Detroit At Milwaukee
Tuesday April 17 8:00PM

TV: WB20
Radio: WDFN

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Big question mark on this game. The Bucks are playing for playoff position. They might prefer getting the 5th seed and play the Cavs in the 1st round. If they do, they will go all out to win the game. If Flip plays the starters and the bench like the way he did the last 2 games, we will not win this game.

To win this game as well as limiting the starters to less than 30 min, Flip should mix the starters with the bench. What is confusing is why the bench comes in as a unit knowing very well that it won't happen in the playoffs. Is that another one of Flip's secret weapon come playoffs time?

I'd like to see a more familar rotation, though with extended minutes for the bench. I'm not sure how putting five bench guys out there at once, which is a very unlikely playoff scenario, really helps anyone get ready for the second season.

Maybe start Dice and Hunter, and bring CB and Sheed in with some other bench guys.

Maybe start Dice and Hunter, and bring CB and Sheed in with some other bench guys.
I was going to mention the same thing. Play the starters 2 quarters each (24 minutes), but switch them up so the bench isn't left for dead in the 2nd and 4th quarters.

I just realized looking through the conveniently supplied stats, that Redd is shooting nearly 80% from three against the Pistons. Ouch. That's over twice his regular season average.

Uh, somebody want to get a hand in his face? Or perhaps plant his butt in the third row. Remember when you could do that and just pick up a personal foul?

Does anyone else think Bogut is about two inches shorter than his listed height? He's listed as a 7 footer, but he looked shorter than Rasheed to me whenever they played the Pistons this season. I think Bogut's more like 6' 10", maybe 6' 10 1/2".

Dumars4ever - I think his listed height was part of the hype that got him picked #1. I am still trying to figure out how he is any dfferent than the average PF/C selected mid 1st round.


Its going to be a competitive game and I cannot go out on a limb predicting a win in this one because the bench is going to play a ton and MILW will be going for the win as they need all the confidence they can get.

The starters can impress me by not getting hurt and playing + ball then they are in. Its going to be up to Delk, Evans, Delfino, Hunter, Davis and Maxiel to pull this one out.

Perhaps even Acker or Johnson will be activated. I think this is what they were brought up for - to play the meaningless games.

I've wanted to see the bench played as a unit. But not for major minutes.

I just wonder why guys are occasionally listed as being taller than they are, when anyone who isn't blind can see the reality when they step on the court. Not that it always matters...another guy who was 7' on paper but no bigger than 6'10" in reality was Hakeem.

I'm going to the game tonight--should be fun stuff!

Chat is open!

Rasheed is at least 7-feet even.

Bogut was measured at 6-11 without shoes and 7-0 and a quarter in shoes at the predraft camps.

He's actually playing better lately now that Milwaukee's guards are actually feeding him the ball consistently (like Ike Diogu in Oakland). Near triple-double his last game, although that was against vertically-challenged Atlanta.

Even if we get blown out by 30, I will be thrilled if one thing and one thing only happens: Lindsey Hunter starts playing defense again.

Oh, btw, based on WDFN's pregame, expect some starters to be in street clothes.

milwaukee ispicked as the favorite tonight by sportsline.

Just checked the box score. Looks like Delfino totally outplayed Evans tonight based on the numbers anyway. What more proof does Flip need? Or am I jumping the gun here?

A very fun game to watch.

All of the bench players were pretty good. The Pistons' draft picks did a variety of good things. Maxiell is a beast. Amir's jumper has greatly improved. Alex did all right after he calmed down. Delfino had a good game on both sides of the ball. Mo Evans had IMO his best game as a Piston, played fantastic defense that I didn't know he had in him against Michael Redd.

Alex Acker and Amir Johnson locker room interviews (Audio only) post game with Eli Zaret.

Good stuff. It's in MP3 format.

Amir's jumper was looking a little unconventional, but he couldn't miss. 4 for 4 inside the arc. 2 for 2 from downtown. And 4 for 4 from the stripe. 18 points in 18 minutes. The kid looked like he enjoyed himself.

JMax definately likes to bang and do the dirty work. He is such a Piston it is amazing. He has had 2 enormous dunks in his past 2 games.

Acker was bricking early, but seemed comfortable with the ball handling and passing. When he didn't think about it and just started shooting at the end, they started to fall for him.

I thought it was going to be a disasterous game for Delfino after watching the way he started. However, he went into some kind of zone and started running the show. He is such a different type of player than Evans that it is amazing how much they are pitted against eachother.

The Bucks can really shoot the ball!

Alex Acker and Amir Johnson locker room interviews (Audio only) post game with Eli Zaret.

Good stuff. It's in MP3 format.


Thanks for posting this. I enjoyed listening to it. I just had a box score tonight, which was entirely wrong on Yahoo, which didn't even have Amir in there at all. This added some perspective.

I thought it was going to be a disasterous game for Delfino after watching the way he started. However, he went into some kind of zone and started running the show. He is such a different type of player than Evans that it is amazing how much they are pitted against eachother.



It was good to see Delfino getting some PT and playing well. I really think this kid can play. It`s all mental with Delf now, he has the skills, and basketball IQ - learning to play within the flow of a game is not coming easy for him. Limited PT may have something to do with it, but I wonder if Delfino understands exactly what Flip wants from him.

Delf did some good things tonight. Coming off screens where he knocked down some shots, created his own shots and also handed out 5 ass.

He did have 5 TO, playing out of control at times.

It was good to see Flip play him more than Mo tonight, I hope that he would trust Delfino in a game that counts, and that Delfino would step up and produce like I know he could.

Thanks for posting this. I enjoyed listening to it. I just had a box score tonight, which was entirely wrong on Yahoo, which didn't even have Amir in there at all. This added some perspective.
No problem. Hopefully you like this too.

Delfino's slick spin drive with the JMax monster putback, and another series with Delk-Dice-AJ-JMax-Delfino. Everyone touches the ball, and for a series at least, there looks to be some good chemistry to get Dice his baseline J.

Gotta be registered (http://www.pistonsforum.com/register.php) to download....
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Jmax is a wrecking crew. Darko was in the way man. I didn;t think so at first but man, each time I see him I start changing my mind in that direction.

Amir. Dang. great line. The attitude from the kids is great too. They got a long way to go but I like where they are right now.

We will probably never get sick of watching JMax rock the rim. He's such a great story, quiet kid with a passion to kick ass and take names.

Double double tonight. Off the bench. Playing against Milwaukees first and second unit, most of his time spent with the Detroit Bench Scratches.

11 Points, 12 Rebounds (5 OFF), 1 Assist (alley oop to Ben), a steal and 2 blocks.

Then there was AJ. Amir didn't miss a shot and scored 16 in the fourth quarter when the Pistons kids and Cato outscored Milwaukee's second unit by 9 on the road. And Johnson hit two 3 pointers. He's not just some high flying dunker.

The future is low priced and promising.

they're bargin bin for 3 years. we gotta use em or lose em. Delfino too. Mo is decent but I think may be hindering the long term progress if he stays past this year.

Jmax is a wrecking crew. Darko was in the way man. I didn;t think so at first but man, each time I see him I start changing my mind in that direction.
No doubt. Granted there was a language barrier, but what the kids say and what Darko would say is like night and day.

So happy to go down to the D to get playing time, and willing to admit that they are growing as players.

Amir Johnson,

"... I'm just learning a whole bunch and when they call my name, I'm just gunna be ready..."

When asked about if he was told he would score 18 and go 6 for 6 from the field,

"... Nah, I probably wouldn't (believe it).. I was just so excited to play and I just wanted to get in, and didn't matter if I played 2 minutes or just 2 seconds, I just wanted to get in there and play..."

This kid could be special. Really special.

Amazing how much talent this organization gets a hold of.

I just hope we can hang onto Johnson and Maxiel. Especially Johnson. Amir should be in no rush to join the rotation given his age and draft status.

Can he wait for 3 years? Sooner? Maybe as a backup to Tay or as a 4th big. Dumars did cut over 10 mil in cap space next season. That trade is looking pretty good.

On the game itself we were playing units that have never played before. At least they came back from 30 down to make it semi respectable and this game will also inspire the starters the kick some serious Buck %%% if we meet in the 1st round.

Maxiell- Flat out beast. This guy is a stud in the paint. Every time he touches the ball down there I wait for bodies to start flying. He is really going to help us in the future. It will be nice to have a guy around the rim that you can just toss the ball to and watch him go up strong with it (the McWallaces kind of shy away from that at this point). Once he gets his free-throw stroke more steady (He was mid-60s in college), he'll be good to go. It was great to see him rebounding today. Looked like a poor man's Barkley out there today.

Amir- Wow... totally unexpected. I expected a dunk or two. But two treys? 18 points? Crazy. This kid really looks like he has a knack for finishing around the rim. The jumper looks better. All he needs to work on his his strength, defense, and a little ball-handling. SF or PF though? Tough to say if he'll grow into a PF.

Delfino- I have said this all along... Carlos needs the ball in his hands, and he needs to get some decent minutes. Next year, when lindsey retires, he should be running the offense off the bench with Delk playing the shooting guard "role", but guarding the PG on defense. Carlos just looks so much better when he's driving into the lane and looking to setup teammates or score instead of spotting up (that split-the-screen, dribble-drive, no-looker to Amir for the Dunk was absolutely sick). Ditch Mo Evans, and hand the reigns over to los. He can guard the SG/SF, but play with a point guard mentallity on the other end. It's perfect. He should easily be able to get 25 minutes backing up both Rip and Tayshaun.

Acker- TBD. I need to see more time. He looked bad here, but I think it might be nerves.

Prince22 yes it was nerves with Acker. Johnson had every reason to be nervous as well but did not show it. Thats a real dangerous player - shows he can play through tough conditions.

I cannot be happier with the outings of the young guys and Delfino should also be noted. Did not win; however, those units had not played together before.

I am glad you guys saw the game, but from my perspective, we cheated the other teams vying for a playoff position, by letting the Bucks win.

Good to see JMax doing his fly to the rim thing, but more importantly for me, seeing him get to the boards - 12 total, 5 offensive. If he continues to develop and rebound, he might have a real shot at Barkley II.

Decent game from Delfino though he led the team in turnovers. A lot of those were from being aggressive though and I don't mind those as much. He looks like he's lost a bit of confidence and maybe last night will get some of it back. I really like to see him getting steals and pushing the ball. I'm with FP22 - put the ball in his hands for a few minutes each game and give the team a different look. (Ditto for TP when he is in.)

Only 14 turnovers (three shy of the Bucks) with a thoroughly makeshift lineup. That's pretty impressive.

Not sure I saw great defense from Evans on Redd - who ended up 8 of 13, and seemed willing just to ride everyone else's hot hand.

JMax made the NBA TV Top 10 plays for last night, with his monster dunk off the Delfino drive coming in at #3. I guess his throwdown against Toronto might have been Top 10 as well, but I didn't see the NBA TV highlights show that next day.

Also, NBA TV shows the top 5 individual totals around the league for the night in points, rebounds, and assists at the end of their highlights show. JMax's 12 rebounds put him on the board at #5 for last night.

JMax made the NBA TV Top 10 plays for last night, with his monster dunk off the Delfino drive coming in at #3. I guess his throwdown against Toronto might have been Top 10 as well, but I didn't see the NBA TV highlights show that next day.

Also, NBA TV shows the top 5 individual totals around the league for the night in points, rebounds, and assists at the end of their highlights show. JMax's 12 rebounds put him on the board at #5 for last night.
He didn't make the Top 10 on Friday night.

I've never been so happy with a 20 pt loss. We have 2 really promising rookies. I hope we'll find the right mix in the next 2 seasons to stay championship candidates AND find some playing time for Jmax and Johnson. With Cato and Davis probably gone, there should be some space for them. For insurance, we can extend Davis who accepts a decreased role or another old, experienced player who wants to get a ring more badly than minutes.
As for Fino, we've seen what he's capable off- let's hope we keep him and he becomes consistent. Maybe he can use the summer for working on his shot.
Never felt so happy after a loss :)

Two words for J-Max's free throw shooting...Bru and tal. Those were some nasty bricks he was tossing up there.

Although he didn't have a good game (admitted to nerves), Ack Attack is a damn fine baller as well. He was not only the most productive NBDL send down, but he was second team in the Vegas Summer League.

Acker can play, he just might need more time to adjust. The Low emphasized this in the chat last night, and since he has seen him play a couple times in Vegas, that's good enough for me.

SL Game 1
Alex Acker...WOW. I was truly impressed with this kid. It was like watching Tayshaun Prince in another body. Now, Congoman may not agree with me on this one, but this kid is good. My first impressions were that this kid is a good pull up shooter. He seems very equipped to come off a lot of screens (a la RIP) and knock down jumpers on the move. I thought he also had the ability to pull up similar to Chauncey, but maybe with a shorter range. He looked to be able to shoot the 3 with confidence and actually knocked one down in crunch time over a defender. Acker is a good aggressive player, but still patient. I don't think this kid forced one play the entire game (i.e. Prince). I'm sold on this guy.

Defensively, I definitely see a similarity between this kid and Tayshaun. Now, granted this is only the first game but I was really impressed with his overall game. They put this guy on Barbosa a few plays and those free trips into the paint ended in a hurry. I was quite surprised that he was quick enough to stay in front of Barbosa and many of you know how quick he is. He didn't seem to be shy of physical contact although he could stand to put on a few pounds of muscle. He does look to be a bit less wiry than Prince. A few pounds of muscle on this guy and he'll be a solid addition and should make the active roster. I'm looking forward to seeing this guy play again tomorrow.
SL Game 2
For my money, I'd take Acker and bounce Delfino at this point. This kid is solid. He's a really good shooter. Acker started the game well and as a whole, the team ran alot more today. He's running the floor very well and is finding teamates on the break with ease.

I noticed a few of you wondering about his assist totals. To be perfectly honest, our offense came to a halt when this guy was on the bench. He's not getting the assists because after they have run the offense to a dead stop, Acker bails them out. He usually is only getting the ball for an open jumper once everyone else on the defense has collapsed into the lane. Or, he is receiving the ball when no one else can get anything going and he had to stop and pop or drive and shoot. Now, he's not a prolific scorer, but when he gets the ball it's generally a very solid correct decision and 2 pts. If he's open count it. He will dunk on the break as shown by the nice two hand drop he put down today. I really like this kid. He had a couple turns today, but nothing that would make you worry.

Maxiell has been as advertised, but Acker is stealing the show for this squad. Now granted, the game may not come this easy for him against the NBA best, but he has a very solid foundation and it's almost like we just got a smaller Tayshaun Prince. This kid has a little muscle on him too, so it's just a matter of whether or not he can bring it to the 1st teamers as well, because he's is in control in summer league.
Bear in mind, Delfino was really poor at Summer League, hence The Low's comments at the time. If you are interested to read up on the Summer League Pistons last year, you can visit the pages I set up before this forum launched. http://www.pistonsforum.com/summerleague/

Congoman also had some great insights and was able to sit near Gar Heard (even chat with him a little about the players).

In the Fayetteville/Roanoke game I watched, Acker strokes jumpers with a lot of ease and he's not afraid to mix it up to get rebounds.

Let them grumble man.... If they wanted better playoff position they'd be in our position.

Hehehe

ANyway....didn't see the game. Duty schedule at the hospital gives me no time to look anymore.

But Amir, great line...

JMax sounds like a beast yeah.

Ack, at best he'll be a decent PG, but can be a backup.

Delf has gotta be in the flow to be productive. And I think we can do without MO after his contract goes.

it'll be the starting five, Dice, Delf, Amir, Ack....Lindsey is gonna retire. Cato won't be back. Mo will be let go after his contract. Dice could retire as well after the winning the championship.

Get some more role players, a few steals in the draft to develop again then we'd be fine.

THe future is bright.

No doubt. Granted there was a language barrier, but what the kids say and what Darko would say is like night and day.

So happy to go down to the D to get playing time, and willing to admit that they are growing as players.

Amir Johnson,

"... I'm just learning a whole bunch and when they call my name, I'm just gunna be ready..."

When asked about if he was told he would score 18 and go 6 for 6 from the field,

"... Nah, I probably wouldn't (believe it).. I was just so excited to play and I just wanted to get in, and didn't matter if I played 2 minutes or just 2 seconds, I just wanted to get in there and play..."

This kid could be special. Really special.

don't forget that there was no developmental league when darko came in as a rook. don't forget that that little back stabber lb was the coach. can you imagine lb trying to break jmax before he builds him back up?? darko regressed under lb and then again under flip. our rooks are having progress and loving it. i think we have a different attitude about young player development now and it shows. darko was also 17 and under much more pressure to show what he had than these guys.

it will be interesting to see how many dunks of jmax's darko swats.

don't forget that there was no developmental league when darko came in as a rook. don't forget that that little back stabber lb was the coach. can you imagine lb trying to break jmax before he builds him back up?? darko regressed under lb and then again under flip. our rooks are having progress and loving it. i think we have a different attitude about young player development now and it shows. darko was also 17 and under much more pressure to show what he had than these guys.
:violin:

Darko was under no more pressure than Johnson who has a minimum contract, and is fresh from high school. At least DMC spent two years playing as a pro for money (and some international competition) before coming to the NBA. DMC also had almost $10 million guaranteed on draft day as the #2 pick. Johnson was taken 58th and will stay on the bubble unless he works hard.

And I don't think LB would have to break JMax. He played for Bob Huggins. He defends and works hard. He rebounds. He's not afraid of the ball. And most of all, he's ready when he is called on.

it will be interesting to see how many dunks of jmax's darko swats.
Sometimes you are a hateful man. It will be interesting to see JMax swatting Darko's 18 foot Js. And dunking on his face. And beating him for rebounds. And making him cry like a baby.

Originally Posted by bball jay
don't forget that there was no developmental league when darko came in as a rook. don't forget that that little back stabber lb was the coach. can you imagine lb trying to break jmax before he builds him back up?? darko regressed under lb and then again under flip. our rooks are having progress and loving it. i think we have a different attitude about young player development now and it shows. darko was also 17 and under much more pressure to show what he had than these guys.


bball you ought to be ashamed of yourself dogging lb like that. you know he is suffering with acid reflux and had to carried off in a stretcher after that game and all.


i do have to compliment you on your growing repertoire of darko excuses though. no nbdl thats a good one. darko was 17 thats a good one he seems to keep getting younger in the darko mythology you create. we have a different attitude toward young players now yeah amir johnson a young guy that isn't a prima donna we like him.

:violin:

Darko was under no more pressure than Johnson who has a minimum contract, and is fresh from high school. At least DMC spent two years playing as a pro for money (and some international competition) before coming to the NBA. DMC also had almost $10 million guaranteed on draft day as the #2 pick. Johnson was taken 58th and will stay on the bubble unless he works hard.

dmc was a #2 and everyone thought he was a bust because he wasn't playing. everyone was comparing him to the rest of the people in his rookie class and that's a lot of pressure. if dmc messed up he got yelled at and yanked that's a lot of pressure. by the time darko got extended minutes he had sat for 2 years.

And I don't think LB would have to break JMax. He played for Bob Huggins. He defends and works hard. He rebounds. He's not afraid of the ball. And most of all, he's ready when he is called on.

he is however scared to pass the ball. you don't have to teach darko how to pass. he started rebounding yesterday. i won't act like he's beind doing that all year. he jacks up shots when called on. he attempts to defend but in the end is just undersized.

Sometimes you are a hateful man. It will be interesting to see JMax swatting Darko's 18 foot Js. And dunking on his face. And beating him for rebounds. And making him cry like a baby.

i'm not hateful. i think other people can't wait to find any little thing to throw venom at darko. when darko is playing well now in orlando nobody wants to talk about it. when our rooks have good games it's the perfect time to talk about darko. that's not cool so that's why i make sure i respond.

bball you ought to be ashamed of yourself dogging lb like that. you know he is suffering with acid reflux and had to carried off in a stretcher after that game and all.

karma. how much sympathy did lb have for delfino???

i do have to compliment you on your growing repertoire of darko excuses though. no nbdl thats a good one. darko was 17 thats a good one he seems to keep getting younger in the darko mythology you create. we have a different attitude toward young players now yeah amir johnson a young guy that isn't a prima donna we like him.

i think darko would have been a much happier player if he was sent to the nbdl his first season. darko was 17 when he was drafted so of course he would respond differently than jmax and acker. yes we have a new attitude where the players toughness and attitude is accepted and groomed. under lb this was not the case. different players respond to different types of coaching.

darko's a primadonna?? i wish ben had the same attitude as our young kids.

If Darko had been sent to the NBDL, he probably would have tried to catch a flight out of the country. I seem to recall hearing that he wouldn't accept such a demotion, but I have no evidence of that.

As for Maxiell getting blocked by Darko ... well, I suppose it's possible if Maxiell ever tried a shot with an upward trajectory. But Darko would get crushed if he let Maxiell get close enough to dunk, BBJ. Just like he did against middling post players such as Melvin Ely and Mike Sweetney. He'll let guys get position thinking he can block it, and he ends up under the basket.

If Darko had been sent to the NBDL, he probably would have tried to catch a flight out of the country. I seem to recall hearing that he wouldn't accept such a demotion, but I have no evidence of that.

As for Maxiell getting blocked by Darko ... well, I suppose it's possible if Maxiell ever tried a shot with an upward trajectory. But Darko would get crushed if he let Maxiell get close enough to dunk, BBJ. Just like he did against middling post players such as Melvin Ely and Mike Sweetney. He'll let guys get position thinking he can block it, and he ends up under the basket.
i remember him saying that too but that was also after 2 years of playing. when he was a rook he probably would have gladly accepted a chance to play basketball. it would be a demotion after 2 years of playing in the nba to get sent down to the nbdl especially if you are ready to play at the nba level.

maxiell with either get called for a lot of charges or get it blocked a lot. i saw just the other day that the guy is undersized and guys get hands on his shots especially under the basket. i do believe however that maxiell will get 1 power dunk on darko but that is the life of a shot blocker ask zo. i just mentioned this because everyone is so in love with maxiell's offensive game but darko would shut him down.

I dont even care that we lost, I am happy that the young kids got some major playing experience. Amir did awesome, and I can't wait to see him in the final game play at least 20 minutes (hopefully).

Anybody know if the game is on TV20?

I dont even care that we lost, I am happy that the young kids got some major playing experience. Amir did awesome, and I can't wait to see him in the final game play at least 20 minutes (hopefully).

Anybody know if the game is on TV20?
It's not. I believe it is on FSN.

bball you ought to be ashamed of yourself dogging lb like that. you know he is suffering with acid reflux and had to carried off in a stretcher after that game and all.

Wow, I hope he pulls through. I just heard about some new, cutting-edge, wonder drug that might give him a few months more... I think it's called "Tums" or something. :pray:

Wow, I hope he pulls through. I just heard about some new, cutting-edge, wonder drug that might give him a few months more... I think it's called "Tums" or something. :pray: As someone who had acid reflux really bad 3 years ago, I can tell you that Tums do not work. At that time, no over the counter chewable tablet, liquid anti-acid or pill was effective.

It was so bad, I couldn't eat or sleep and became very ill.

Great game, even though it did end up in the L column.

Our rookies played pretty well. The most impresive out of the group I think was Amir Johnson. I'm not entirely sure about this, but didn't he have 2 Alley Oop attemps? It doesn't really matter, but man this kid has hops. It's a good thing the NBDL kept him in shape, or this game would've stunk.

great game from the rooks!! johnson shootin 3s? maybe he can play SF as tay's backup...looks like he's ready to go right now.

As someone who had acid reflux really bad 3 years ago, I can tell you that Tums do not work. At that time, no over the counter chewable tablet, liquid anti-acid or pill was effective.

It was so bad, I couldn't eat or sleep and became very ill.

Try the "Zone Diet" as espoused by Dr. Barry Sears. It'll stop it dead in its tracks without medication. :) Now, I'm off to dinner, and I'll raise a glass to all the folks on the forum. :nod:

Try the "Zone Diet" as espoused by Dr. Barry Sears. It'll stop it dead in its tracks without medication. :) Now, I'm off to dinner, and I'll raise a glass to all the folks on the forum. :nod:
Roscoe is still alive, thanks to one of the greatest Naturopaths ever.

But thanks for the tip.

dmc was a #2 and everyone thought he was a bust because he wasn't playing. everyone was comparing him to the rest of the people in his rookie class and that's a lot of pressure. if dmc messed up he got yelled at and yanked that's a lot of pressure. by the time darko got extended minutes he had sat for 2 years.

he is however scared to pass the ball. you don't have to teach darko how to pass. he started rebounding yesterday. i won't act like he's beind doing that all year. he jacks up shots when called on. he attempts to defend but in the end is just undersized.


i'm not hateful. i think other people can't wait to find any little thing to throw venom at darko. when darko is playing well now in orlando nobody wants to talk about it. when our rooks have good games it's the perfect time to talk about darko. that's not cool so that's why i make sure i respond.

karma. how much sympathy did lb have for delfino???


i think darko would have been a much happier player if he was sent to the nbdl his first season. darko was 17 when he was drafted so of course he would respond differently than jmax and acker. yes we have a new attitude where the players toughness and attitude is accepted and groomed. under lb this was not the case. different players respond to different types of coaching.

darko's a primadonna?? i wish ben had the same attitude as our young kids.

:violin:

Great game, even though it did end up in the L column.

Our rookies played pretty well. The most impresive out of the group I think was Amir Johnson. I'm not entirely sure about this, but didn't he have 2 Alley Oop attemps? It doesn't really matter, but man this kid has hops. It's a good thing the NBDL kept him in shape, or this game would've stunk.
I would have loved to see the kid participating in the Slam Dunk Contest since no Piston ever won it. Sure, the contest ain't Pistons- style, but there has never been a dunker like him with these hoops on the team.

I would have loved to see the kid participating in the Slam Dunk Contest since no Piston ever won it. Sure, the contest ain't Pistons- style, but there has never been a dunker like him with these hoops on the team.

Johnson won a HS slam dunk contest by dunking from the free throw line. There was some footage of it floating around last summer - wish I could find it.

Courtesy of FreshPrince22, by way of Pistonsbball

Wow. I expected one of those dunks where he steps all over the line, but that looked pretty clean. Thanks for the clip.

This is turning into an Amir Johnson thread, but what the hey. I was pleased to see that his body has actually filled out pretty quickly. Now he looks 19 instead of 13.

This is turning into an Amir Johnson thread
Yeah, what the hey? Maxiell had a double double, you know! :hail:

But seriously, I love both of the Pistons rookies. :hug:

I don't know how anybody could have a problem with the way our rooks played yesterday. They played like Pistons!

I loved BL's comment that J-Max plays HUNGRY.

We haven't had that said about any rookie/2nd/3rd year player in a LONG time. :laugh:

Thanks Micro. The kid does have talent. I usually do not get excited about these prospects but its hard not to. We will see more of him tomorrow, he should play more.

I am glad you guys saw the game, but from my perspective, we cheated the other teams vying for a playoff position, by letting the Bucks win.
Every team fighting for a spot except Indy will get that "freebie" game. Chicago got one against Miami. Bucks and Wiz will get one with us. Indy just lost to the Bobcats, who have nothing to play for (and were without Okafor, Wallace, May, and more), so they deserve what they're getting if they lose to Orlando and end up the 8th seed.

Yeah that buck butt kicking was kinda fun to watch. If Amir reaches his NBA potential he is a Shawn Marion reincarnated, who is the best forward in the league this year by far, has had a better season than KG, Drik, and duncan. Marion and Amir have the same hops, size, frame and shooting range. Now will Amir be as good as Marion............:fingerscr JMax, is just superfun to watch.....like hatter pointed out for Laim to call the kid hungry is a great ting to hear. Both are going to be in the same boat as DMC though, learning the game without game time is difficult, if they're up for the task, their future is bright.