According to Blakely, Alex Acker is making a name for himself in Europe these days. On another note a couple of guys who I served with had an opportunity to see a few games in which Acker was playing, they feel that he is definitely the real deal. One of my friends is a homer, the other one is anti-pistons all the way, however, he made a stong statement for Akers playing ability. Hopefully I can get them to send some pics of Acker doing his thing.

I will be on TDY status in Europe for about two weeks next week and hope to see a game or two if they are still playing.

If seems as though Blakely over at Mlive feels that Acker playing at Small Guard best suits his abilities and skill set.

If Mr. Aker is the real deal, then we will have ourself a bonafide backup SG who can shoot, play defense and drive the paint.

Army, I've seen half a dozen of Ackers games in the Euroleague and he has played well. Blakely is probably taking all his reporting from this very forum.

He can hit the outside shot, but his strength is driving to the basket, and because he is a lefty gives him a little added advantage to unsuspecting opponents. He draws quite a lot of fouls too which is always handy.

He is a good passer and knows how to find open team-mates, so he should be able to bring a little bit of everything to his position, which is SG. His defense is pretty good as well, he is quick and athletic, and I've seen him make a few highlight-reel blocks.

I would like to see him rejoin the Pistons next season for sure.

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How Acker fits will play a part in Joe’s strategy this summer – particularly on draft night. Obviously, the biggest threat to future success is the possible loss of Billups – either to free agency or injury, etc. Consequently, I think the first pick should be a point guard (if it makes sense given who’s left on the board.)

But we’re also thin behind Hamilton. Delfino can back up the 2 and 3 spots, but he’s better suited for the 3 and he’s only under contract for 1 more year. So a young athletic 2 would also be a useful addition to the team. Maybe that’s Acker. But maybe there’s a 2 on the draft board that Joe can’t pass up – then Acker would be back on the outside again.

I certainly haven’t seen enough of Acker to know whether he’s a gem or just another emergency backup who’ll never get into a game. We really need another guard that can actually contribute.

His D is not that good. He can't stay in front of anybody. At least as of the summer league. Could he have improved over in Europe-not that I heard in any reports so far.

Delfino's best position is shooting guard. He is plenty quick enough for it, and handling the ball is his best strength. Considering how Flip uses Delfino though, I can see how anyone would get the impression that he is more a small forward. Thats just a bad coach coaching badly.

I agree that delfino can play the 2 well. He can D up on 2-3's very well.
I really believe in having 1 player backup BOTH spots to get decent minutes. Decent minutes = better production = happier player. Delfino can backup the 2-3 someone else can backup the 1-2.

Based on what I've seen, he rebounds well and blocks a high number of shots for a 2 guard. His wingspan is ridiculous. He should be a good defender... but can't say for sure until we see him against NBA starters.

Acker might have been defending point guards in Summer League, as part of the experiment to see if he could transition to the role. His length and left-handedness (better for contesting a right-handed shot) should make him capable of covering all but the biggest shooting guards.

I think he was guarding the 2. I remember watching cleaves and blalock playing defense on the opposing points in SL.

if he did get burnt, it was chasing his guy over the screen

you wrote everything I wanted to write. So true- Fino should get his 15-20 minutes at the 2 or 3 spot. Acker can play behind him, since I still doubt he is that good as many of us want to believe.
For draft night I'd love JoeD to get a young, hungry PG who drives with reckless abandon and opens spaces.