Stanley Johnson 24/9/3 in Summer League & Pistons Re-sign Jackson 5yrs/$80 Mill
Not bad at all.
A bit overpaid on Reggie Jackson tho...
Their haircuts don't help in differentiating them either.
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will hopefully be Ron Artest 2.0 without the mental instability. Jackson is solid but that is a lot of money (even considering the future cap boom) for a point guard that isn't much of a natural shooter or playmaker, could certainly do a lot worse though. Hopefully Jennings can come back fully healthy as I thought he started playing really well before he got hurt and he is still young and has talent, if he can just put it all together. I feel that the team's makeup is still a bit of a mixed bag with players whose games do not necessarily compliment each other, but it is better than previous years.
Bottom line is the team should have a better record but I expect the league to be pretty balanced except for the top few and bottom few teams and it will be a battle to make the playoffs.
Overpaid Reggie a little IMO.
Hamilton
Gordon
Smith
Jackson
They cycle continues.
Great deal for Jackson. If he plays like he did after he got acclimated, that contract is going to look like an incredibly savvy piece of business. Even if he just plays to the averages he had with the Pistons it's a solid deal. Pistons could be the surprise team in the East if things go well.
Very excited about Johnson too. Summer League doesn't mean much but I was happy with the pick even before these performances. I'm a little worried about Dinwiddie but then again, if anyone can work magic with a PG it's SVG.
Pistons really didn't have a choice. No way they can count in Jennings right now. I actually like what Stan VG has beed doing with them. It's been interesting to watch them rebuild. That is a tall task and so far SVG gets passing grades. He's retooled a roster for a franchise that has little sway with big name FA's.
Re: Reggie Jackson
In 27 games with the Pistons, Jackson averaged 17.6 ppg, 9.2 apg, and 4.7 rpg in 32.2 mpg. On a per 36 minute basis, his nominal stats translate to almost 20-10-5 (19.7/10.3/5.2). Jackson will be an All-Star in the Eastern Conference if he improves his 3 point shooting and his defense.
But Detroit was 10-17 (37%) in those 27 games. The Pistons suffered through a 10 game losing streak with Jackson but Reggie played well in some of those losses.
Re: Stanley Johnson
I like Stanley Johnson's demeanor. He exudes confidence and plays like he's the best player on the court. I hope it translates to the regular season. Pistons fans are hungry for a superstar.
Re: The Future
The Pistons were playing good basketball after the Josh Smith trade but the injury to Brandon Jennings killed Detroit's mid-season momentum. Trading for Jackson revitalized the team's future. We now have 4 starting spots solidified. If Stanley Johnson is ready to play well from the start, then we have a formidable starting 5 and the playoffs are within reach. The bench can be improved but we'll make do with what we have.
The Pistons best line up was Jackson-KCP-Butler-Tolly-Drummond...
They had an 80% (!!!!) win rate with those 5 on the floor, were +51 (!!!!) with those 5 on the floor and posted their best offensive rating with those 5 on the floor. So that's something to look forward to.
Basically, SVG's system is one true big (Drummond or Dwight Howard) surrounded by 4 shooters, and it works.
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Why not? Lock him up for his prime until he's 30 (at which point he may have been worth more than he was earning), then make a decision and see if he can still contribute to your team. And if he signed a 2-3 year deal, he would probably try to test FA at that point and ask for way more money.
Stan Van has been really impressive since taking over. He's made a lot of moves, most with clear or likely upside, but without having a ton to work with. I like the way he works...
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Of course...but I can't imagine anyone in that role doing much more than he has...that was/is a mess he's working with.
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Mr. October has in basketball. I mean, I really respect Reggie Jackson, he was a good player (though overrated for the non-October months), but he's a bit old these days and while this is BBall, it's basketball, not baseball.
But the rec specs are cool, so I'll allow it.