I only saw part of this game. The thing that struck me as most impressive was Afflalo's D...he stayed with his assignment and didn't get turned around.

Finally I got to watch a Pistons game. It seems like it has been forever.

I don't want to get too carried away, because we had a very good game, played at a fast pace, got the win, played all the new guys... but it was just one game against Denver's 2nd/3rd string, so I'll keep some perspective.

Maxiell- crazy stats. 11-15, 12 rebounds, 4 assists!, 3 blocks!! We talked about caring vs. not caring- this guy has some hunger. He seems to have taken the challenge to get more boards to heart. They need to really keep pushing him there and reward it.

Stuck- what I'm beginning to realize is that his driving ability and relatively poor J is what we need. He won't settle for the jumper, because he is more comfortable driving. Finally, we have a guy who likes to penetrate, which is what we've been looking for.

Aff- great form. tries on D. Seems to have a solid attitude. Perfect bench player for this season.

Mejia- better than I thought he was. Big. aggressive. Rebounds! Can handle the ball.

Samb- I doubted him b/c I really haven't seen him in action. He's very coordinated for his build. Quick hands on the rebounds. Against other 2nd string players, I think he's ready to contribute.

Hayes- Better for us than Delfino/ Mo Evans. Nice pick-up.

Murray- You gotta give it up for him after this game. Every time he made a mistake he came back with clutchness.

Dupree- 6 points, 2 boards, and a nice fast break assist in only 7 minutes? He can play in an up tempo game.


With Amir in the mix, we have a perfect bench to go up tempo with. They can all contribute... except Nazr, who can be the extra body to insert when absolutely necessary.

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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.

Flip in the post game mentioned stuckey's poor shooting saying its expected because he's thinking so much out there learning the position and it will come.

sounds fair to me. our 2nd unit has some serious potential.... let's just hope it comes to be.

Wow. Samb impressed me beyond belief. Once this guy gains a little more size and can develop a post game and box out he will be a solid player in this league. Being skinny has allowed him to develop an awesome jump shot for a big guy and he can rebound now by just reaching over guys. I understand people think he should stay in the NBA, but I disagree. I think some time in the D-League is exactly what is needed and what the league is designed for. Nevertheless, I seriously think he could get some time in the Big League later in the year. Can Joe draft second rounders or what!

I'm just not sure what he will learn in the D-League. Most of his problems are physical and could be developed at the Palace.

He looked like he had a nice feel for the game. He even took a charge.

I don't really care either way, since I don't see him getting any meaningful minutes from Flaunders. But since we are thin at the Center spot (no pun intended), he could be useful.

Also, with our second unit, he is a shotblocker who can run. A fast break instigater potentially.

he's new to the game... he's been playing what 5 years? he'll spend a good chunk of time practicing at the palace but he needs to spend a good amount of time in fort wayne so he gets tons of minutes. If he fills out and keeps improving maybe..... just maybe the darko cult will disapear.

Repeated application in a competative environment. If he could get into games at the NBA level that would work but he won't so the NBDL would be the best recourse, IMO.

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I love looking over the box score and seeing the vets sitting on the bench for the most of the game. Rooks got some extended play and it is good for their development. Regarding Samb - the only way he stays up if Flip gives him consistent minutes. Will he? Well, looking at the history I have my doubts. And if it's the case he should go down to NBDL to get some playing time. The guy only played like 30 or so games over the last couple of seasons. They don't play that many games in Europe and he was also injured for a part of one season. He needs to play, and to play a lot.

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I think the Washington Wizards have got to be the dumbest team in the history of civilization. - C.Barkley

I like your thinking Mikhail!!!

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He blocks shots and rebounds naturally. He CAN'T box out, and probably shouldn't even bother, cause he'll snap. He has a surprisingly good jump shot for his build. And above all, he doesn't look lost out there.

For him to add the strength we are looking for will take years... and may not ever happen. Some frames can not carry that much bulk (Tay/Rip for examples).

So I guess my point is, we may as well use him before he breaks a leg.


But having said all that, Amir Johnson can probably do everything he does better, so I'd rather see the PT go to him.

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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.