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Pistons Game 3 of the 2005/6 NBA Regular Season
Sat. Nov 5th 2005, 7:30 PM Eastern
Palace of Auburn Hills (http://www.palacenet.com), built 1998, league leading capacity 22,076
TV: WDIV (http://www.clickondetroit.com/), TSN (http://www.tsn.ca)
Radio: WDFN 1130AM (http://www.wdfn.com)

Detroit 2005 Record vs. Toronto: 3-1
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ESPN Box Score (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=251105008)

Pistons roll over hapless Raps

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- The Detroit Pistons didn't think the Toronto Raptors had anyone capable of guarding Tayshaun Prince on Saturday night.

They were right.

Prince scored 15 of his 27 points in the first half, dominating rookie Joey Graham and second-year player Matt Bonner, and the Pistons stayed unbeaten with a 117-84 victory. [click here for more] (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=251105008)

When we're done with the Raptors we'll be 3-0 we'll kill the Raptors, and Celtics. AI will put up a valiant effort, but his team isn't going to be much of a help so there's the 3rd win. I would of never traded Vinsanity if I was them at least he got some people to buy tickets to watch him.

Vince was killing the locker room and undermining the coach/management. He was a cancer, and I applaud the Raps for having the stones to kick him to the curb even if they did not get full value for him. He would have destroyed the franchise had he stayed.

It was a tough decision, but one that had to be made.

Vince was killing the locker room and undermining the coach/management. He was a cancer, and I applaud the Raps for having the stones to kick him to the curb even if they did not get full value for him. He would have destroyed the franchise had he stayed.

It was a tough decision, but one that had to be made.

Do you think that VC will affect the chemistry in NJ as well? I know that the NETS went on a helluva run after acquiring VC last year just to sneak into the playoffs. Do you think that VC, despite the "attitude, ego and injury issues" was a good investment by the NETS? Will 3 perimeter players and a young stud in Krstic be enough to compete for the EAST? Net's fans think so.

If they would of got Shareef they would be the 4th best team in the East, that just my opinion. Since they didn't I think the Cavs are in my #4 spot now.

Do you think that VC will affect the chemistry in NJ as well? I know that the NETS went on a helluva run after acquiring VC last year just to sneak into the playoffs. Do you think that VC, despite the "attitude, ego and injury issues" was a good investment by the NETS? Will 3 perimeter players and a young stud in Krstic be enough to compete for the EAST? Net's fans think so.
No, I don't think VC will affect chemistry in NJ. He's not being asked for leadership, just scoring. He couldn't handle the responsibility of being a leader or the face of a franchise. JKidd will not let him get out of hand or the ball will be passed to RJ.

Carter purposely tanked his play in Toronto. Imagine Ben not jumping for an entire game. That was what Carter did. He quit on his teammates and even had the stones to admit it later in an interview. He's a primadonna.

Good for the Nets, but the Raps got rid of a festering problem, with some cap relief and role players in return. Not to mention the 1st round picks they acquired. I think (contrary to popular opinion) that 10 years from now, this will be a better deal for the Raps than the Nets. NJ has little chance of winning it all in a conference with Miami, Detroit and Indianapolis.

No, I don't think VC will affect chemistry in NJ. He's not being asked for leadership, just scoring. He couldn't handle the responsibility of being a leader or the face of a franchise. JKidd will not let him get out of hand or the ball will be passed to RJ.

Carter purposely tanked his play in Toronto. Imagine Ben not jumping for an entire game. That was what Carter did. He quit on his teammates and even had the stones to admit it later in an interview. He's a primadonna.

Good for the Nets, but the Raps got rid of a festering problem, with some cap relief and role players in return. Not to mention the 1st round picks they acquired. I think (contrary to popular opinion) that 10 years from now, this will be a better deal for the Raps than the Nets. NJ has little chance of winning it all in a conference with Miami, Detroit and Indianapolis.

I'm not sold on VC the "saviour" as the NETS think of him. He is a very good player that GAVE UP ON HIS TEAM, much in the same way that Alonzo gave up on the NETS, Zo didn't think the Nets had enough to compete for a title so he orchestrated a trade. Then after being traded to an "undesireable place" like Toronto, Zo has the guts to refuse to report. I hate that whiny type of attitude. I think that VC is a "lazy whiner" who got his way and will now start playing again because "he feels like it". VC is talented but I don't want that type of player on my team. The Nets were ecstatic about him because he showed up and helped them into the players and brought credibility and "star power" to a team that had struggled without Kidd for much of the season.

Im as big of Nets hater as there is, but to say that VC, RJ, Kidd and a very good young 7 footer like Krstic isn't a nice start to a team is being short-sighted.

From the Toronto perspective, I would agree that draft picks are great but ONLY IF YOUR GM CAN DRAFT. I think Araujo is a complete bust. Everytime I've seen him play he is so unathletic and such a stiff it's pathetic. Villanueve played well in preseason but has alot to prove to prove he was worth #7. I agree it was a good trade for Toronto just to clear out a "bad seed" who had worn out his welcome and wasn't buying into the new defensive coaching philosophy. I hope in time it becomes a positive for that franchise because I would sure hate to see a scumbag player like VC get the last laugh.

i don't care how fugly it is.....we need wins, so let's get one tonight.

Is 15 minutes for DMC and 10 for Delfino unreasonable?

Delfino is at the top of the league in FG%. He's 1 for 1 on a reverse jam. Up there with him are DMC, SupDup, and JMaxx...also on a dunk.

Is 15 minutes for DMC and 10 for Delfino unreasonable?

Delfino is at the top of the league in FG%. He's 1 for 1 on a reverse jam. Up there with him are DMC, SupDup, and JMaxx...also on a dunk.

I expect a lot of bench time we have one of the worst teams in the nba coming to the palace we'll have the game finished very early, and the bench will have a lot of playing time. The thing I'm looking forward to the most is Mike James coming back to the Palace hope he has a lot of playing time tonight.

Seems to me that tonight would be the time to see our second team in as a unit. The starters played heavy minutes last night and had a plane trip home afterwards.

We have one of the weaker teams in, and we are at home, on national TV. What better time to showcase our new second unit?

Oh, yeah, and WIN a game with them contributing. :eyebrows: :laugh:

Yeah looking forward to seeing the Bulldog, only problem is...he killed us last year. Should see lots of minutes for the bench since this is a back to back with travel and our starters played alot of minutes.

Is 15 minutes for DMC and 10 for Delfino unreasonable?
Reverse those. Delfino has a year or two playing pro ball in Europe as a starter. We need Delfino to rest Tay and Rip. Can't get into a scenario where we count on Evans exclusively.

(Here come the HOFers) - DMC is still in the learning/growing etc stage. He needs regular minutes and not exclusively in GT. Just the same, we have a lot of quality guys on this roster who all need to get going. I wouldn't be surprised to see Dale Davis tonight. The Ps are not going to leave him inactive for 10 games to start the season. He's got a LOT more in the tank than Elden did 2 years ago.

Where LB had to work hard to exclude players, Flip has the opposite problem of providing enough playing to everyone and keeping the whole roster sharp.

Dont forget the fallaway jumper from the corner.That was more awesome. We got enough dunkers...Also, this game is on league pass Free tonight for those who can get it. I'll be here tonight with play by play.Send me any questions...my bruddahs!

I'm with you on all points, Micro.

Hopefully we'll see the starters get 20+ minutes with the bench pulling nice burn time. I think I'd prefer to give darko his extended look early rather than balance out with DD. Mostly because it was frustrating to see LB use every other option before DMC. Everybody is waiting to see if Flip will let Darko play a decent backup role...even Darko. If DMC isn't earning his keep on his floor time, then let Davis come in for him. There will be opportunites for Davis in the next few games.

We'll see how it plays out.

I expect a lot of bench time we have one of the worst teams in the nba coming to the palace we'll have the game finished very early, and the bench will have a lot of playing time. The thing I'm looking forward to the most is Mike James coming back to the Palace hope he has a lot of playing time tonight.

I don't know about that (although I hope you're right). Toronto always seems to play us tough. They do suck, but we always seem to get their best game.

Our starters could use a short night after playing 40 minutes last night.

I don't know about that (although I hope you're right). Toronto always seems to play us tough. They do suck, but we always seem to get their best game.

Our starters could use a short night after playing 40 minutes last night.

I don't remember, but i think the last time toronto gave us a fight was when vince was there, I'm not sure though.

Hey Jammer!

I'm watching this one on WDIV. I can't stand the Raptors' announcers. No one has ever put as much effort into saying Rafael Araujo as Chuck Swirsky.

Hey Jammer!

I'm watching this one on WDIV. I can't stand the Raptors' announcers. No one has ever put as much effort into saying Rafael Araujo as Chuck Swirsky.

You got that channel in Canada? or are you coming here for some reason.

I'd like to see the starters come out strong tonite, build an early lead, and turn it over to the bench to see if they can hold it.

Yeah looking forward to seeing the Bulldog, only problem is...he killed us last year. Should see lots of minutes for the bench since this is a back to back with travel and our starters played alot of minutes.

Toronto is also on one. Played in NJ last night.

No, I don't think VC will affect chemistry in NJ. He's not being asked for leadership, just scoring. He couldn't handle the responsibility of being a leader or the face of a franchise. JKidd will not let him get out of hand or the ball will be passed to RJ.

100% correct. The weight of the franchis is on JKidd, Vin's along for the ride, enjoying the Manhattan night life, and and as happy as a pig in poo. Watch out for the Nets this year. The Nets and Milwalkee will be the surprise sleepers.

Dont forget the fallaway jumper from the corner.That was more awesome. We got enough dunkers...Also, this game is on league pass Free tonight for those who can get it. I'll be here tonight with play by play.Send me any questions...my bruddahs!

Sure, we have guys that can dunk. But how many of them can setup in the halfcourt, blow by their man on the baseline, and throw it down (or lay it up)? Not many. Tayshaun can do it on occasion, but Delfino is the best at that.

Hey Jammer!

I'm watching this one on WDIV. I can't stand the Raptors' announcers. No one has ever put as much effort into saying Rafael Araujo as Chuck Swirsky.

tell me about it! i caught a pre-season game of theirs. half the time its 'huffa', the other half it sounds like 'huffa el-araraujoraoujo'.

he is a true homer, but still respects the other team unlike guys like heinsohn (who is a true homo)

Prince had 13 points on 5 of 6 shooting, and Detroit shot 58 percent from the field. 38 big ones by the Pistons in the opening stanza.

Full 2nd unit in, Arroyo, Evans, Delfino, Dice, and DMC. Hoping these guys do something, showing the starters will be able to get rest during the regular season without risking the game.

Full 2nd unit in, Arroyo, Evans, Delfino, Dice, and DMC. Hoping these guys do something, showing the starters will be able to get rest during the regular season without risking the game.

I'm listening online and it doesn't sound like they did too well. Starters take 'em on a 10-2 run to close the half. Just four points from Sheed in the first half. Is Sheed hurt?

OK, missed part of the 1st with a good excuse. ;)

The Pistons bench is so-so. Darko had a nice block and Arroyo/Delfino are playing strong.

The Pistons starters are simply AMAZING. Every lottery bound team should just mark games against the Pistons in Detroit as losses right now. Don't dare to dream.

The offense looks very smooth, very comfortable.

The defense hasn't impressed me (vs. other years) simply because the Raptors REALLY suck and Jalen Rose is chucking a lot of bad shots.

Can anyone explain why Mo Pete is not playing more? This is insanity. He's got 6 points in 12 minutes, grabbed 2 boards, drew a shooting foul and they sit him back down on the bench.

You guys likey Calderon? The kid has game.

At the half, our starters look like they are playing against a semi pro team. The bench needs to find it's identity, badly. They have guys on that unit who can really shoot, but it just looks like they are not working together yet. Honestly, it might be better if they used Delfino to initiate the penetration more often, his ability/passing skills could really help generate some offense.

You got that channel in Canada? or are you coming here for some reason.
Have you ever been to Windsor? I'm less than 20 minutes from Lafayette Coney Island if the tunnel is not backed up. Heck, I'm closer to Detroit than the Pistons tonight.

Anyone want to chime in on this?

Are the Raptors this bad, or the Pistons this good? This is the most effortless game I have seen since the 2004 Finals.

Its the 3rds qtr...76\52 with 4:00 left////.....bring in the clones!!!!!!!!!!my brudahs!!

Toronto wins 16 games, Micro, amd I'll buy u a soul food breakfast!!!!

Toronto wins 16 games, Micro, amd I'll buy u a soul food breakfast!!!!
You are on Cass Tech. Better be downtown, I get lost in the 'burbs...

When was the last time Detroit scored 89 points in 3 quarters?

I don't know what you think but Flib is not playing the bench much more time than LB. I mean, this game is against the Raptors....

Well at least he is giving Darko and Delfino more than 5mins.... There is a difference...
pd. McDyes is not my 6th player anymore...

And by the way, if we hadn;t missed 6 layups and 3 open three's . we'd have 104 by now!...my bruddah!

I'm worried about Darko. Seeing as how we have a 20 piont lead there is no way these 4th quarter minutes could be termed meaningful. I'm concerned that he will be insulted.

I want to see:
1. Good point play by los Arroyo
2. Good D by Milicic
3. Flowin in the air by Evans
4. Commanding the ball by Dice
5. Hit the open jay by Delfino

andddddddddd...i love Mike James...big mistake by us,,,,James or Hunter?My Bruddahs!!??

And by the way, if we hadn;t missed 6 layups and 3 open three's . we'd have 104 by now!...my bruddah!


You ever had chicken and waffles? Now, THAT'S a soul-food breakfast.

Pistons & Flip = 3-0 (Slaughtering Toronto).
Knicks & Larry= 0-2


I Wonder if they will receive a phone call tonight from LB giving them advice on "playing the right way" :laugh:


Sorry guys...couldn't resist! :decision:

My green bruddah...I'm down here in Houston wher they have a place called the Breakfast Klub and if u finish the food, they think u are a god!!....and the women are soooooooooooooooo fine! Anytime yall come south, I got cha!!

Hey Jammer!

I'm watching this one on WDIV. I can't stand the Raptors' announcers. No one has ever put as much effort into saying Rafael Araujo as Chuck Swirsky.

Ah man, don't get me started.

I pay $90 a month for freakin Bell Expressview, yet I can't get any of the local chanels! I don't even own rabit ears and the only regular t.v. station I kind of get is Fox (at least I think its Fox. Its hard to tell through all the snow).

I have a 42' wide screen high definition tv, a HD receiver and a nice surround sound system in my basement, but I'm stuck watching the Lions on our little tv upstairs because I can't get any reception in the basement. Not to mention the fact that I miss most of the Pistons games but can watch all the freaking Raptors I want on RaptorsTV!

I'm so pissed. I had Cogeco Digital Cable at my old house and although I couldn't stand their commercials, at least I could watch all the local stations.

My wife has been listening to me vent since the start of the Lions season. :frusty:

When was the last time Detroit scored 89 points in 3 quarters?
I think that they did this and some that record setting night against Denver.

http://www.kusports.com/news/mayer/story/39321

When Delfino and Evans are in at the same time, who's playing the 2, and who's playing the 3?

and I am the 3!!!!!

42 points

where u be????? I got a good game on Miami 71 Milwaukee 68 in the 3rd qtr...go Bucks!

Well if you extrapolate his numbers tonight over 30 plus minutes he would have one.

I'd like to see Chauncy take a couple of nights off and see Los Arroyo and Acker go at it!!!...my BuddaBruddah!

Darko....looks like A seven foot Eddie Munster

http://www.dodgerblues.com/images/lookalikes/munster.gif

goodnighty, my prettys ...we're 3=0 and lovin it!!!!!Wooo!!

just went down to Philly at home.

1st half report

Most likely, our starters will come in and make this one a blowout in the 3rd quarter. Its an 18 point lead at the half, with the Pistons getting a run late to stretch the lead from 10.
Tay was on fire hitting for 13 in the 1st quarter with about one miss. This included a triple. Sheed did a bit of work inside and Rip hit some shots.

First off the bench was Dyess, then Evans, then Arroyo. Soon Darko and Delfino joined them. This unit held their own. But after Sheed joined them, things went downhill. No fault of Sheed. More like Toronto was bringing their starters in quicker than we were. The lead dropped a bit, our starters all came back in. Toronto kept up their comeback a little longer before the run.

Between Evans and Delfino, you simply don't have a good enough defensive player out there to cool off a hot shooting small forward. Delfino is not that good a defender, and Evans simply gives up too much height. I still say we got to find a better solution at backup small forward. And again, let Delfino and Evans fight it out for minutes behind Rip.

Darko finally missed a shot. Delfino hit a triple. Darko got a block. Arroyo pulled a Rip. Not a game ending winner, but still a nice bucket with .6 left. One nice thing to see is Arroyo hitting Dyess with a pass and Dyess actually hitting that jumper. But then Arroyo hit Dyess with a perfect pass for a layup and Dyess blew that.

Rose is Rose. Good one moment. Ill advised shots the next. MoPete looks good, as does Graham. And Bosh is still lighting it up pretty good. If they had a decent center, they would actually be a good team. I should qualify that. A good team offensively.

Game report

Well, it was over pretty quick with us getting a 27 point lead early in the 3rd. They did cut it to 20, but thats it. As has been Toronoto's thing previously, they tried to shoot their way back into the game. But the Pistons are some pretty darn good perimeter defenders so you knew that was not going to work.

Prince continued to hit his shots. Rip hit some more. One guy who ain't hitting his shots though is Billups. Dyess hit a jumper off a pass from CB.

The subs finished the games for us, but Toronto for some odd reason kept some of their starters in. And MoPete, who started the 2nd half. Arroyo had to be told by his coach to get some points for himself. And he did, both going in to the bucket and hitting his outside shots. Delfino did some pretty fancy scoring. Evans continues to nail those threes at a very impressive rate. Darko hit another outside shot.

Arroyo was particularly active tonight, and the announcers kept commenting on how much energy Arroyo was bringing to the game. Running breaks, getting rebounds, finding ways to get good passes to his teammates. And bothering the opponents dribbling.

Evans is still showing no signs of being a ball handler, but he can do two things quite well on offense. Make that three. One, hit spot up shots at a very good rate. Two, he can shake off his defender and use those good hops to raise up and nail a shot. Three, if inside, he can just go up and nail that short jumper. Pretty good stuff. On shooting guards, his defense is fine. On small forwards, he lacks height. Altogether, a fine player who fits right in as long as surrounded by guys who can do the chores on ball handling. I really like our 2nd unit for the most part except for a weakness in being able to guard hot shooting small forwards.

Maxiell got some time, looked nervous as can be expected. Maxiell still has not seen any real minutes with the score still mattering. He did get that drive in, but missed the and one.

We have now seen two Pistons really explode on offense in Tay and Rip. In just three games. We all know CB will come out of his funk. Maybe next game. GO PISTONS!!!!!

Thanks for the analysis. I only get to listen and read box scores.
Now let's see Dale Davis get some burn.

We have a huge opportunity right now. What looked at first like a killer early-season schedule is suddenly very manageable. We have road games against a Sacramento team that's off to a rough start, Phoenix minus Stoudamire, and a lousy Portland squad. Then later on we're at Houston, which just lost McGrady.

Let's hope we can take advantage.

Thanks for the analysis. I only get to listen and read box scores.
Now let's see Dale Davis get some burn.

During the first Piston broadcast, they mentioned that it was not planned for either Hunter nor Davis to get playing time in the first half of the season. Can't say if its true or not, but that is what was said.

All is well in Pistons' land tonight.

Detroit flows like it's 1982. Could have probably won by 50 if we wanted.

Pacers, Heat, and Spurs all go down.


As I have said before, Arroyo needs to be free with his own shot. He doesn't need a coach telling him to pass the ball, because that is what he enjoys the most. He needs a coach telling him to shoot it. He's a bit Nash-like when he is stroking those free-throw line J's. And man does he look like he owns the game.

Delfino is still feeling his way around, but looked good in spots.

Evans- What a great addition. Nuff said.

And Tay... 0 fouls and a masterpiece of an offensive game.

ESPN Box Score and AP Recap added to post #2 of this thread.

Thanks Lee356 for your breakdown of the game. I really appreciate it, as I don't have a television, and generally make do with boxscores. (Obviously, I'll have to find somewhere to watch the games come playoff time, but I'll worry about that when the time comes.)

You ever had chicken and waffles? Now, THAT'S a soul-food breakfast. Grits, salmon cakes and homeade biscuits or grits & gravy over homeade biscuits. Now that's a southern breakfast.

You are on Cass Tech. Better be downtown, I get lost in the 'burbs...

When was the last time Detroit scored 89 points in 3 quarters?

If Sam Mitchell makes it to the end of the season, I will buy you a soul food dinner and a breakfast.

Ya gotta feel some pain for Jalen. He's stuck in the mud. That was one miserable azz thumpin he took last night. Hope the 15.6M he's getting for this season and the 17m he gets for next make it all worth it. (You give me 33M to spend 2 years in the great white north and I'm taking some curling lessons:).

Best visual of the night: Mike James getting all that love from his former teammates, both before and after the game. Pistons were tracking him down as he headed to the locker room. You could tell there was a really strong relationship between them. (sniff sniff)
Before the game I would have traded Carlos for Mike in a heartbeat. Last night I shut off the TV thinking Carlos finally GOT IT. Forget the points and assists, his most significant contributions were made without the ball. He boarded, stole, hustled, and generally kept hope alive with sheer desire. He was the whirlwind I've awaited. He became the stick that stirred our reserves drink.
I (We) will continue inspecting his game for flaws, even as they become more faint. As I see it Arroyo still has one more hurdle. When assessing Carlos -vs- Mike last night, ask yourself, which one was home and which was visitor. The answer describes why starters start and reserves sit.
CA is teamed with a unit that suffers the same malady of fading badly in hostile environments. Our bench needs his ability to generate those extra, off the ball plays to raise their overall effectiveness. Otherwise Flipper will look an awful lot like LB4LB with regard to his road rotations.

Grits, salmon cakes and homeade biscuits or grits & gravy over homeade biscuits. Now that's a southern breakfast.


Yeah, that sounds pretty good to me. :)

The James gang was in full clinch mode. They really bonded with him in his short stint here.

On Carlos. My opinions a tad different, I don't think there was ever a problem with his not giving it full throttle anywhere on the court. Just seemed like he was moving at a different speed playing a different game. Where this year the free flowing O is more in synch with his natural game playing tendencies.

Thanks Lee356 for your breakdown of the game. I really appreciate it, as I don't have a television, and generally make do with boxscores. (Obviously, I'll have to find somewhere to watch the games come playoff time, but I'll worry about that when the time comes.)

No TV?????? How many children do you have????? :P

We did that good, and do you guys realize sheed and dice didn't play as good as they can. I'm looking forward to the west coast trip we should at least go 2-1.

Great job by ben, opponents can't expect him to not play offense with a gaurd on him. His free-throws looked great (7-10) i knew it would improve. Also people expected chauncey to be a ballhog he's averaging 9 assists which is pretty good. Tay was very aggressive which is a good sign. Plus we had 42 bench points this team looks great.

http://www.detnews.com/pix/2005/11/06/sports/s106-pistons-1105y_11-06-2005_VQ9IDVV.jpg

Up close and personal...

Whoa ball bustin move there. Talking about going for the rock(s). That's a little pure Canadian "pocket pickin" eh Micro!
:laugh:

Might be time for our first "Put your caption below the picture contest".

Now that I have your attention, there are a couple of other comments, first. Ben played extremely well, and the free throw attempts show that he is practising. What a difference that would make through the season.

I may have not that much basketball watching capability (no surprise to many of you), but I don't really see anything that Carlos Arroyo is doing wrong. He is doing it all, in my estimation. Carlos Delfino shows really good stretches, as well. I don't see a lot that Evans is doing, it just does not seem to catch my eye, except his shooting is right on.

Dyce, Sheed and CB are not shooting well, yet, consistently, but I know they will. Rip and Taysh just light it up.

Now, what this post is all about. Everybody knows full well how I feel about DMC, but I find myself squirming around in my chair in front of the fireplace, just telling him to get more involved in the offence. Darn it, all he is doing is setting screens all over the floor and going to an open area, where he does not get the ball often. He needs to get into the habit of breaking toward the basket, barrelling down the lane, and shoving inside with his back to the basket. I think he would get more passes then, and also be in position to get offensive boards.

He is doing quite well, I believe, on defense as he is bothering shots, jumping out on shooters, getting a couple of boards, and all, but he needs to get more involved on offense or he is going to lose one of the reasons he gets minutes: some scoring in addition to his defense.

I will let him see the tape I have of the Atlanta game and those soaring dunks earlier this year. He just does not seem to be even attempting to do those things. DRAT!! :doh: :frusty: !!!

I don't think it is too soon to expect some of that fire on "O".

Now, what this post is all about. Everybody knows full well how I feel about DMC, but I find myself squirming around in my chair in front of the fireplace, just telling him to get more involved in the offence. Darn it, all he is doing is setting screens all over the floor and going to an open area, where he does not get the ball often. He needs to get into the habit of breaking toward the basket, barrelling down the lane, and shoving inside with his back to the basket. I think he would get more passes then, and also be in position to get offensive boards.

He is doing quite well, I believe, on defense as he is bothering shots, jumping out on shooters, getting a couple of boards, and all, but he needs to get more involved on offense or he is going to lose one of the reasons he gets minutes: some scoring in addition to his defense.

I will let him see the tape I have of the Atlanta game and those soaring dunks earlier this year. He just does not seem to be even attempting to do those things. DRAT!! :doh: :frusty: !!!

I don't think it is too soon to expect some of that fire on "O".

i agree darko needs to get a little bit more aggressive offensively. his jumper is falling quite nicely though. he shoots it from pretty deep and is shooting it confidently. he shoots an occasional airball but his shot is dropping now that he knows he's going to get playing time after the shot. i think maybe darko needs more plays ran for him instead of just the set offense. make it a point to get him involved he's too gifted offensively not to take advantage of his skills. i agree though instead of fading he should dive to the hole sometimes. but with more minutes we will see more of what he has.

i think darko is feeling out his role offensively. he also knows that his minutes will come from being a defensive presence. so i think it's too early to see what darko will be like offensively. we know he's going to be great defensively.

Sheed does it all the time. The difference is that Sheed always has someone charge out at him. Just a matter of time before Darko has hit enough shots out there to where the other team respects it. Then it won't matter if he actually shoots much, he will have spread out the defense.

So, the problem right now is not what he is doing, but the fact the other team is showing it so little respect. The cure is to throw him the ball and let him shoot. The season is young yet. Just one more thing to look forward to.

No TV?????? How many children do you have????? :P
He's better off without it.
Do you remember as a kid waking up in the morning grabbing your Baseball mitt and not returning home till after the street lights came on?

The day might go something like...
Hoops, baseball, or hockey, block tag, going to a Piston or Tiger game...
anything but mindless hours in front of the tube or PC.
Some of the best stuff was free.

It's not easy getting todays kids outside.
:focus:

So far Delfino has been more of a liabilty than asset... giving up too much on defense (it's on DVR)... he also needs to protect the ball better.

'berbs has put his finger on an important point. Watching Darko wander around setting cross screens gives a pretty good indication that he doesn't have a principal role in the plays run by his unit. Why is that? He's demonstrated a pretty good basketball IQ, so I don't think it's for lack of understanding. And we saw him run a Rip Hamilton baseline route for a turnaround jumper against the Bulls, so it's not lack of skill. Instead he's often a last resort, and the result is usually bad spacing or a poor passing angle or just his own aimlessness. Things are a little better when Delfino handles the ball, but I still don't get a feeling that our bench players have much confidence in each other.

It feels like we're ignoring the second unit's only low post scoring option, and we're going to need more balance to avoid becoming Raptoresque.

Lanier, it's almost like we don't want a Off. center. Laimbeer and BBen are not Off. Centers. I think they want Def. Centers. Which wasn't Darkos forte coming up. I think we're trying to hard to change his stripes. I don't know why this is. If his O meter goes up 1 notch - look out!

The articles written really make it seem like the Pistons embarrassed the Raptors in a bad way. They are blaming eachother, skipping their day off, and the coach is sleepless.

That's what happens when you light it up. They can't blame the loss on their uncharacteristally bad shooting night, which is what a lot of teams did when they were crushed by the Pistons D. When you score at will on somebody, it makes them depressed.

TaShawn, It's Babcock, he doesn't know how to build a team. Bad GM vs Good GM-- Piston Discussion