The tank-a-thon is over! Piston talk
With the season over, the Pistons secured the third-worst record in the NBA; who do you see the Pistons taking in the 1-7 slots? What are your thoughts on next season?
I am currently going with Jaden Ivey as the pick for the Pistons, 1-4. He has a lot of 'Ja Morant' style game which I think would serve the team well going forward. I'd like to go Holmgren but I can't see him staying healthy. He's an athletic guy, but he looks like he's a half away from a fractured tibia, fibula, or both lol. If those two are gone I'd select Keegan Murray. He's a winner to me with what looks to be a lot of upside.
I think the Pistons are in the playoffs next year. They have done very well in the draft the past couple of years and have picked up some good players through trades. Cade, Saddiq, and Marvin are all stars in the making, with Isaiah, Killian, and the rookie also looking to shine as well. I think Jerami isn't long for the team, too much smoke about trading him for it not to happen. I think Detroit has done it right this time and in a few years will be vying for the top spot in the division and maybe the conference.
April 11th, 2022 at 11:20 AM ^
I think if Chet is there you have to take him. I would go Chet, Jabari and then Jayden. I really have no interest in Paolo but maybe my Duke hate is making me feel that way.
Get in the top 3 and you can't go wrong.
April 11th, 2022 at 11:53 AM ^
Darko, has me saying otherwise!
April 11th, 2022 at 12:15 PM ^
I do feel like Chet is getting sold as a next level, new generation player like Darko. Ivey could be the Wade of the draft.
Totally understand that. I just like that Chet has done it playing college vs doing in overseas where even now 20 years later it is still a crap shoot.
Nothing is a sure thing but I think Chet will be closer to Dirk than he will be to Darko.
I don't see the Euro game as physical as it is in the college level. The NBA is at another level of contact.
I feel like people get too caught up in race with these comparisons, I believe that Chet wants to be more of a wing than anything and had been forced inside due to his height. The guy who he's reminded me of more than anyone (in terms of frame/style of play) is KD. Not saying the guy is/will be KD, but he shoots ~40% from three and can put the ball on the floor and make moves on the perimeter (while still being seven feet tall). Chet seems to be a good wing that got stretched an extra six inches, which makes him a skinny/skilled big man or a nightmare outside.
What does race have to do with it???
Two guys he was compared to were white. Not saying the above posters were affected by this phenomenon, but white players are overwhelming compared to other white players - even if there is a non-white player who is a much better analog.
100% on the KD comparison.
Darko was pure hype, though. He wasn't even a starter for his Euro league team.
Me too! I want nothing to do with Chet. Give me Paolo or Jabari and I'd be pretty happy.
Same! Paolo is like a point-forward and can take some pressure off of Cade with both his distribution and his scoring ability. Dude just knows how to score and he can often find the open man when he can't.
Jabari is an absolute stud shooter. I believe he shot above 40 percent from 3 with pretty good volume. He doesn't score down low very much (only 60-ish shots at the rim compared to Paolo (180s) and Chet (130s)) but with his size and athleticism he can learn that. He's also a much better defender than Paolo right now. Not many holes in his game besides the lack of finishing inside. That's why I prefer him above all other prospects.
If the Pistons stay at 3 I'm hoping one of those 2 makes it to them. Jabari preferred but I'd be ok with Paolo.
April 11th, 2022 at 10:43 PM ^
Paolo and Cade plays alike. I'll go Jaden Ivey
April 11th, 2022 at 11:21 AM ^
I don't folow the NBA anywhere close to what I used, but aren't the Pistons set in the back court with Saddiq, Cade and Killian Hayes?
April 11th, 2022 at 11:28 AM ^
Killian, though he showed some glimpses this season, is still very much a work in progress. If the Pistons get the 4th pick and Ivey is there I don't think there is any way they pass on him. If they land a top 3 pick I think they will take one of the bigs (Paulo, Chet, or Jabari).
April 11th, 2022 at 11:37 AM ^
Killian looks to be improving, but he's not there yet. And he isn't good enough to scare the Pistons from taking a guard that could contribute. I think Killian's best role might be leading a second unit. Which is still a valuable player.
April 11th, 2022 at 10:44 PM ^
Yes Killian of the bench with Livers and Bagley
April 11th, 2022 at 11:47 AM ^
I think they see Killian as more of a backup to Cade. They need a three point specialist either at the 4 or 2 or someone who can get their own basket. I would say the order is:
Chet
Jabari
Ivey
Paolo
Murray
April 11th, 2022 at 12:41 PM ^
Saddiq isn't a G. He's a SF/PF. Killian is a backup PG at best. The Pistons needs a G next to Cade.
You're never "set" unless you have a lineup of perennial all-stars at each position. The NBA draft is different than the others where if you are picking in the top 10 just don't overthink it. Take the best player.
April 11th, 2022 at 11:29 AM ^
Ivey still scares me. While his outside game has improved, he has yet to play under control and his game IQ doesn't seem very high. I think the risk is too high.
April 11th, 2022 at 11:38 AM ^
He never looked like the best player on the floor in that loss to St Peter's
April 11th, 2022 at 12:26 PM ^
Michael Jordan looked pretty lame being guarded by Dan Dakich in his last tournament game. Never judge a player especially a young player in a single game.
April 11th, 2022 at 12:34 PM ^
Are you comparing body of works between MJ and Jaden Ivey? Jaden Ivey doesn't have a consistent shot and he seems to disappear in the biggest games pretty consistently.
April 11th, 2022 at 12:42 PM ^
I love Ivey. He's going to benefit greatly with NBA spacing with his elite athleticism. He has gotten better and better and I think he could end up as the best player in the draft when all is said and done
April 11th, 2022 at 12:43 PM ^
This.
Ivey looked like absolute hot gargage against St Peters in the tourney. Hate to base things off 1 game, but my goodness he was atrocious.
April 11th, 2022 at 11:32 AM ^
I was getting super worried last night that the Pistons kept fighting until nearly the end. Luckily, they pulled out all the stops to lose that game.
I think this is a GREAT year to be in the top 3 (if the Stones land there). I really don't think you can go wrong with any of the top prospects (Smith, Holmgren, Panchero).
I do think this team needs a really skilled big. I've gone back and forth like 10 times but I think right now, at least, I'm settled on Banchero. He just looks SO FLUID; in every motion he makes he has a destination- he knows where he's going.
I watched Jabari Smith a great deal. He's got a lot of upside, but he's not the type that will bang in the post.
Holmgren is such a risk. He can either be incredibly awesome or just not make it- I don't think there's a middle ground.
I would also be totally ok with Ivey- I think he's got potential skills to be elite at the 2.
April 11th, 2022 at 11:42 AM ^
I'm interested to see what they get in free agency before settling on a draft strategy. There was some talk earlier this year about DeAndre Ayton and the Pistons were poking around Jalen Brunson at the trade deadline too. Plus rumors of Grant getting traded for a high-ish draft pick to Portland. So many moving pieces before the draft.
April 11th, 2022 at 12:12 PM ^
As a reminder, the draft is a full week before free agency, and the NBA has started enforcing tampering rules to a degree, with some teams having forfeited seconds in the next two drafts because of it. Accordingly, I don’t think the Pistons will have much clue about how free agency shakes out before drafting. Further, if picking in the top 4, you pick the best player and don’t worry about free agency, especially given how weak the free agency class is this year anyway.
April 11th, 2022 at 12:32 PM ^
Is it really?! Wow that seems kind of a dumb schedule.
April 11th, 2022 at 11:32 AM ^
I used to love the Pistons. In addition to numerous games during the season I went to every home playoff game from around 2002 to 2005 or 06.
I hate sitting upstairs in LCA. Kills my knees. And I'm not that big of a dude- only 5'7"! How can people sit in that arena?
And the NBA in general... The product. The messaging. The kowtowing to Beijing. I'm pretty much over it. They have lost me and I doubt they're getting me back. I'll stick with college and the wolverines.
OK, requisite get off my lawn old guy disclaimer. I suppose I'm just annoyed that 'the powers that be' have turned something that I used to love into something that I completely ignore, and when the topic is brought up, elicits mild contempt.
April 11th, 2022 at 11:40 AM ^
I haven't been to LCA for a Pistons or Wings game yet, but I went for the NCAA Wrestling Tournamentm and I was surprised at how comfortable I was (and I'm 6'2", 250) sitting in the upper deck. Not amazing, but for multiple sessions, my joints and muscles weren't sore afterward, which is surprising for a sporting venue. It's location is also awesome. The Palace was one of the most obnoxious places to get to IMO, particularly in the winter.
April 11th, 2022 at 12:17 PM ^
The bus trip from Metro to the Palace must have been the furthest in the Association and murder in winter.
Of course Mr Davidson was only a few exits away at Long Lake & Woodward. I think he flew in a chopper to games though.
April 11th, 2022 at 11:48 AM ^
I am with you Greg. I have not watched an NBA game in probably 15 years for many of the same reasons you listed. I just stick with college and high school basketball.
April 11th, 2022 at 12:39 PM ^
This is obligatory at this point haha. Every time there’s an NBA thread on this board someone has to go out of their way to let us know that they don’t watch it because of their political beliefs. I’ll save you some time (and others reading): in the future when we talk pistons, we know that there is a contingent of the population that feels this way and there’s no need to try and ruin the convo for those that do watch lol.
If there's a soccer post, there's inevitably someone in there proclaiming that soccer isn't a real sport and something about diving.
If there's an NBA post, there's inevitably someone bemoaning how the sport isn't like it was during _____ (insert previous era here - used to be Magic/Bird, then MJ, this guy is talking about the Goin to Work Pistons, and in a couple years it'll be about how the league was greater when the Spurs were consistently very good).
That’s not an accurate comparison at all You can love soccer and complain that your local team sucks or that the product in the league is over marketed. That’s essentially what the two posters here are saying, they like basketball but not the NBA management of it.
There’s a lot of talent the NBA but I also don’t like the product anymore. Too many champions basically purchased an All-Star team was one problem. I’ll make an exception for some of the earlier Warriors teams pre Durant that would be considered underdogs back then and also changed the game
The only reason I’m posting here is first because of Piston Blue’s comment that the complaints he mentioned are all politically based. That is complete BS. The posters are complaining 99% about other stuff. And the one the only political comment is valid, the NBA has bent over to China which is crap. But that’s a minor issue and wasn’t what people were complaining about. So BS to piston blue’s response. If you’re going to respond you need to respond why the product is better with, among other things, all the overhyped marketing and BS that has nothing to do with the game.
The other point worth making in a Piston’s thread Is that they have sucked for too long. That’s what the other two posters, Pistons fans, have also said. And most important, relative to this thread, one draft pick is not going to change their fortune.
The statement, “I think the Pistons are in the playoffs next year. ” in the OP is ridiculous. I’ve always been a pistons fan and for years I could count on rooting for them as a competitive team in the NBA. But it’s been a long time. And unfortunately the Pistons have become to the NBA what the lions are to the NFL.
And further, complaining about the Pistons belongs in a Piston’s thread.. Sorry but the truth hurts. Don’t shoot the messenger. But, do feel free to explain why the Pistons don’t deserve this criticism as a perennial failure. I will not go so far as to say it’s an ownership issue like the Lions but clearly something beyond one player must change.
Written on iphone with the help of siri
April 11th, 2022 at 12:36 PM ^
Sorry to hear, man. I probably still prefer college basketball, but the NBA is in an incredible spot. The amount of talent in the league right now is incredible. There's a great mix off young and older superstars. After the Warriors/Cavs eras, there is really some great parity in the league. Not to mention how fun the league is to follow outside the court - trades, free agency, etc.
There are still some issues - superstars missing too many regular season games and end of game reviews. But hopefully those will be addressed.
LCA is a beautiful arena. I can't wait until the Pistons/Wings start winning. I will agree with you that I do not like sitting in the upper level. It's too steep for my liking.
April 11th, 2022 at 11:38 AM ^
Speaking of the Pistons - is everyone just trolling Detroit fans by not talking about Cade Cunningham at all? The Ringer has had articles on Jalen Green and the Rockets, Evan Mobley and the Cavs, and most recently Scottie Barnes and the Raptors and how he deserves ROY and is all around changing the whole Raptors culture, etc. I've watched them all play and Cade is the best of them (and NBA vets rave about him) and yet he gets zero media attention and basically an "also ran" mention of ROY. It's weird.
April 11th, 2022 at 12:28 PM ^
The Cavs and Raptors are playoff teams and I don't know if that was expected. If we were fighting for a playoff spot, Cade would get more love. The Jalen Green stuff I don't get, but I get the feeling he's more outspoken than Cade.
April 11th, 2022 at 12:38 PM ^
Partially agree, I think Scottie Barnes is the ROY, but Cade has been a beast. The question is could Cade be the best player in a Championship squad? And I think the answer to that is yes, so let everyone ignore whats building here, just makes victory sweeter!
April 11th, 2022 at 12:44 PM ^
The issue with Barnes and Mobley is they were never the guy who is counted on to be the #1 option. Cade has to be the #1 option while having worse players around him. What Cade has done is far more impressive than both IMO.
April 11th, 2022 at 12:47 PM ^
It is weird. I honestly think people outside Detroit watched his first game or two when he was 0-20 from 3 and they were done with him.
That was his first real action against NBA players and he never got the preseason to work his kink out after ankle injury. Once he got it figured out, he has been more than fine. People really don't take this into account
After that first weekend that he played, sports radio was filled with hosts and callers expressing "concern" over whether Cade was going to be any good.
Those same hosts and callers spent yesterday morning expressing concern over the Tigers after they lost 2 of 3 from the White Sox in the first weekend.
Then again, sports radio is littered with impatient know-it-alls.
April 11th, 2022 at 11:38 AM ^
Agree on the longevity of Chet. How many twigs are there in the NBA? I don't watch much, so this is a semi-serious question. The last one I remember played a game for the looney tunes.
Ivey seems like he needs to get under control a little more. That can develop though.
I do not know anything else about these other players.
April 11th, 2022 at 12:43 PM ^
Ivey seems like he needs to get under control a little more. That can develop though.
can it, though? i’m honestly asking…i can’t think of too many ‘explode-in-all-directions’ guards that matured into reliable players, but i’m on vacation, so i’m bumping at about 3/4 speed right now.
in all seriousness, ivey seems like a stay-away for me…i also can’t see how he fits next to cade, which, to me, is criteria number one for whoever you pick.
April 11th, 2022 at 12:45 PM ^
I can see the fit between Ivey and Cade. Ivey is a combo guard who can be a secondary playmaker and has the athleticism to punish defense for overplaying Cade. The only reason why Ivey looked out of control is there's zero spacing in college basketball and he'll be a lot better in the NBA
I agree with this. The only explosive guard that matured into a good player is Russell Westbrook that I can think of. Ivey actually reminds me of Russ, which is why I would stay far away from him if I were the Stones. I like Chet or Jabari and I’m really hoping we get one of those two