> He is too talented to ride on the bench.

That's not saying much with last years team