Starting Lineup Projections

[Clarity]

We'll revisit this debate at the start of the season. If you are correct I will publicly come on this forum and create a new post congratulating you for correctly predicting that Billup would be a starter to start the season!!! Just to set the record straight, this is how I feel...

nah, its not that serious man. Just a difference of opinion.

Do you think Chauncey is the best option for us bball wise or would you rather have the offense under Jennings direction from day 1?

[Clarity]

Just a couple more things... You gotta be nuts if you don't think Dre is starting. Someone has Dre playing backup at the 4. That's just lunacy!!!

I'd like him to start the season backing up the 4 and 5 exclusively then having Cheeks trying the larger Smith/Monroe/Drummond for spurts during the first couple weeks to see how it works. Drummond will get just as many minutes backing up the two big-spots, but he'll just be playing more minutes with one of Smith or Monroe off the court, allowing for greater overall spacing outside and inside. I don't see the harm in bringing him along slowly, considering he is still only 20 and has conditioning issues.

I think everyone can agree that Drummond is virtually the most no brainer starter we have.

We can sign all the Josh & B Jennings we'd like, any shot at contending down the line is all contingent on Drummond.

[retrolenny]

We'll revisit this debate at the start of the season. If you are correct I will publicly come on this forum and create a new post congratulating you for correctly predicting that Billup would be a starter to start the season!!! Just to set the record straight, this is how I feel...

nah, its not that serious man. Just a difference of opinion.

Do you think Chauncey is the best option for us bball wise or would you rather have the offense under Jennings direction from day 1?

2004.. Heck, even 2010 Chauncey would be the best option but this Chauncey is 37, coming off a serious injury, and hasn't been able to stay healthy. I see him being very effective in limited minutes just like Ben Wallace was when he had his encore with us. I would LOVE it if Chauncey was as good as he was but he's a 37 year old dude running up and down the court with kids 15 years his junior. It just doesn't seem realistic to me. Chauncey IMO has been brought back more as a symbolic gesture, on court mentor/coach, and a locker room leader.. *EDIT And to bring more fans to the Palace!!!

[Rodya]

Just a couple more things... You gotta be nuts if you don't think Dre is starting. Someone has Dre playing backup at the 4. That's just lunacy!!!

I'd like him to start the season backing up the 4 and 5 exclusively then having Cheeks trying the larger Smith/Monroe/Drummond for spurts during the first couple weeks to see how it works. Drummond will get just as many minutes backing up the two big-spots, but he'll just be playing more minutes with one of Smith or Monroe off the court, allowing for greater overall spacing outside and inside. I don't see the harm in bringing him along slowly, considering he is still only 20 and has conditioning issues.

I think everyone can agree that Drummond is virtually the most no brainer starter we have.

We can sign all the Josh & B Jennings we'd like, any shot at contending down the line is all contingent on Drummond.

What does him starting have to do with contending this year? If he sees the same amount of minutes, but fewer at the same time as Monroe and Smith, I don't see how that hurts our chances of winning games this year. Also, I highly doubt he averages more than 28-30 mpg. Foul trouble and conditioning towards the end of the season simply won't allow it.

[retrolenny]

Just a couple more things... You gotta be nuts if you don't think Dre is starting. Someone has Dre playing backup at the 4. That's just lunacy!!!

I'd like him to start the season backing up the 4 and 5 exclusively then having Cheeks trying the larger Smith/Monroe/Drummond for spurts during the first couple weeks to see how it works. Drummond will get just as many minutes backing up the two big-spots, but he'll just be playing more minutes with one of Smith or Monroe off the court, allowing for greater overall spacing outside and inside. I don't see the harm in bringing him along slowly, considering he is still only 20 and has conditioning issues.

I think everyone can agree that Drummond is virtually the most no brainer starter we have.

We can sign all the Josh & B Jennings we'd like, any shot at contending down the line is all contingent on Drummond.

This I agree with 1000%.. I believe Dre has the ability to be one of the best centers in the history of the game. He's more athletic than Dwight and Shaq and will be one of the best defenders the game has ever seen. If he can learn how to shoot a free throw and develop an 8-15 footer then we should be able to win multiple championships with him!!! I'd LOVE for us to bring back Ben just so he can teach Dre some of his killer defensive instinct. Keep in mind that B-Wallace was like 6'7" on a good day!!!

[retrolenny]

I'd like him to start the season backing up the 4 and 5 exclusively then having Cheeks trying the larger Smith/Monroe/Drummond for spurts during the first couple weeks to see how it works. Drummond will get just as many minutes backing up the two big-spots, but he'll just be playing more minutes with one of Smith or Monroe off the court, allowing for greater overall spacing outside and inside. I don't see the harm in bringing him along slowly, considering he is still only 20 and has conditioning issues.

I think everyone can agree that Drummond is virtually the most no brainer starter we have.

We can sign all the Josh & B Jennings we'd like, any shot at contending down the line is all contingent on Drummond.

What does him starting have to do with contending this year? If he sees the same amount of minutes, but fewer at the same time as Monroe and Smith, I don't see how that hurts our chances of winning games this year. Also, I highly doubt he averages more than 28-30 mpg. Foul trouble and conditioning towards the end of the season simply won't allow it.

He said "DOWN THE LINE".. Dre has been ruled the ONLY untouchable on our team. You don't say that about someone who isn't going to start. The big 3 are starting.. You have a better chance of winning the lotto than betting against that starting front court. This is predicated on the assumption that all 3 are healthy throughout the season!!!

[Clarity]

2004.. Heck, even 2010 Chauncey would be the best option but this Chauncey is 37, coming off a serious injury, and hasn't been able to stay healthy. I see him being very effective in limited minutes just like Ben Wallace was when he had his encore with us. I would LOVE it if Chauncey was as good as he was but he's a 37 year old dude running up and down the court with kids 15 years his junior. It just doesn't seem realistic to me. Chauncey IMO has been brought back more as a symbolic gesture, on court mentor/coach, and a locker room leader.. *EDIT And to bring more fans to the Palace!!!

I get your point after reading this but I strongly disagree based on what his game always was. Again, I am saying this under the assumption that there isnt anymore health issues which at 37 is a big if.

[Clarity]

What does him starting have to do with contending this year? If he sees the same amount of minutes, but fewer at the same time as Monroe and Smith, I don't see how that hurts our chances of winning games this year. Also, I highly doubt he averages more than 28-30 mpg. Foul trouble and conditioning towards the end of the season simply won't allow it.

The only way Drummond improves is by reps, its vital hes on the floor as much as possible. Forget that we are a light years better team with him on the floor. He will sub earlier because all bigs sub earlier so he will see some separate time from JS/Monroe. Literally the main reason I was against the JS signing was because it could potentially take away touches & even more importantly space from Drummond. He is our future, his development is really the only thing I care about.

This I agree with 1000%.. I believe Dre has the ability to be one of the best centers in the history of the game. He's more athletic than Dwight and Shaq and will be one of the best defenders the game has ever seen. If he can learn how to shoot a free throw and develop an 8-15 footer then we should be able to win multiple championships with him!!! I'd LOVE for us to bring back Ben just so he can teach Dre some of his killer defensive instinct. Keep in mind that B-Wallace was like 6'7" on a good day!!!

I agree with all this, players like Andre are rare as hell.

This is why every move we make all I care about is how will it impact Andre.

[Rodya]

I think everyone can agree that Drummond is virtually the most no brainer starter we have.

We can sign all the Josh & B Jennings we'd like, any shot at contending down the line is all contingent on Drummond.

What does him starting have to do with contending this year? If he sees the same amount of minutes, but fewer at the same time as Monroe and Smith, I don't see how that hurts our chances of winning games this year. Also, I highly doubt he averages more than 28-30 mpg. Foul trouble and conditioning towards the end of the season simply won't allow it.

He said "DOWN THE LINE".. Dre has been ruled the ONLY untouchable on our team. You don't say that about someone who isn't going to start. The big 3 are starting.. You have a better chance of winning the lotto than betting against that starting front court. This is predicated on the assumption that all 3 are healthy throughout the season!!!

Thanks with the reading comprehension. I merely stated that I think it's in Dre's best interest not to start at the outset of this season, no matter how much I may want him to. If you want to take that as an offense against your manhood, be my guest.

[retrolenny]

What does him starting have to do with contending this year? If he sees the same amount of minutes, but fewer at the same time as Monroe and Smith, I don't see how that hurts our chances of winning games this year. Also, I highly doubt he averages more than 28-30 mpg. Foul trouble and conditioning towards the end of the season simply won't allow it.

He said "DOWN THE LINE".. Dre has been ruled the ONLY untouchable on our team. You don't say that about someone who isn't going to start. The big 3 are starting.. You have a better chance of winning the lotto than betting against that starting front court. This is predicated on the assumption that all 3 are healthy throughout the season!!!

Thanks with the reading comprehension. I merely stated that I think it's in Dre's best interest not to start at the outset of this season, no matter how much I may want him to. If you want to take that as an offense against your manhood, be my guest.

No offense what so ever. The day I get upset over the anonymous opinion of a player who really has no direct impact on my life is the day I must submit to some serious counseling here. It's all good brother!!!

*Edit: We are all here because we love our Pistons.. We are brought together by a common interest. We may disagree on how the coaches will designate the minutes. Heck, we may even disagree with how the coach doles out those minutes but it doesn't mean with dislike them or get offended by those choices. At the end of the day, I am just a fan conversing with other fans!!!

[easiestplayfts]

2004.. Heck, even 2010 Chauncey would be the best option but this Chauncey is 37, coming off a serious injury, and hasn't been able to stay healthy. I see him being very effective in limited minutes just like Ben Wallace was when he had his encore with us. I would LOVE it if Chauncey was as good as he was but he's a 37 year old dude running up and down the court with kids 15 years his junior. It just doesn't seem realistic to me. Chauncey IMO has been brought back more as a symbolic gesture, on court mentor/coach, and a locker room leader. *EDIT And to bring more fans to the Palace!!!

I am the biggest Billups fan ever.... I have been on the Nugget's board, Knicks's board, Clippers's board since the trade. And I agree with you.

I even dreamed that Chauncey was coming back and in 2010 made a sentimental video about the return. But Joe D. and Mo C. needs to make it clear to Chauncey his role on the court will be limited in minutes.

BTW here's the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRQef9Av ... 6bym43fv0w

[qm22]

Are you suggesting that both Jennings and Billups will start at the PG position and allow KCP, Stuck, & Bynum to come off the bench?? If so, how can you have 2 floor generals on the floor at the same time?? Doesn't make sense, sorry.. And the Chauncey at SG experiment certainly did NOT work in LA!!

Im suggesting we start our best 2 wings, Chauncey & Jennings. Even if Chauncey came off the bench he would play some time with Jennings & Jennings will play off the ball. Chauncey is the best bball option at PG.

KCP, Bynum & Stuckey are definitely coming off the bench.

Before leaving Detroit Chauncey had limitations. He was slow and predictable on offense, and could not handle defending terrible opposing PGs (think: Boobie Gibson, or any PG with average NBA speed). His play in recent years doesn't say he is our best wing by objective evaluations. I think years of sucking has gotten people to forget where Chauncey is now and any of his drawbacks. It's a disaster to ask him to start, to pair with someone who is almost undersized for the PG spot, or to play major minutes. Chauncey's main advantage is his range, and possibly decision making, depending on how Jennings and Stuckey can work with the new team. His disadvantages are lack of speed to keep pace with the rest of the starters in transition, defensive liabilities, and lack of ability to individually create and quickly attack off of picks.

Of course, it is just speculation on everyone's parts for now. I feel Cheeks is going to just go with who he thinks the better players are and hasn't mandated any positions for our currently hard to evaluate back court. I'm predicting that will be Jennings/Stuckey/Smith/Monroe/Drummond. He will have to see for himself where our old and young players are at, which is not easy to predict. Young guys could be further ahead than expected, old guys could have sudden new losses. Jennings and Stuckey have been highly up and down in their past.

Although that is my expectation, I think Cheeks will make a more informed decision, and if that does involve starting Chauncey I'll be shocked, but believe there is a good reason for it. Chauncey seems very likely to finish games often, but unlikely to win a starting role.

[mercury]

My concerns with the Jennings signing is the lack of putting the ball in the efficient players hands... JS will demand the ball... Jennings has always been a high volume shooter... where does this leave Monroe?
Dre will get his garbage pts... KCP & Bynum are also high volume shooters... I'm thinking this will be too much iso & not enough intelligent distribution.

[Dre Drummond]

Jennings just needs to cut out the long two pointers... take efficient good look 3s and penetrate and create for himself or others and he will be fine.... Also when we do slow it down get him in the pick and roll with our bigs and we will have some good options out there.

I have a feeling we are REALLY going to get after it defensively and push the ball and Jennings will thrive in the open court with Smith and Dre... Its going to be an exciting team to watch.