Starters play the first quarter, CB, Tay, Prince, Ben, Sheed. Our 2nd unit comes in to start the 2nd quarter, Arroyo, Delfino, Evans, Dyess, Darko. For the last 4 minutes of the 2nd quarter, we play 2 starters, 1 guy from the 2nd unit, and 2 guys not otherwise in the rotation.

For instance, for that 4 minutes, we could see Arroyo, Tay, Maxiell, Sheed, Davis. The next night it could be Acker, Rip, Amir Johnson, Dyess, Sheed. The next, CB, Delfino, Maxiell, Ben, Darko.

The starters play the 3rd quarter. To start the 4th, we play our 2nd unit, except we start off with one guy not normally in the rotation. For instance, Arroyo, Delfino, Amir Johnson, Dyess, Darko. The next night it could be Arroyo, Acker, Evans, Dyess, Darko. The next, Arroyo, Delfino, Evans, Dyess, Davis.

Depending on how the subs are doing, the starters come back in anywhere from the 6 to the 4 minute mark. Of course, if its a blowout (in our favor of course), the starters could stay seated. In this case, the 3rd unit comes out. If Hunter is healthy, thats Hunter, Acker, Amir Johnson, Jason Maxiell, and Dale Davis.

Minutes given to Dale Davis are not development minutes, but they are minutes to keep him sharp for the playoffs. Rather than because he can help us win. Hey, Dale Davis is not in the same league as our regs up front. But he will play. As should our rookies, and even Hunter. Of course, thats another subject.

With the playoffs only seeing a 12 man roster, its going to be a battle for a playoff spot. Lots of talent on this roster. Don't take anything for granted.

I'd say its pretty certain our top ten guys at the moment will be on the playoff roster. After that, two of Hunter, Davis, Amir Johnson, Jason Maxiell, and Alex Acker fill the last two spots.

We have to have at least 5 bigs. We got Sheed, Ben, Dyess, and Darko for sure. So either Maxiell or Dale Davis makes the roster. I am going to guess Maxiell beats out Dale Davis here. But if its Davis, thats still a good solid rebounder.

The last position will depend on what needs Flip finds he has during the season. If Evans turns out to be able to guard the same range of players Hunter can, then Hunter will not make the playoff roster.

How about Acker? Well, as for playing any shooting guard, I think he will find the inn is full. Point guard. Arroyo and Billups look to have that locked up pretty good. How about as a defensive point guard? That depends on how well Arroyo does improving his defense this year. There could end up being a place for Acker as a taller guard able to smother a hot outside shooter.

Last, you got Amir Johnson. An 18 year old just out of highschool. But he is 6-10, 220, and quick. Capable of playing small forward. Possibly a guy who could come in for Tay and we would lose nothing in quickness nor height at that position.

I am going out on a limb here and guess that Maxiell and Johnson make the playoff roster. Davis, Hunter, and Acker will not sit.

I am guessing we will find that Rip can guard taller point guards who get hot on shooting. And Tay besides.

Now, we do play Miami several more times this season. If we find that Evans can't guard Wade, and that Hunter still can, and further that we don't seem to be able to beat Miami without using Hunter on Wade, then Hunter will make the roster instead of Amir Johnson. (Or it could be instead of Maxiell if Amir Johnson surprises us and shows he is ready to play a bit of power forward already this year.) But, I am guessing that Hunter won't be found needed for us to beat Miami, and so that is why I am guessing he will not be on the roster.

I thought JMax was 6'5" do you consider him a big? BBen is only 6'7"-9" but that is as short as I will go. C/PF

Man do I like this thread concept... I haven't read a single thing in this thread and already feel enlightened

From what I have heard, Ben is 6-6 1/2 without shoes, compared to 6-5 1/2 for Maxiell without shoes. Ben is listed at 6-9. Maxiell at 6-7.


So why would anyone refer to Ben as a center? Because he has a wingspan of 7-3. Normally, a person's wingspan matches their height. So Ben stands about 4 inches taller than the average guy when flat footed and reaching his hands up, as compared to the average guy with his height. So you can really think of him as 6-10 1/2 without shoes. Plus the fact Ben can jump real well with excellent timing makes him play even bigger.

Maxiell, last I heard, has a wingspan of 7-4. Thats 5 extra inches for that standing reach compared to other guys his height. (7-4 is roughly 10 inches more than 6-5 1/2. Divide by 2.) So Maxiell is again, effectively 6-10 1/2 without shoes, when you add his height plus his extra reach due to his unusually long wingspan. And again, Maxiell can jump pretty darn well, and seems to have prettty good timing. And he weighs 260 poounds, about 20 more than Ben.

Now, none of this is that "scientific." Part of guys wing span comes from his girth. But for sure, Maxiell has some pretty darn unusual length for his height. Yes, you can count him as a big man.

I believe that Maxiell will be a load on defense and offense for the legit Power Forwards in the league.

Guys like K-Mart, Abdur-Rahim, Haslem, Chandler, Zach Randolph. I can see Maxiell battling well against these guys once he gets acclimated to NBA speed and develops a little pro-level finesse.

The advantage Maxiell has over so many other Pistons is his relentless aggression. Aggressors always get the call. Look at how well Ben is playing early this season by being offensively aggressive...

j-Max just needs to learn how to protect the ball, and he'll be a big force on offense. Many times I saw him take his guy to the hole against Toronto, but he kept getting stripped on the way up for the shot.

We sign Ben to an extension, for purposes of trading him to Minny for KG. We throw in Hunter and Dale Davis. With the 125% rule, thats probably close enough. We could make the contract for Ben short term if they want to dump salary.

Our rotation becomes CB, Rip, Tay, KG, Sheed. Bench is same, Arroyo, Delfino, Evans, Dyess, Darko. We still have Acker, Johnson, and Maxiell as young players to develop.

Merc... don't read this thread...don't do it man ... you're gonna regret it...
Oh, what the hell... maybe just one little peak....
Minny will trade KG for Ben & scrubs?... what was I thinking

What do you mean scrubs? Lee threw Lindsey Hunter in with that package. You know how much it would hurt Lee to give up on his main man Lindsey?