While the Pistons are out playing Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in the final stretch of the regular season, I figured I’d gather up some material on our prospects and discuss their outlook for the team. As the NCAA tournament progresses and the lottery is solidified, we’ll revisit these more in depth; especially the collegiate prospects and signing and rights options. But right now, its just a round up to whet your whistle so to speak. I used both nbadraft.net and draftexepress.com to look at who is projected at our current lottery spot (Orlando’s).


Amir Johnson

The athletic youngster has been turning heads in the NBDL and garnered player of the week honors at the end of February. More than anyone, fans are hanging their hopes for a continuing winning program on him. Hopefully off-season work will vault Amir into the rotation. The organization MUST clear space for him as he will have moved beyond his D-league eligibility and sitting will only stunt his development. However, reports on his progress and attitude remain high.

Pro: Athletic. Can block shots. Has been shown to dominate games. Is developing aspects of his game constantly.

Con: Not physical. Relies on athleticism.

Outlook: Pistons will try to sign up and secure him for long term development. He should be getting spot minutes next year.

Will Blalock

Looking like a longshot. Scouts are projecting him to he a career backup PG if he develops a shot. He got some playing time backing up Flip Murray and showed his inexperience and lack of shooting. However, he does have bona fide point guard skills so he’s probably a jumpshot away from a career in the NBA.

Pro: Quick. Good Ball handling. Understands the point
Con: Has trouble scoring in the pro game.

Outlook: It doesn’t look good for the Pistons and Will Blalock. I think he’ll be invited to training camp next year but after that is anyone’s guess.


Alex Acker

Has been playing well on Olympiacos in the Greece Basketball League. He was the team scoring leader in Summer League. Its hard to say how his game will translate to the NBA but can he be worse than Flip Murray? He’s got a smooth game but doesn’t seem to stand out in any one particular area. Acker highlights can be found on youtube.com.

Pro: 6’5” decent midrange shooting touch. Dribbles and passes well for a 2.
Con: not overly quick. Probably too much of a jack of all trades kind of player.

Outlook: Acker is getting a lot of good experience being an integral part of a pro team. This is an interesting prospect because he could be a great bench guy. However, we need to make room for our Orlando pick guy. Delfino should also get more minutes so he could make the team in the Ronald Dupree role but would that be beneficial to everyone?


Chiek Samb

Did some amazing things at times due to his size and body type but is really playing 3rd tier pro basketball. He’s not eligible to return for some time and we’ll probably shelve him for a few more years after that.

Pro: tall
Con: skinny

Outlook: Training camp. Summer league. Overseas. Rinse. Repeat.

Acie Law: Texas A&M

Acie is being anointed as THE PG of the draft. However, he’s slated to go in the low teens unless some team has a big need for a PG. Has drawn comparisons to Billups. Can we get him? If we do, will it matter?

Pro: leadership. PG skills. Ability to score...mentality to pass.
Con: Lacks pro super-quicks.

Outlook: So many factors. Will Durant and Ogden come out. Will Orlando fall apart. Will Milwaukee draft a PG. Will Billups resign. The pistons should be looking to get this guy. We got big guys waiting in the wings. But we have to add him into the rotation as the 3rd guard and not the backup PG. There just isn’t enough minutes behind Billups.


Jeff Green: Georgetown

Green is being scouted as an all around player with great IQ. He’s 6’9” and fundamentally sound if not overly athletic. Moves well without the ball.

Pros: IQ. Versatility. Good size.
Con: Athleticism.

Outlook: What would we do with an SF on a team with Tayshaun and Delfino? However, the C prospects get thin and we really don’t need to draft a career backup. Missing out on Law, I’d like to see the Pistons go with the best talent available regardless of position. If its possible to shift Delfino over as the 3rd guard, I’d like to see said swingman on draft day.

Ronald Dupree

Sup’Dup has been a bench mainstay. What can he do? If this team was decimated by injuries, I’m sure we’d see a different player than the one who comes in for that dirty minute of PT. As it is, we are left scratching our heads wondering why that spot wasn’t taken for Acker.

Pro: Athletic
Con: everything else.

Outlook: Dupree is in the twilight zone of professional basketball. Too good to get cut, not good enough to play. He should have developed his game in the minors or overseas a la Anthony Parker but he’s hanging on tooth and nail to the NBA. I think we’ll see him back next year. Every one but our Orlando pick will end up in some tertiary league.

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I think Dupree is heading toward a coaching job. The two games I just saw, he doesn't hang with the players. DNP Nazr Mohammed hangs with the players, but Super Dupe hangs with the coaches... especially Terry Porter.

he needs to work it in order to gain PT.

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I hope we can draft Acie Law in the draft. He would be a great back up.

Very well done Slipper.

I don't think we'll be able to get Law. I hope we do though.

Would we really shelve Samb for that long if we want to use him.

I think Amir will get more than spot minutes next year unless we do some major post season damage.

Acker...come on. Let's give him a REAL shot before somebody else does.

Blalock...forget it.

Again, nice analysis.

Atlanta is the only team with a glaring need for a PG but who knows.

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The summer league/preseason games next year should be interesting for us.

No need to bring in scrubs like Rodney Billups and Rick Rickert when you have so many legit prospects.

Atlanta won't take him. They are going to win the draft lottery. Just a hunch.

Their pick is given to Phoenix. So phoenix will be getting another mid lottery pick. Atlanta will be using Indiana's pick this year.

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So much for my prognostication ability.