Interesting that Tony Delk is being compared to Lindsay Hunter, in particular the suggestion that the two would be redundant.

In fact, hasn't Joe expressed more interest in finding a backup for Lindsay than for Chauncey? He's been quoted as saying something to the effect of, "if we lose Chauncey, forget about our chances; what I AM interested in doing is finding a guy that can replace Lindsay if he goes down."

I'm thinking that the fact that Delk is like Hunter is a very positive thing in Joe's mind. Because Delk can bring some of the same valuable things that Hunter brings (if Hunter goes down.)

Why bring in a guy with a totally different playing style at this point in the season? If Hunter and Delk are interchangable, it's a good thing, right? (maybe?)

I haven't seen Tony Delk play much in the pros, but I remember him from college.

Tony played on the 1996 championship team coached by Rick Pitino. That team also had Walter McCarty, Antoine Walker, Derek Anderson and Ron Mercer. I think they only lost two games during the season and went 34 and 2.

Tony was a good pointguard with a good 3 point shot, pretty good passing skills, and excellent defense.

Of course, that was 10 years ogo, so I don't really know what to expect now.

I figure if Joe llikes him, he must have something left, and if he played for Pitino, he probably has good PG skills and a strong work ethic.

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"Eastern Conference regular-season champs, baby," said Chauncey Billups. "This is what we set out for when we started the season in training camp. We did it and we're happy." (2003)

yeah i'm sold on this logic now. also sold by freshprince22's post on a different thread that compared their numbers over the past 3 years (rather than over their careers, as i had done on that other thread and merc did here)...i think he could definitely contribute if not as part of the regular rotation then at least as a back up if lindsey goes down. but it may be that they are thinking of playing them both at the same time (delk at 1, lh at 2) for 4 or 5 minute defensive terror stretches...

the team's very clearly brought a different 'tude to the games since the break, which coincides with the trade, and with lindsey's return from injury, and with flip's relatively more liberal use of the bench.

i think they are looking as tough to beat (over a seven game series) as at any time since i've seen them.

of interest- Delk's nickname... "BUCKETS"

that is a good sign. When I heard the news that we might sign him, I smiled and thought, "Joe D strikes again."

How are waived players prioritized? If the Pistons get competition from say, Denver, for Delk who wins?

I think that Delk is free to sign with anyone he wants, as long as it is meets the veteran's minimum. If the Pistons offer him $2M and Denver offers him $3M, he could take his pick.

Waived players can only be picked by teams with enough cap room to add their salary. That's Charlotte and someone else, whose names eludes me right now.

They take responsibility for the remainder of the waived player's contract.

The team with the worst record (at the time) gets priority.

If no one picks up the player off of waivers, he has "cleared" and becomes a free agent. The team that waives him is responsible for paying out the balance of his contract (or negotiating a buyout), and that player is free to sign a new deal with any team.

http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#54

Bear in mind, teams over the cap are restricted in what they can offer a player. I'm no expert on that, but I would assume they could offer a minimum contract or other exception (if available).

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Nov 13 LW Milan Lucic had an active night. He scored his first goal in eight games since his Oct. 25 hat trick and also pounded Michael Komisarek in a third-period fight. Lucic cut his hand in a fight with Michael Komisarek. "I'll be fine," he said. "(X-rays are) negative, but there's so many broken bones in there from before you can't really tell."

Tony Buckets becomes a free agent in 4 minutes.

As many as 5 teams are reported to be pursuing him, including the Pistons.

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Nov 13 LW Milan Lucic had an active night. He scored his first goal in eight games since his Oct. 25 hat trick and also pounded Michael Komisarek in a third-period fight. Lucic cut his hand in a fight with Michael Komisarek. "I'll be fine," he said. "(X-rays are) negative, but there's so many broken bones in there from before you can't really tell."

you can stop crossing your fingers now because we got him.