Oden

[Cowology]

I think the Pistons are a pefect fit for him and for us. If we could somehow get him back to even serviceable, he could be great in the "dice" role as the 3rd big behind Moose/Dre. I'm salivating just thinking of an Oden/Drummond frontcourt defensively, if we could ever get him back to old Oden form, which his agent believes in possible.

And if it doesn't work out, no risk involved. Joe should be all over this opportunity.

Ok, you've convinced me...I didn't think of the "Mcdyess" experiment...Moose/Pinguien/O-Dawg front-court would be pretty nasty...

Pistons have always had great backup bigs in their championship years. ppl remember Ben/Sheed and Laimbeer/Mahorn and think all we need is 2 bigs, but don't forget about guys like Buddha, Elden, Memo, Dyess, Rodman, etc. I know Joe likes to have depth up front, so Oden would seem to fit that mold perfect if we can rehab him.

Very true. And I do agree that as a general rule Joe likes bigman depth and this is the type of low risk/high reward move that could have some merit.

But remember that when Joe was building that 2004 squad it was with the Lakers & Spurs in mind. He had to load up on bigmen because the most dominant players in the league where at power positions. Look at who the top players on the elite teams are now; LBJ, Durant, Melo, Paul, Rose etc.

Not that you load up on fouls to use against those guys since they are much better FT shooters, so maybe you still do stock up on bigs. I dunno. Just kinda rambling...

[Goldtop]

But remember that when Joe was building that 2004 squad it was with the Lakers & Spurs in mind. He had to load up on bigmen because the most dominant players in the league where at power positions. Look at who the top players on the elite teams are now; LBJ, Durant, Melo, Paul, Rose etc.

Not that you load up on fouls to use against those guys since they are much better FT shooters, so maybe you still do stock up on bigs. I dunno. Just kinda rambling...

I agree. LeBron is the new "Shaq" of this era. While I still want quality depth behind Moose/Dre, the SF position is where we need to stock up most. There's no 1 defensive SF who can guard LeBron but if you can put an array of good defenders on him, all giving him different looks it can be effective. When DAL beat MIA they had Marion, Peja, and Butler I think. Pejas not a good defender, but his size can make jumpshots difficult, plus he could make LeBron work some on D.

I'd love to somehow find a lockdown perimeter defender like a Tony Allen, Bowen type. Essentially our "Tayshaun" for this next era. We need that go to guy on defense that we can put on the other teams best perimter scorer.

[Drwho17]

Pistons should not waste their time being a "rehab team". If Oden wants to commit, they need to get him for more then just a partial season, we need to have a contract with options. It is possible he could be a factor, when he actually was healthy he did some good things in Portland, but I don't want to help him get back in game shape for some other team.

[MrBigShot]

I'd be willing to take a chance on him for a really small contract, given our medical staff. Arnie Kander is terrific. A 3 man rotation of Moose/Drummond with Oden coming in at center off the bench would be the best bigman rotation in the league if Oden gets even half way to the player he could have become.

[Cowology]

But remember that when Joe was building that 2004 squad it was with the Lakers & Spurs in mind. He had to load up on bigmen because the most dominant players in the league where at power positions. Look at who the top players on the elite teams are now; LBJ, Durant, Melo, Paul, Rose etc.

Not that you load up on fouls to use against those guys since they are much better FT shooters, so maybe you still do stock up on bigs. I dunno. Just kinda rambling...

I agree. LeBron is the new "Shaq" of this era. While I still want quality depth behind Moose/Dre, the SF position is where we need to stock up most. There's no 1 defensive SF who can guard LeBron but if you can put an array of good defenders on him, all giving him different looks it can be effective. When DAL beat MIA they had Marion, Peja, and Butler I think. Pejas not a good defender, but his size can make jumpshots difficult, plus he could make LeBron work some on D.

I'd love to somehow find a lockdown perimeter defender like a Tony Allen, Bowen type. Essentially our "Tayshaun" for this next era. We need that go to guy on defense that we can put on the other teams best perimter scorer.

I pretty much agree. Until proven otherwise LeBron is the guy you build your team to beat. What exactly that entails I dunno. But I think we have a leg up with Monroe & especially Drummond up front. Size and the ability to protect the paint. With LBJ playing over half his minutes at PF this year that could be huge.

Still want that physical, defense SF though. That can hit a corner 3 of course.

[Damon_3388]

What's so special about the PHX med staff? If I'm not mistaken didn't Amare suffer major injuries in PHX and was never the same player after?

Amare had two of his best seasons in Phoenix (2006-07, 2007-08) right after coming back from microfracture surgury.

[Redeemed]

What's so special about the PHX med staff? If I'm not mistaken didn't Amare suffer major injuries in PHX and was never the same player after?

Amare had two of his best seasons in Phoenix (2006-07, 2007-08) right after coming back from microfracture surgury.

Steve Nash was rejuvenated in Phoenix under their medical care after being deemed damaged goods in Dallas.
Grant Hill found the fountain of youth in Phoenix after failed attempts at rehab in Orlando.
Even Shaq (the Big Breakdown) had health in Phoenix.
Jermaine O'Neal is in Phoenix because he heard great things about their medical staff.

[The Penguin]

The winters in PHX are a little easier on the body than those in Detroit.

Oden presents a classic no risk-high reward scenario.