You imply that Chauncey was either being completely honest -- or "fraudulent" -- when he lavished praise on Darko a few months ago. But there is also a third possibility: Chauncey may have been trying to build Darko up, even while harboring some private doubts about his talent. There is nothing dishonorable about overpraising a player to try to make him perform better.

If you are suggesting that Darko's confidence has been undermined by his lack of playing time here, then I think I can agree with you.

I hope you are right about his future in the NBA.

Yea, because Darko's 37.5% at the line this year is real Chauncey Billups-esque

It just doesn't matter. Every game thread, every discussion, every Pistons conversation turns into a Darko debate.

If only the kid could dominate the offensive glass the way he dominates cyberspace.

Amazing how the DHOF club rags about the legitimate observations offered by Alridge, Thompson and Barkley. If those three shared their view, they'd be all over their jockstraps. The truth hurts don't it?

darko won't do good here. end of discussion if everyone hasn't seen that yet you should look more closely.

I've always been a Sheed fan. Even when he was in Portland.

Are we talking about an undrafted free agent, or the second coming of Kevin Garnett. Because if it is the former, I'm impressed. The latter, whoopity-doo!

The goatee worked for Pau Gasol. But then Gasol was a European star before he got here and rookie of the year in the NBA so everything did not hinge on hairstyle or grooming habits.

Dude, it was garbage time. One of maybe 5 times he has shown an effort in garbage time. Let's not make this the stuff of legend. Jmax has come in and lit up people in garbage time and he hardly gets this kind of pub. And he was a late first rounder considered second round talent.

Take your pick.

Wow. You compared DMC to a late first rounder, our catalyst for the championship run in '04 and the most dominant player in the last 10 years. If I had the inclination, it would be easy to find a dozen things Sheed and Shaq do better. But that is besides the point. Running hard out on the break is what guys who are "into" the game do.

Nope. Tay always played well in any time he got in his rookie year. He never stopped working. Facial expressions are bonus.

Because he is building trade value.

His salary is an albatross. It's something his biggest fans always manage to neglect when discussing him. Fiscal reality hurts. It would be great if we could discuss players outside of their contract value, but if you are being honest about evaluation, it is key, particularly for a team built to be under the cap and an owner who demands spending restraint.

__________________
To all of my friends, comrades and companions at PF.com

Thank you for another great season!

Actually their numbers are remarkably close for the first 2 years. Perhaps Thompson can recognize another player who "can't play"?

Considering neither was an NBA player at 17, that's pure speculation.

I've never questioned DMC's talent, although his legendary shooting touch is mostly form, and a lot of rim. It's putting it all together to be a player in the league. Preparation, desire, consistency, attitude. You know, intangibles. The stuff in a man's breast and between his ears.

I find it amazing that you would say he will be the best center in the NBA in six years, above anyone entering the league in the next 5 years. Is the crystal ball rented or a family heirloom?

__________________
To all of my friends, comrades and companions at PF.com

Thank you for another great season!

darko should gain a couple minutes. if he performs well again he should become a good rotation player. darko needs to understand nothing is going to be handed to him especially since he's on a championship team.

Good break down Lee....when people talk about "quality" minutes, they can go 2 u for lessons.