Pistons going after Izzo?

Submitted by Cold War on
Chris Vernon ‏@ChrisVernonShow 3h
seein reports about Lionel wanting Pistons job- when I asked @stephenasmith about- he said owner will go hard after Izzo after season

Section 1

February 13th, 2014 at 1:58 PM ^

I expect that it will be the first time post-Dumars, that the Pistons, with a new MSU-grad owner, will go after Izzo.

I don't know much or care much about the NBA.  But there is so much logic to this rumor, it is hard not to be interested.  It could be Izzo's franchise to run.  With a team President he rcommends.

I'd take this very seriously.

Michigania

February 13th, 2014 at 3:43 PM ^

Well I had the thought that after Harris, Payne, and Dawson leave, that its gonna be a rebuild and not ideal....it looks to me that after this season, that the Wolverines pass them, and it may be all downhill for a guy like Izzo, at the twilight of his career... maybe it is appealing that he makes the jump to the pros now.  I wouldn't want to go against Beilein going forward....  by Izzo leaving now, it'll save his legacy in a way, because the new coach will brunt the fall.  Im not trying to be a biased Michigan slappy here......  all things considered, it may be in his best interest for Izzo to go to the pros....  he is still recruiting well of course, but it was easy while we had sanctions...now its gonna get alot harder, and he knows it, and after his team clears out, he just may make the jump.   Lets just hope they don't take one of our assistants.

Vengeful Barbarian

February 13th, 2014 at 3:54 PM ^

I think Izzo is way too competitive a person to bolt MSU just because Michigan has had a few good years, not to mention that Izzo is actually a couple of years younger than Beilein anyway. I think all of these reports are pure speculation by media sources interested in getting clicks. Until I hear some credible sources (sorry Stephen A. Smith), I'm not buying it. 

Michigania

February 13th, 2014 at 4:18 PM ^

Well don't let a credible source sway you, because surely Izzo will still welcome the Pistons attention like he did with the Cleveland courting.... as its in his interest either way......   but he may be tired of the recruiting/travel etc, that goes with it, especially since this year will be his best chance to win another title...and its been forever since hes had one... maybe hes tired and needs rejuvenation here...

The thing is, he supposedly strongly considered a jump to the pros last time with LeBron... it may have been bs and just to get exposure for himself... but if it werent,  then a jump this time may be a real possibility.

BlueCube

February 14th, 2014 at 10:01 AM ^

You are basically saying he wants to slow down. I'm not sure the Pistons need a coach going into retirement mode.

I also don't think his personality will fit in the pro game. At the same time his ego may want to take a shot at the NBA before he retires. I kind of hope he stays because I think we will continue to beat up on them for a few more years at least. I will enjoy it since he benefited from the sanctions imposed by the NCAA on UM.

That being said it is the Pistons, so let me be the first to say Welcome to the Pistons Coach Izzo.

umchicago

February 13th, 2014 at 6:25 PM ^

i predicted before last year that izzo would soon retire (or leave msu) as beilein's program would soon surpass his.  and he won't want to diminish his head-to-head record against UM and/or not make the ncaa (a real possibility next year).

plus, he would make even more coin with the pistons, if only for a few years.

TwoFiveAD

February 13th, 2014 at 6:53 PM ^

As much as we all hate Tom Izzo he is still one of the best coaches in CBB  history.  I'm really suppose to believe he is scared to diminish his head to head record with UM????  Come on you people can't be serious.

If Izzo jumps to the NBA I assure you him being "scared" of Michigan has nothing to do with it.

Dontfakeitfunk

February 13th, 2014 at 8:01 PM ^

Good coach but the timing of his tenure gets way underplayed. Michigan and the Midwest in general traditionally produce the best basketball talent in the nation.

With UMs sanctions (and Ellerbe), Izzo cleaned up on recruiting in MI and the Midwest for a good 15 years. If you are 25 years old or younger I can understand your thought process but Michigan was THE basketball school in this state before a Ford Explorer turned everything (and itself) upside down.

goblue20111

February 13th, 2014 at 2:27 PM ^

Umm last I checked MSU is still in the race to win the Big Ten and are considered national title contenders. A healthy Payne, Dawson and Appling is scary.  Michigan has definitely stepped up and we command respect but let's not act like MSU is down to where we were before Beilien showed up.  They still recruit well.  Izzo is about getting guys that play in his system and play well.  He'll chase the 1 and dones but even with missing on them, he's still fine.  

BlueCube

February 13th, 2014 at 3:05 PM ^

the last two years. He has not gotten the talent he has been used to. .

Per Rivals.

2014 - a 4* and a 3*

2013 - two 3*

2012 - a 5*, two 4* and a 3*

2011 -  a 5*, a 4* and two 3*

2010 -  a 5*, a 4* and two 3*

2009 - two 4* and a 3*

2008 -  a 5*, a 4* a 3* and two not rated

2007 - three 4* and a 3*

2006 - two 4* and a 3*

Considering what they are losing after this year, asuming Harris goes, the cupboard is getting pretty bare.

 

snarling wolverine

February 13th, 2014 at 1:38 PM ^

Well, if he's going to leave for the pros, he may as well do it this offseason.  With Payne, Appling and Harris gone, and not that much in the pipeline, the next couple of years might be a little lean.

MGlobules

February 13th, 2014 at 6:29 PM ^

season? Sounds like the Pistons are just a freaking mess. And Smith's apologia does suggest that not just every damned thing CAN be blamed on Dumars, whatever the wisdom of some of his player selections. Gores lives in Beverly Hills? C'mon. . . 

lazyfoot10

February 13th, 2014 at 3:45 PM ^

I don't think Izzo would do it, but the timing is right. If they make the final 4 (which if healthy, they've got a shot to do) he could "go out on top" and "start a new challenge in life" by leaving for the pros (which people have speculated he's always wanted a shot at). 

MSU's recent recruiting has been terrible. If (when) Harris leaves this offseason, they might be all sorts of bad next year. Would be the ideal time to bail if he's going to.

ish

February 13th, 2014 at 1:39 PM ^

stephen a smith shouldn't ever be considered a source.  if you asked him what the A stands for, i'm not confident he'd give the right answer.