MIN vs DET 730PM

[OneBadMutha]

If the other team has a good offensive point guard and good offensive power forward...and then can top that off by spreading the floor with shooters, Pistons don't have a shot. They might be able to live with either Monroe or Jennings defensively...but not both.

[menten]

Dumars fukked up by not trading monroe when his value was high at the beginning of the season. Now all we can get for him is a mediocre 3 and D guy like ariza. Can dumars just gtfo please?

[dVs33]

Dumars fukked up by not trading monroe when his value was high at the beginning of the season. Now all we can get for him is a mediocre 3 and D guy like ariza. Can dumars just gtfo please?

This is one of the more ridiculous posts i've seen in a while.
you need to give up on basketball If you honestly think all we'd get in return for monroe is ariza,

[urinesane]

Just wanted to stop by and say that you guys have a great announcing crew. Compared to many around the league, they are very good, and were a pleasure to listen to during the game.

[DetroitPistons]

Just wanted to stop by and say that you guys have a great announcing crew. Compared to many around the league, they are very good, and were a pleasure to listen to during the game.

Thanks. Most Pistons fans recognize that our announcers are good and not just blatant homers like so many other announcing crews. It's almost frustrating how unhomeristic they are sometimes because when we are getting blown out like we were tonight the last thing we want to hear is how awesome the other teams players are lol.

[urinesane]

Just wanted to stop by and say that you guys have a great announcing crew. Compared to many around the league, they are very good, and were a pleasure to listen to during the game.

Thanks. Most Pistons fans recognize that our announcers are good and not just blatant homers like so many other announcing crews. It's almost frustrating how unhomeristic they are sometimes because when we are getting blown out like we were tonight the last thing we want to hear is how awesome the other teams players are lol.

It's just nice to hear guys that can handle a tough game for team and not just end up sounding snarky and cynical. Also they were solid with the facts on lesser known players, they seemed like they had a much better feel for the game and the away team more than just empty box scores.

Houston was probably the worst I've seen, sounded like 3 annoying fans giving their commentary in the stands behind you, and getting basic facts wrong like "Derrick Williams was their #1 pick, I can't believe he has been in the league for 7 years already! (a bit later) Correction he's in his 4th year (he's in his 3rd)." or "Robbie Hummel, I remember him years ago at Duke!" (went to Purdue).

Your crew is very professional, knew their facts and it sounded genuine (not like they were just reading stats and fun facts from a write up). They definitely spun it positive and didn't get too negative (but they did point out solid criticism of their play), but it kept a game that was pretty out of hand entertaining and interesting.

I know Detroit isn't still in a "rebuild", but it seems they will need to shift pieces around a bit, and as a Wolves fan I've watched my share of lopsided losses for the Wolves over the years, and how announcers handle it professionally can make it much more bearable. Also, when the Pistons are winning, they aren't talking smack about the other team, which if you're an opposing team watching, makes it way less annoying to lose to those teams.

I never thought I'd write this much about announcing crews, but it's late and I have some good herbal supplements.

Good game and good luck this year (the Wolves should be in the Central damnit).

[Uncle Mxy]

Cheeks' post-game comments are really disappointing. They basically amount to "we can't stop them so we better outscore them".

PLAY SOME D!!!!!!

Sheesh...

[princeofpalace]

Monroe is a better player than Smith, if we trade Monroe to make room for Smith we will all still be complaining about Smith's bad attitude, lack of leadership mentality and most of all terrible shot selection- just like the Hawks fans have been for years.

Smith is not a winning player, he's not an effective post scorer, nor is he a good jump shooter. He is a garbage man on offense and will get in the way of Drummond. Signing Smith has been a mistake- his presence has seriously hampered Greg- who is invisible since he rarely gets the ball on offense- despite being our most consistent post presence.

Smith is the newest Ben Gordon, Greg is Arron Afflalo.

[hoophabit]

I'll admit that I don't know the particulars of Cheeks' defensive system

Nothing to admit, I'm fairly certain a defensive system doesn't exist.

I'm not certain about a whole lot, but one thing is that this board is loaded with people long on certainty.

I'm also certain this was a pathetic defensive effort, and a very frustrating game.

Hope we see better against the Pelicans.

[Hotmayo]

Monroe is a better player than Smith, if we trade Monroe to make room for Smith we will all still be complaining about Smith's bad attitude, lack of leadership mentality and most of all terrible shot selection- just like the Hawks fans have been for years.

Smith is not a winning player, he's not an effective post scorer, nor is he a good jump shooter. He is a garbage man on offense and will get in the way of Drummond. Signing Smith has been a mistake- his presence has seriously hampered Greg- who is invisible since he rarely gets the ball on offense- despite being our most consistent post presence.

Smith is the newest Ben Gordon, Greg is Arron Afflalo.

I disagree with everything you just said. Im sorry but greg Monroe is not better than josh smith.

[rmfc]

Monroe is a better player than Smith, if we trade Monroe to make room for Smith we will all still be complaining about Smith's bad attitude, lack of leadership mentality and most of all terrible shot selection- just like the Hawks fans have been for years.

Smith is not a winning player, he's not an effective post scorer, nor is he a good jump shooter. He is a garbage man on offense and will get in the way of Drummond. Signing Smith has been a mistake- his presence has seriously hampered Greg- who is invisible since he rarely gets the ball on offense- despite being our most consistent post presence.

Smith is the newest Ben Gordon, Greg is Arron Afflalo.

Both players have issues and both players will look better with a much more balanced squad.

We can't cut Monroe any slack just because we drafted him. I am sorry but "Gibson is an excellent defender!!!"(not directed at you) Is not enough of an excuse for Monroe's(our shining star, supposedly) horrible performances against Bulls.....every single time. Henson (of all people) had a decent offensive game against the Bulls.

And....I didn't even mention Monroe's "defense".

[Klomp]

You guys have a solid team. In the east you should definitely do damage. I did not like the Jennings and Smith acquisitions for you guys, but Jennings has played better than I expected. Still don't like Smith at SF though, and it looks like you guys don't either.

Just wanted to add that I went to college for a year with the FSD sideline girl Lindsey Hayes.

[ImHeisenberg]

I'll admit that I don't know the particulars of Cheeks' defensive system

Nothing to admit, I'm fairly certain a defensive system doesn't exist.

I'm not certain about a whole lot, but one thing is that this board is loaded with people long on certainty.

I'm also certain this was a pathetic defensive effort, and a very frustrating game.

Hope we see better against the Pelicans.

There is zero excuse for Detroit not to dominate the Pelicans' front line. Davis is out, and it's damn slim behind him. I'm sure Ryan Anderson will get 30+ points against Detroit's paltry perimeter defense. But, our bigs should get a lot of baskets at the hoop. It's not like they tired themselves out last night from playing too hard.

[Clarity]

I want Drummond to develop as well, but it's obvious he has alot to learn and it's not going to happen during the season. He still needs to learn how to get good position near the block(I understand he doesn't do much of it now because they don't run plays for him) but when he does try he doesn't take a spot, he lets the defender dictate his spot. Also, I'm sorry to say he has almost zero low post moves besides that half-hook and dunks. He's is young and will learn but it's obviously not there now.

If the wings look to get him easy buckets constantly he could get 20 a night off that, the few times this year that has occurred we have won, big. Nights like last night where we have ignored him, we have lost.

& he definitely deserves some touches on the block, that jump hook has come along very nice.

The franchise needs some clarity (no pun) at times. This or next year dont matter, Drummond matters. The goal should be to compete for a championship again someday & the only way to do that is by Drummond reaching his ceiling.

[Clarity]

Monroe is a better player than Smith, if we trade Monroe to make room for Smith we will all still be complaining about Smith's bad attitude, lack of leadership mentality and most of all terrible shot selection- just like the Hawks fans have been for years.

Smith is not a winning player, he's not an effective post scorer, nor is he a good jump shooter. He is a garbage man on offense and will get in the way of Drummond. Signing Smith has been a mistake- his presence has seriously hampered Greg- who is invisible since he rarely gets the ball on offense- despite being our most consistent post presence.

Smith is the newest Ben Gordon, Greg is Arron Afflalo.

This was why I said what I said last Summer when his name was brought up as a potential signing.

[Q00]

Monroe is a better player than Smith, if we trade Monroe to make room for Smith we will all still be complaining about Smith's bad attitude, lack of leadership mentality and most of all terrible shot selection- just like the Hawks fans have been for years.

Smith is not a winning player, he's not an effective post scorer, nor is he a good jump shooter. He is a garbage man on offense and will get in the way of Drummond. Signing Smith has been a mistake- his presence has seriously hampered Greg- who is invisible since he rarely gets the ball on offense- despite being our most consistent post presence.

Smith is the newest Ben Gordon, Greg is Arron Afflalo.

I think I get what you are saying with that analogy at that end. That signing Smith was a mistake like Gordon, and trading Monroe will be regretful like trading Afflalo. The problem with this analogy is that if Afflalo was one of the worst defenders in the league, like Monroe, no one would be regretting trading him right now. And if Gordon were more than just a one-dimensional 3 pt shooter and actually good on defense, he may have actually worked out. Considering Smith is the complete opposite of one-dimensional and does a little of everything, including good defense, I don't see the similarities at all.

To say Smith isn't a winning player when he helped take Atlanta to the playoffs 5 straight years doesn't really make sense. Any Atlanta fan complaining about that, after all those years of ineptitude from that franchise, sounds like just an ungrateful and immature fanbase. Conversely, Monroe has never helped the Pistons win anything, so if you are comparing the two, I don't know how Smith is the one that gets labeled as "not a winning player". He's also a pretty good post player, so I don't know what you mean by that either.

You make an interesting point though about how Greg has been invisible since he no longer gets the same touches on offense. And therein lies the problem most have with him. If he's not scoring, he pretty much contributes nothing. If Smith isn't scoring, he's still doing other things to help you win, including making plays on defense.

Now which player sounds like Gordon and which like Afflalo?

Sounds to me like Smith is more like Afflalo - plays tough scrappy defense and does all the little things - and Monroe is the one-dimensional offensive player who plays no defense like Gordon.

In my opinion though, I think the reason there's this constant back and forth between which to keep, is because both are inconsistent players. One night they both play good, and the next night neither play good. One night Smith plays good and Monroe plays bad, the next night Monroe plays good and Smith plays bad.

That's why I'm starting to think we might be better with just a utility guy who gives you consistently good play every night. Rather than an all-star performance one night, and then plays like crap the next night like we're getting from Monroe and Smith this year. Because we already get that all-star level performance up front every night from Drummond. So maybe we would be better off with just a role player who can be consistent next to him, who you know what your getting from every night, and maybe neither of these guys are the answer.

[DetroitPistons]

Just wanted to stop by and say that you guys have a great announcing crew. Compared to many around the league, they are very good, and were a pleasure to listen to during the game.

Thanks. Most Pistons fans recognize that our announcers are good and not just blatant homers like so many other announcing crews. It's almost frustrating how unhomeristic they are sometimes because when we are getting blown out like we were tonight the last thing we want to hear is how awesome the other teams players are lol.

It's just nice to hear guys that can handle a tough game for team and not just end up sounding snarky and cynical. Also they were solid with the facts on lesser known players, they seemed like they had a much better feel for the game and the away team more than just empty box scores.

Houston was probably the worst I've seen, sounded like 3 annoying fans giving their commentary in the stands behind you, and getting basic facts wrong like "Derrick Williams was their #1 pick, I can't believe he has been in the league for 7 years already! (a bit later) Correction he's in his 4th year (he's in his 3rd)." or "Robbie Hummel, I remember him years ago at Duke!" (went to Purdue).

Your crew is very professional, knew their facts and it sounded genuine (not like they were just reading stats and fun facts from a write up). They definitely spun it positive and didn't get too negative (but they did point out solid criticism of their play), but it kept a game that was pretty out of hand entertaining and interesting.

I know Detroit isn't still in a "rebuild", but it seems they will need to shift pieces around a bit, and as a Wolves fan I've watched my share of lopsided losses for the Wolves over the years, and how announcers handle it professionally can make it much more bearable. Also, when the Pistons are winning, they aren't talking smack about the other team, which if you're an opposing team watching, makes it way less annoying to lose to those teams.

I never thought I'd write this much about announcing crews, but it's late and I have some good herbal supplements.

Good game and good luck this year (the Wolves should be in the Central damnit).

Lol thanks. Good luck to you guys too. I also can't stand most of the announcing crews around the league (BOS, HOU, POR, CHI, etc.) so I get where you're coming from.

[DetroitPistons]

Monroe is a better player than Smith, if we trade Monroe to make room for Smith we will all still be complaining about Smith's bad attitude, lack of leadership mentality and most of all terrible shot selection- just like the Hawks fans have been for years.

Smith is not a winning player, he's not an effective post scorer, nor is he a good jump shooter. He is a garbage man on offense and will get in the way of Drummond. Signing Smith has been a mistake- his presence has seriously hampered Greg- who is invisible since he rarely gets the ball on offense- despite being our most consistent post presence.

Smith is the newest Ben Gordon, Greg is Arron Afflalo.

I agree mostly. Smith has been trash and all of those reasons you mentioned, plus many more, are why we should ship him out asap. Although, Monroe has been very disappointing too. He looks like his confidence is shot and is far from consistent right now. I haven't been impressed with either of them. All I know is that one of them needs to go and the one who goes depends on what we would be getting back in the trade. I hope that is as obvious to Dumars as it is to many fans.

[hoophabit]

Just wanted to stop by and say that you guys have a great announcing crew. Compared to many around the league, they are very good, and were a pleasure to listen to during the game.

It's nice of you to comment. Yes, we really do. I can't imagine that Blaha will go too much longer, and that's too bad. As one of the board geezers, years ago I used to watch the Pistons (and the NBA) on a 4 gigahertz satellite system before they started scrambling everything. That is to say I watched the raw feeds and would hear not just the broadcast but all the behind the scenes stuff as well. Blaha was always the same, either on air or off. He's a real gentleman, and Kelser seems much the same. Both Blaha and Kelser know the league and its players pretty well, and manage to avoid homerism for the most part, except to note that they don't say stuff like "these clowns are taking the night off" like they might have last night, in deference to their jobs I suppose.

[Defor]

Missed the game but noticed in the boxscore Billups played .Has anybody heard if Cheeks is planning on starting him again ? I kinda like KCP starting , his defense has been good and his offense seems to be coming along. I'd hate to see him go back to the bench.