"FREE THE BRAHMA!"

I've loved that phrase about Maxiell because it describes the brute force & energy he has displayed in his alotted playing time the last two years. I love the guys hustle, willingness to board, shot-blocking ability, and generally GREAT attitude about being a Piston. Volunteering for the summer league speaks volumes of his dedication to being the best he can be. For those not aware, he's lost weight since our playoffs ended...check this story:

PISTONS: Max Effort


But I have to be completely honest in my assessment of him. He doesn't have the range or quickness of a SF and doesn't have the height or known skills to post-up PF's or C's. The only guy I can think to compare him to is Barkley, who played in a much different NBA era.

Jmax obviously has Piston DNA coursing thru his veins, but I sometimes wonder if he fits this NBA as any more than a bench role player. I also wonder if Joe has received any inquiries about him.

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Corliss Williamson won a lot of games for the Pistons coming off the bench. I don't think the NBA is that much different from the days of Charles Barkley. If Jason can grab some boards and learn how to pass out of a double team, I think he could be very valuable.

Flip has to find a way to get this guy more minutes. I still think it's hard to evaluate him truly. He's got talent and his long arms give him the range to play the 4, I believe. Can't see him shutting down a Duncan or an O'Neal, though, so therein lies the problem.

Either way, I think the jury is definitely still out on this guy.

Ben once upon a time had extreme difficulties with lots of players. He learned. You can't expect Jason Maxiell to have experience playing guys, until you play him against those guys. Anyone needing examples, well, start with Antoine Walker. Basically, when we had Ben and Cliff, it was Cliff who could guard the better, bigger and stronger power forwards and centers in the league. Ben has one by one conquered many players; Maxiell can do the same-but only if he plays.

Let me know when you find anyone who shuts down 2 of the most dominant big men in NBA history.

I still don't understand why people worry about his defense just because he's a couple inches shorter than a typical power forward (Which only matters if you plan on blocking shots with your head). All the "undersized" hype is lost on me as soon as I see him on the floor. I would say he's an above average man-to-man defender at his position at this point (With experience, he'll be even better). Then when you add in his ability to defend the P&R, it's a no-brainer. If the team is better on D with him on the floor (stats back this up), he's a good defender. Simple as that.

The thing to worry about with Max is rebounding. It's been a problem for 2 years, and it doesn't look like anything has changed.

Not sure I'd count O'Neal as one of the most dominant big men in NBA history. Actually, I'm sure I wouldn't.

If he could make a greater percentage of his free throws and rebound a little better it wouldn't hurt either

I just don't see how he defends even average to scrub 4's.

Offensively, I think he'll be much better than average, but he will get taken advantage of on defense(he's no Ben).

I dunno Oracle. His P&R defense is really impressive. That alone makes him really valuable.

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Maybe we're talking different O'Neals. I assumed Shaq, since I wouldn't exactly pair Jermaine with Duncan. I would have gone for a KG or Dirk, etc.