What I don't like is that Flip, possibly unintentionally, makes Amir look like he's either not learning or being plain dumb. According to Flip Amir has to have "a total understanding of what we're doing". If in his 3rd year of practicing the player still doesn't have that type of understanding, it just looks very very bad.
This makes no sense to me whatsoever.

Flip doesn't make sense to me half the time. It makes Amir look bad alright - the thing is, Flip's said that a bunch of times already.

Nice work round.

I think it is important to show how ill informed the Pistons coach is.

Flip's perception is clearly flawed. He pointed out something that happened 2 times in 39 games and is using it as rationale for not developing one of the most physically talented players on the team.

First of all, does he foul at a higher rate than others? Well, he is slightly behind Lindsey Hunter, Stuckey, and Hayes, but was ahead of Bresec.

Secondly, does he do anything to make up for it? Let's see here, he also rebounds at the highest rate on the team, which makes him 35% more effective on the boards than Sheed. His offensive rebounding rate is off the charts, 300% greater than Sheed. He also blocks shots at a hellava clip. Best on the team, which means 145% more blocks than Sheed.

So my question is this. How the H can a guy lead the team in offensive rebound rate and block rate (with the respect of a rookie) and not lead the team in fouls? Do you want him to kick butt in there or just blend in? We all know that a high % of clean blocks are called as fouls, so that makes it even more amazing.

Guess who leads the team in blocks/PF? Amir by a mile.


This is too easy. I need to start going to bat for Hayes or something.

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"I’ll just say this: We’re not talking to teams about their second- or third-best players." Joe Dumars talking about his plan to get other teams' 4th best players.

Sometimes I feel bad because I find myself hoping Sheed/Mcdyess/Maxiell get in early foul trouble. It's silly to judge a player by the /48 minute stats, especially if they're the Garbage Time King. I just like to see the dude get real experience - makes him easier to evaluate too...

That place was kind of dead yesterday. There have been nights like that for the past 2 years. That sellout streak by the way is a total scam.

Coincidently it started to thin out when we lost Ben Wallace. He was the big draw. Just grabbing Billups who was the next guy in line is not making it for many. The place needs another draw.

It still gets active on weekends, during winning streaks and when a rival comes in. Your average typical weekly sleeper game sometimes gets like that.

Thing is most people could care less about watching a player develope. Only way Amir is going to pack the joint is if he plays 30 MPG and averages a double double. He is intersting but not enough for most to pay $50 and walk 1/2 mile through a freezing cold parking lot to see.

Overall its still the one of the most active times for the Piston fan base. They do have to find way to make it more exciting. Always giving 100% effort out there no matter the competition is a good way to start. There is a reason why Maxiel has been growing in popularity.

Max..I'd pay to see Amir play. For regular season games I'm more interested in seeing the young guys anyway. And I don't mind the walk in from the parking lot...it's trying to get out of the parking lot that I hate.

30 minutes for Amir is a guaranteed double double.

Name another player whose first basket was a windmill jam. He's exciting. Look at how well JMax's jersey is selling. He's the #1 jersey in sales and he's a bench player.

The fans like to watch energy as well as wins.

I can see your point for a guy like Afflalo. He needs to develop and his strengths are the things that maybe your average fan wouldn't appreciate if they bought tix for 1 game and took their kids.

I would be excited to see Amir play as well. But I go to the games regardless.

Thing is most people who go to the games, the casual fan, do not spend their time on Piston Forums talking about bench minutes.

Ask around. Most people hardly know of Amir. He is just not big news yet, hence he is not a draw at this time. Especially after what happened with Darko. He is just another HVC at this time without the prestige of being a top 10 pick.

True. Most fans at the Palace wouldn't know who Amir is. They come to chug the 8 dollar beers and say Deeeetroit basketball.

I've read here in this forum that the coaches do not think Amir is ready. If I'm Joe D, here's what I say to the coaches: "Get him ready." It's really as simple as that. Flip and his staff make plenty of coin and have plenty of knowledge. Get AJ ready and quit saying he ain't. It's their job to get him ready and they haven't done it with much expediency.