OT - DEEEE-troit Basketball
Boy I like the looks of this Pistons team. If you have not been paying attention, and really as of right now there has not been any real decisive reason to do so, the Pistons have clipped the Heat on the road, handed Indiana its first home loss, and came back from 23 last night in the Gaaaden to take down the Celtics in a (if they started today) playoff preview of sorts. Brandon Jennings is showing early signs of being Mr. Bigshot 2.0, going nuts for 28 point and 14 assists last night and has hit cold blooded dagger 3s in the last two games. Jennings is also high pick-and-rolling people to death with Drummond and Monroe, with the former dunking on everybody who is even giving him a sideways glance. OK, 13-14, I get it, they are not the 97 Bulls, but their schedule has been pretty brutal including a heartbreaker against Portland on Sunday.
There are also moves to be made with this roster. The Pistons could be the next big thing in the East here if they manage their assets well. Stuckey has an expiring contract but has also been playing pretty well this season, Mornoe is effective, but with Smith on a longish term deal and Drummond as the real must-keep peice of the front court, could Monroe be the odd man out here by the end of the year? Our foreign cartel has been pretty much relegated to spectators and it does not look like Cheeks plans on sending them on many trips to the scorers table any time soon, what to make of them?
I intend this as legit Pistons discussion and I know that most of you have likely forgot there is still a basketball team in Detroit. So perhaps engage only if interested. I like this team. I really think it could take shape. Anybody else picked up the Pistons out of the mothballs and dusted them off? What do you think?
December 19th, 2013 at 8:56 AM ^
The problem with the pistons is that right now they live and die by Jennings and Josh Smith - who will shoot relentlessly regardless of how many are going in. In one of those big wins you mentioned, I think it was noteworthy that Josh Smith took most of his shots from the paint. They're a team whose strength is in the paint and not perimeter shooting. The more this is accepted, the more likely they are to stay above .500
December 19th, 2013 at 9:00 AM ^
does just jack from behind the arc, you are right there. But that also involves personnel. With both Monroe and Drummond, there is only so much room down low in any given offense. Smith is a 3-4 combo and they have invested in him not for a few years. There is only so much paint to go around and that is another reason why I think that Moose may not last here. The one ingredient missing here is a true wing, they have a few wingish players, but not a prototypical 3 man with a consistent face up game involving more than just step back 3s. That is a hole that needs to be filled.
December 19th, 2013 at 9:09 AM ^
Jennings is tied for fifth in the league with eight assists per game, so it's not like he's ballhogging. Jennings is the starting point guard and he and Smith are the top two scorers on the team going by career numbers, so "living and dying" by them is no surprise. It's the nature of basketball. Frankly, if they'd continued to feed Smith and not put the ball in Rodney Stuckey's hands they'd have beaten Portland, too.
I know what people want is to feed Monroe and Drummond all the time, but Drummond's role is already hugely expanded from last season, his shots have almost doubled, and Monroe's usage is slightly down from last year but perfectly on par with what it was two years ago, his best season.
December 19th, 2013 at 9:26 AM ^
Of course the nature of basketball that shooters will have off nights, but as I mentioned, when Smith stays home, the team does better. And when you have three guys who can perform in the paint (as mentioned below, the pistons are #1 in points in the paint), a cold shooter should lay off shooting - that's all I'm saying. The team has enough threats that we don't need to always take 20 3-pointers per night if they aren't falling. If they focus on that identity, they will win more games.
December 19th, 2013 at 8:59 AM ^
December 19th, 2013 at 9:05 AM ^
and not everybody has been thrilled with Smith, but he did go into Conseco and go for 30, also coming up with two huge defensive plays late. The Pistons have a surplus of strength down low, and Smith has a little bit more versitility than Monroe. I am just thinking of ways they can optimally use what they have and get what they need.
December 19th, 2013 at 9:49 AM ^
Takes less dumb shots when you account for a 3 point gunner on the perimeter at the 3.
With the contract, he can't be traded. Drummond isn't going anywhere. Monroe is the logical choice.
December 19th, 2013 at 9:54 AM ^
Monroe is the only realistic option if the Pistons do make a big move. As Drummond's offensive game develops, Monroes's importance could diminish. I'm happy with the frontcourt as it is, but if the Pistons had a chance to get a really dynamic wing, Monroe is the logical player to leave and Smith could slide back down to the 4.
December 19th, 2013 at 10:07 AM ^
The problem is Monroe is a turnstile on defense, and Smith is horribly inefficient on the perimeter. They would be better off moving Monroe for a 2/3 who can knock down threes and play great defense.
December 19th, 2013 at 9:02 AM ^
attention to the scores every morning, and I've managed to notice that they are improving. Although not a huge NBA fan, I always want to see the hometown team do well. I miss the gritty days of Isaiah Thomas, John Salley, Joey D, Rodman and Bill Lambier. Those were tough teams and I hope these guys can continue to improve and do justice for their legacy.
Go Pistons!
December 19th, 2013 at 9:07 AM ^
is kind of built in that mold. They out-work some other more talented teams.
December 19th, 2013 at 9:05 AM ^
Here is how the Pistons stack up compared to the rest of the NBA on some select metrics, courtesy of TeamRankings. There are some great showings on a few dynamics here, which adds to my own thought that the future seems encouraging for the Pistons:
DET Offense | Value (rank) | DET Defense | Value (rank) |
Points/Game | 100.2 (#16) | Opp Points/Game | 101.1 (#20) |
Avg Score Margin | -0.9 (#17) | Opp Avg Score Margin | +0.9 (#17) |
Fastbreak Pts/Gm | 16.1 (#8) | Opp Fastbreak Pts/Gm | 14.0 (#22) |
Pts in Paint/Gm | 51.6 (#1) | Opp Pts in Paint/Gm | 41.4 (#17) |
Assists/Game | 20.0 (#24) | Opp Assists/Game | 23.0 (#24) |
Total Rebounds/Gm | 53.6 (#9) | Opp Total Rebounds/Gm | 49.5 (#4) |
Assists/FGM | 0.519 (#27) | Opp Assists/FGM | 0.616 (#24) |
Assists/Turnover | 1.293 (#21) | Opp Assists/Turnover | 1.389 (#12) |
Shooting Statistics | |||
DET Offense
|
Value (rank) | DET Defense | Value (rank) |
Effective FG % | 48.8% (#18) | Opp Effective FG % | 51.3% (#23) |
FTA/FGA | 0.296 (#10) | Opp FTA/FGA | 0.284 (#17) |
Free Throw % | 67.3% (#30) | Opp Free Throw % | 79.6% (#30) |
Three Point % | 31.5% (#29) | Opp Three Point % | 37.1% (#23) |
Two Point % | 49.3% (#8) | Opp Two Point % | 49.7% (#23) |
Shooting % | 45.2% (#13) | Opp Shooting % | 46.3% (#22) |
Shooting Efficiency | 1.033 (#22) | Opp Shooting Efficiency | 1.101 (#27) |
Rebounding Statistics | |||
DET Offense
|
Value (rank) | DET Defense | Value (rank) |
Off Rebounds/Gm | 14.2 (#1) | Opp Off Rebounds/Gm | 10.1 (#5) |
Def Rebounds/Gm | 30.3 (#24) | Opp Def Rebounds/Gm | 31.2 (#10) |
Off Rebound % | 31.3% (#1) | Opp Off Rebound % | 25.0% (#14) |
Def Rebound % | 75.0% (#14) | Opp Def Rebound % | 68.7% (#1) |
Blocks Statistics | |||
DET Offense
|
Value (rank) | DET Defense | Value (rank) |
Blocks/Game | 5.0 (#11) | Opp Blocks/Game | 4.6 (#14) |
Block % | 6.2% (#11) | Opp Block % | 5.3% (#11) |
Steals Statistics | |||
DET Offense
|
Value (rank) | DET Defense | Value (rank) |
Steals/Game | 9.0 (#4) | Opp Steals/Game | 8.8 (#26) |
Steals/Play | 8.3% (#4) | Opp Steals/Play | 7.8% (#22) |
Turnovers Statistics | |||
DET Offense
|
Value (rank) | DET Defense | Value (rank) |
Turnovers/Game | 15.4 (#18) | Opp Turnovers/Game | 16.6 (#7) |
Turnovers/Play | 13.7% (#13) | Opp Turnovers/Play | 15.3% (#5) |
December 19th, 2013 at 9:39 AM ^
December 19th, 2013 at 9:08 AM ^
I honestly didn't know that Jennings was capable of 14 assists. That's a huge stat line for him.
December 19th, 2013 at 9:11 AM ^
He averages 8.0 a game...tied for 5th in the league.
December 19th, 2013 at 9:18 AM ^
OK...wow. I'm impressed. Tells you how much I've been paying attention (not an avid NBA fan). Wasn't the scouting report him something like a 5 APG type of player with the propensity to shoot 25 times a night?
December 19th, 2013 at 9:21 AM ^
shows symptoms of that, but he has proven much more effective than I thought he would be at distributing. He and Drummond work really well together and Jennings gets into the lane at will. He is reeaaally quick, a fun player to watch actually.
December 19th, 2013 at 11:23 AM ^
Wasn't the more shooting/fewer assists because the Bucks needed more scoring out of him (i.e., not having other options)? With the Pistons he doesn't have to shoot as much and can distribute more.
December 19th, 2013 at 9:21 AM ^
Yeah he's been a 5-6 assist per game player before this year.
December 19th, 2013 at 9:10 AM ^
Since the Billups trade I just automatically assume the Pistons are awful and forget they exist. Also, I no longer live in Michigan so it's difficult to catch anything other than bits and pieces of a Lions game on NFL Redzone or a college game because BTN is everywhere. Yay for the Pistons being better than awful if that's indeed the case though. I miss having something other than the Stanley Cup to care about in May/June.
December 19th, 2013 at 9:23 AM ^
December 19th, 2013 at 9:26 AM ^
though with regard to Burke, it hurts as a Pistons fan to see him lighting things up a little, but KCP is an interesting player. I definately see what Joe D saw in him. He could be a big time scorer.
December 19th, 2013 at 11:46 AM ^
...but it was annoying. Burke is such a tough gritty player that it seemed like he'd be a great fit given the Pistons needed a point guard. And with Drummond as the big man, him & Burke could have been the cornerstones for the next decade.
Even so, I still thought the Pistons improved in the offseason and it's nice to see some results coming from that. Hopefully it will continue to be a fun winter & spring.
December 19th, 2013 at 1:21 PM ^
It's possible to believe the Pistons are improved (though still only 13-14) and still have made a mistake passing on Burke. They aren't mutually exclusive propositions. Personally, I think it'd have been awesome to watch Burke toss alley-oops to Drummond.
December 19th, 2013 at 9:28 AM ^
The Eastern conference blows, so even if the Pistons play OK basketball they'll likely make it to the playoffs. At which point they will get destroyed by the Pacers or Heat, assuming they even make it far enough to face one of those teams.
December 19th, 2013 at 9:34 AM ^
December 19th, 2013 at 9:38 AM ^
than having the two best teams in the league (who the Pistons have competed real well against), yeah, the East is a joke.
December 19th, 2013 at 10:11 AM ^
That's kind of my point though: the East is so terrible, they could actually regress and still have a shot at making the playoffs. Making the playoffs in the Eastern Conference right now isn't really a great achievement.
December 19th, 2013 at 5:16 PM ^
Pistons have beat both those teams on the road already. Pistons are the type of team (Big frontcourt) that would give the Heat fits in a 7 game series.
December 19th, 2013 at 12:28 PM ^
December 19th, 2013 at 9:40 AM ^
It's definitely going to take some time for them gel. This is a really young lineup.
December 19th, 2013 at 1:24 PM ^
You can already tell how much better they are playing together just compared to say the first few games of the season.
December 19th, 2013 at 10:54 AM ^
2 road wins against the Pacers and the Heat. Hibbert had a bad game against the Pistons. Heat had no answer for Drummond. Pistons, for some reason, match up well against both team. Also, the Pistons are 12-5 against the East but 1-9 against the West. They played Portland tough and needed Daimian Lillard last second shot to beat them.
December 19th, 2013 at 9:31 AM ^
Not a Pistons fan, but I do follow the NBA regularly.
I think the Pistons have a great foundation for going forward. Their one major mistake in the offseason was signing Josh Smith. He's not a 3 and Monroe and Drummond provide a better presence in the front court. They need a shooter at the 3 spot, in my opinion.
KCP was also picked 'too high' in the draft for me, and they did pass on BOTH Burke and MCW (but at least got Jennings to help out the PG situation). Given how terrible the East is this year, they should be a 'lock' for a playoff spot and could even win a series if the matchup works in their favor.
December 19th, 2013 at 9:34 AM ^
Full disclosure, I have only caught a few games so far this year. From what I have seen, they remind me of the Pacers minus Paul George. Incredibly deep at the 4 and 5, and are the type of team that could give the Heat fits just by pounding the glass. Still dont think they have a "finisher", but the peices are there. If I'm Dumars I'm all over the phones looking for that last peice. Monroe probably has to be involved in any significant trade, and I wouldnt hate it. Him and Smith are too similar and they need someone at the 3 who can slash and space the floor a little better.
December 19th, 2013 at 9:49 AM ^
Smith would be valuable to a team that needs a legit 4. Get a young legit 3 and you've got a team that could be competitive for 6-8 years.
Drummond Monroe KCP Jennings and a legit young 3 could grow and mesh together like the previous Pistons championship teams.
I know a lot of people hate the nba but the Pistons are my #3 team after UM hoops and football so I'm excited about what I'm seeing on the court thus far this year.
December 19th, 2013 at 10:00 AM ^
not be a trade, they just may not extend him and not match what are certain to be pretty big offers for Monroe after this season. They have money into Smith and Jennings, and Drummond is going to command max money after next year. It is possible that they trade Mornoe to a team that will seek to resign him after the season if they get the right offer, but I think Joe is really looking forward to having a little more flexibility at the end of the year with Stuck, Charlie V and Monroe all with expiring contracts. It may be that he just goes shopping this off-season. Hopefully he doesn't come back with Bread, Peanut Butter, Charlie V and Ben Gordon like the last time he went to the grocery store with money to spend.
December 19th, 2013 at 9:59 AM ^
I would rather have Monroe over Smith as well. The problem is that I think most NBA general managers would also. If you truly want to put a legit 3 on the floor, you have to give up something enticing. Smith is a nice player, but I didnt see teams falling all over themselves to sign him last offseason. The other thing you have to look at is, I believe Monroe is a free agent after this season. Probably not a max player, but I dont think he will be far off.
December 19th, 2013 at 10:26 AM ^
You only trade Monroe if you think he's signing elsewhere come this offseason.
FWIW, the Pistons will absolutely have the cash to keep him, given the Charlie / Stuckey Expirings...
Problem with trading Smith is - who really wants him? Pistons bought him this offseason and were clearly the higher bidder.
In the East, your only chance is if Boston wants to turn itself into a 'contender'. They could offer them Jeff Green and another player to make the deal work.
In the West, Houston needs a PF but it also needs to trade Asik - I don't see how a deal with them makes sense. Maybe Dallas would be interested? I don't know.
December 19th, 2013 at 11:21 AM ^
Maybe we pick up a 3 in free agency and Moose Drummond Smith and the 3 make up a four-man rotation for the three front court spots?
December 19th, 2013 at 9:55 AM ^
Would've rather let Drummond develop while getting a top 8 pick in this year's loaded draft. But with the East in the shape that it's in, we're definitely too good to suck that bad this year.
So now that we're here, we need to flip Greg Monroe for a wing, and slide Josh Smith to the 4. Would improve the team on both ends.
December 19th, 2013 at 10:45 AM ^
December 19th, 2013 at 11:02 AM ^
would have been just as supportable in 2002. Two years later they were the best team in the league. Not all teams are built the same way. What you are really saying is that they don't have a superstar. Well history says you don't always need one.
December 19th, 2013 at 11:09 AM ^
Drummond will be a superstar
December 19th, 2013 at 10:56 AM ^
Interesting enough, a 13-14 record is the fourth best record in the Eastern Conference
December 19th, 2013 at 10:59 AM ^
December 19th, 2013 at 11:09 AM ^
December 19th, 2013 at 11:19 AM ^
Funny, I think someone just wrote a blog post about this... http://lifeondumars.com/2013/12/19/pistons-trade-talk-greg-monroe-edition/
December 19th, 2013 at 11:36 AM ^
I think the Pistons will likely win more games this season than was previously expected. It would not surprise me if they finished in the top half of the East this year. That being said, I have big concerns about their ability to be competitive in a playoff series.
One of the Pistons's big advantantages is the unconventional nature of their line up, which I think takes teams off guard (hence their ability to win a lot of regular season games). The problem is that their defense is currently pretty terrible. I worry that, if an opponent is given 4-7 games to focus on just the Pistons, they won't have much trouble beating them in the playoffs.
In addition, I worry that they don't have a true go-to guy who can take over the game when needed. Josh Smith has a tendency to take bad shots, which is made worse by the fact that he is playing out of position. Andre Drummond might be able to grow into this role but until his free throw shooting improves he will be a liability towards the end of games.
December 19th, 2013 at 11:54 AM ^
concerns. But I do think that Jennings is becomming the go to guy off of high screens, kind of the same way that they used Billups during the good ole days. Now is that a lasting formula, I doubt it, but he is coming up clutch lately.