This is not a Delfino bashing thread... admitedly I have not been a big CD supporter (unlike some jock straps)... It's in everyone's best interest to see Carlos succeed...
What will it take? or more importantly, will he get there?
My take on him is that he lacks a quick first step on offense... he has all of the handles and unselfish skills required... but he's not creating separation... nice crossover but still not getting there before the defender can react, so he's forced to do the predictable pass... this worked in Italy where the reaction time was slower...
I saw him make the same plays and drive for the dunk... this ain't Balogna....he's having trouble finishing.
He could certainly help his situation by knocking down some open J's.. they'e not respecting his perimeter game.
On defense he's real good at anticipating and breaking up passes... and his footwork is top notch...but he is often caught out of position where his responsibility is open for the easy look... he's not winning the defensive battle (sorry guys but it's a true statement)...
It's not too late... he has obvious skills... the hope is that he can reach a comfort level where he makes the right decisions... not everyone can have gr8 athletisism (Melo)... it's all about confidence and experience.
I've seen Carlos hit NBA 3's with regularity on his Skipper team... He IS capable of nailing the perimeter shot.
I'm willing to stick it out for while.. just don't want to hear a bunch of false BS about how well he's doing... let's keep it real and hope for more improvement.

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Big or Bust

Merc, I really think it's the knee. When he first got here he was able to get the baseline for that reverse dunk with regularity. It just hit me the other night when I was wondering what happened to the slasher who could dunk on the competition Joe drafted. We dismissed his knee issues as him just being a big whiny baby, but ever since then he has indeed physically lost a step offensively. I mean he never drives to the hole anymore, I've always assumed it was Flips role for the SF but there may be some residual issues with the knee.

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"Ain't nothin' strange 'bout yo daddy, what's strange is what he had to deal wit'!!!!!" - Rev. AL.

That's possible KGREG (nice to see you around), since he did have two surgeries and it can take a while to come back completely from one.

But the inconsistent jumpers are maddening sometimes. He started the season unbelievably hot, and it's gone dry.

I'm happy with his chemistry amongst the other bench guys, and I like his intangibles (great rebounder most nights).

I've gone back and forth on this guy, but at his salary, he's still a bargain with the potential to be much better. It's all relative.

Ok I can buy the knee thing.. and definitely the pop for salary.
His rebounding instincts are extraordinary (good call Micro).
Time will tell (and his attitude)... does he want to remain a Piston?

Since he's been here I have not seen consistent shooting, so I took at as I saw it, he can't shoot. Every time he makes a three I feel the same way I did when Ben made a free throw. Now while him missing 3's doesn't bother me, him taking so many of them early in the shot clock does.

Since Carlos is my favorite NBA player right now I'll try and put in words why I like him so much. My other favorite Piston before Carlos was Dennis Rodman and what do these 2 have in common? Well for one Dennis was not easy to put in any mold, he was a very unique player. He was an unheralded draft pick from some backburg Jr. college but his intensity and rebounding flair earned him a special place in my heart. It's hard to judge Fino on what you see in the box score and sometimes his laid back demeanor belies the fiery competitor that's burning underneath that insoucient look. One of my friends is always teasing me about Delfino calling him "Scruffy" because he looks like he just rolled out of bed. He's just got charisma rolling off of him and when he makes a spectacular play (which he does on occasions) it just seems to ignite the team and the fans. In tonight's game he was put in for the last play and it was the quick hands of Carlos that tipped the ball away and sealed the victory for the Pistons. I like that he's a young-un (only 24) and has oodles of potential and he's not the teacher's pet. Last year when he got to play major minutes at the end of the season he showed that potential on April 18 against Milwaukee. Stats from the box score:

Delfino
18 points (7 for 13) Free Throw Line (3-5)

Also in this game Maxiell scored 11 points and had 12 boards so those 2 really mesh well together when they play.

So I agree Delfino is a project but he's one of the few young talents on the Pistons and it's one of the pleasures of watching basketball for me is seeing the young guys develop.

Plus I think he's pretty hot! He reminds me of a European Jude Law so that probably has something to do with him being my favorite player.

Like your attidude... unfortuntely management has to look at consistent performance (save the Sheed jokes)... I really hope you're a lady (hot comment... if not I guess this is a new era)
Go Carlos... you hot bastard. lol

The funny thing about Carlos' looks, is that it is the one thing I don't like. He reminds me of Victor Mature, when I was a lad Victor Mature really creeped me out.

lol

Damn!! You had to refresh my memory?
That Victor Mature is one creepy looking guy.