Part One:

RIP HAMILTON HAS IT ALL, AND ALL HE WANTS TO DO IS SHARE IT WITH HIS HOMETOWN BOYS
BY CHRIS PALMER PHOTOGRAPHS BY TURE LILLEGRAVEN

Richard Hamilton plops his angular frame into a chair in front of a mirrored barbershop wall on the second floor of his 5,000-square-foot crib in the Detroit suburb of Birmingham. His personal barber, James Wilson, gets down to trimming the stragglers on his forehead and temples. In walks Hamilton's first cousin, Jontue Long, in a size 52 jersey embroidered with “Rip City” on the front and “Coatesville” on the back. Rip calls the jersey Jontue's tux. Henry Cooper, a friend of 12 years and Rip's personal assistant, is wearing the same jersey. Hey, at least the color scheme is different. (Rip should talk; he has over 100 of the jerseys in his closet, done in all the NBA team colors.)
Before long, nearly a dozen friends, almost all from Hamilton's beloved hometown of Coatesville, Pa., have turned the room into a comedy lounge. They rib each other the way they once did back at Ron's Barber Shop. The easygoing Cooper, who, according to Coatesville legend, once drove a moped
through Ron's front window, is a quick target. Talk is of girls and old boys, the league and their next jaunt to Miami.
Tonight is Rip's 27th birthday, and his whole crew is in town for the occasion. Haircut completed, Hamilton reties his ever-present do-rag and heads downstairs. On the white-marble floor in the two-story foyer, he towers over everyone. “How many we got?” he asks. “Fifteen? Sixteen? Seventeen? Who are the designated drivers? How
many cars do we need? Better bring 'em all.”
“Tonight's gonna be a classic!” Long says.
“Yes, siiiiir,” says Rip, shouting a catchphrase he's used since high school. His boys call it a Coatesville thing. It usually signals that all is well with Rip, C-Ville or the Pistons.
And all has been quite well lately, thank you. Entering his seventh season, the 6’7" shooting guard is living a life naysayers back home told him he shouldn't dare dream about. To rub it in the skeptics' faces, Hamilton makes sure the boys he grew up with get to live it right along with him. “Being in the league allows me to meet all kinds of people and see some incredible places,” he says. “I want my friends to experience that too.”
“THERE USED to be a highway sign that let you know when you got to Coatesville, but they took it down,” Hamilton says. “Then I looked on a map
and we weren't on there. Where's the respect?”
Hamilton has made it his life's work to show the world what Coatesville can produce. The blue-collar community, framed by farmland and rolling hills, is 40 minutes west of Philly. It is a small town (pop. 11,000), but not without big-city problems. “We have everything Philly has,” says Long. He means high unemployment and mean streets.
But living in Coatesville got Hamilton where he is today. Folks trudging back and forth to the steel
mill in the dead of winter showed him there was no shame in working for a living. Coaches taught him that staying after practice was time well spent. Friends' parents always kept their couches and kitchens open. It takes a village, right? In Rip's mind, the loyalty he shows his hometown repays that debt. “It's where my heart beats,” he says.
So even though Hamilton no longer lives there, he always keeps C-Ville close. At least one member of the crew is always crashing at his house, and when the Pistons are on the road, the “CV” embroidered on the back of his game sneakers reminds him of where it all began. There are few moments in Rip's life his homeys don't share with him. With the exception of the 15-minute drive to and from practice, Hamilton rarely goes anywhere by himself. Not to the grocery store. Not to the West Indies. “If they weren't around, I wouldn't feel right,” Rip says. “Once I drove to a game by myself, and the parking attendant looked at me like something was wrong.”
The group have known each other since they could walk. But they didn't really grow tight until they got to high school. Rip, Long, Michael “Spud” Hamilton (another cousin), Milton Baxter and Carl Hines all were on the basketball team. Cooper was the manager. They hung out at the barbershop when they weren't balling and studied together when they weren't chasing girls. Acing advancedplacement classes was as important as making the basketball team.
Yes, at first glance they look like most of the crews that have come before them. But don't judge the homey by the throwback. “We're not his entourage or posse,” says longtime pal Mark Brown, a financial adviser with Smith Barney. His dark-blue business suits stick out among the Rip City jerseys. “Our friendship is from the heart, as real as anything there is. We all have our own productive lives, but it seems like we've been together forever.”
After earning an accounting degree from Bucknell in 2001, Long got a job as an analyst at SEI Wealth Network, a suburban Philadelphia financial-planning firm. Baxter, who attended Bucknell with Long, is an engineer with Whirlpool. A touch-screen oven he designed hit stores this
past spring. Wilson, the barber, just opened his own shop in DC. A native of the District, he's a relative newcomer to the crew, having latched on during Rip's rookie season in 1999.
To seal their bond and solidify their allegiance, Rip decided, in the summer of 2002, that the crew should get “CV FOR LIFE” tattooed onto their abdomens. All except Spud. “He has a big stomach,” Rip says. “So we let him get it on his shoulder.” Because he's usually wearing a shirt,
Hamilton also has CVs on his jewel-encrusted bling and on his license plates. “It's such a great place,” he says with a smile, his two front Chiclets gleaming. “When you leave, you can't wait to get back.”
ASH PARK is where Rip Hamilton the basketball player was raised. Two slabs of well-worn asphalt in a small valley defined by steep, grassy hills, the place is a workaday Coliseum. Chain-link nets hang from hoops supported by steel poles that have
always been hazardous to fast-breakers. Ash Park is where reps were made. That Rip (his dad, Richard Sr., had the nickname before him) and his boys had to pass through the Oak Street projects to get to the courts was just extra incentive to bring it.
Even back then, if you were playing Rip, you needed track shoes. He never stopped and never tired. “The way his heart and lungs work is a gift,” says Long. In high school, Hamilton could churn out five-minute miles without warming up. These days he runs his pit bulls, Shark and Diamond, until they're on the verge of collapse-just as he does NBA defenders.
Combine his “gift” with exceptional balance and agility and you begin to get why Hamilton is such a tough cover. He has an uncanny ability to maneuver through double-teams, dash around picks and slalom in and out of a forest of swiping arms and legs. He's always in an upright posture, always ready to catch a pass and release his pullup. Over the past four years, he's averaged 19 points on just 16 shots a game. “He's a coach's dream,” says Larry Brown. “He appreciates fundamentals and is always moving. You love that in a player.”
It wasn't always so. In Coatesville, Rip was a dribbler. “He'd take six or seven dribbles like he was an And 1 player,” says Ricky Hicks, then the
freshman team coach at Coatesville Area High and now a member of the CV crew. “His energy level and basketball IQ were incredible, but I knew we had to get rid of the dribbling.”

Part Two:

It wasn’t easy, but Hicks got it done. He limited Rip to one or two dribbles before he shot and trained him to curl off chairs and shoot over brooms. He made him run from halfcourt, stop about 18 feet out, catch a pass and shoot. Hamilton returned to Ash Park in the evenings to try out the new way, playing in pickup games until the lights went off. He stopped dribbling, all right, and wound up developing a midrange game as well.
By 10th grade, Hamilton was starting for the Coatesville Area varsity. In his senior season, he and his buddies lost in the 1996 district semifinal playoffs to Lower Merion High and a kid named Bryant. “Rip definitely held his own against Kobe,” Long says. “Kobe had 29, but Rip didn’t expect to shut him down. Kobe had some nice dunks and played to the crowd. Rip played the same way he does now.” Hamilton had 16 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists in the loss.
Rip took his lungs and pull-up to UConn and three years later led the 1999 Huskies to a 33–2
record and the school’s first national championship. Coatesville was in the stands at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg on that March night. Jontue, Coach Hicks and Brown were witness to the big win. And when Rip was drafted seventh overall by the Wizards, Coatesville got the call too. Cooper moved in to help him get settled in DC, and the others visited when class schedules permitted.
It quickly became clear that life in the pros was different. Basketball was a job now. There were more demands on Rip’s time; he belonged to everyone. For the fellas, that took some getting used to. “We’d walk down the street, and people would pull him in all different directions, asking for pictures and autographs, and we’d just be standing there,” says Long. “We didn’t know how to act.”
But when the admirers dispersed, his friends saw that the attention threw Rip too. “He was rich and famous, but he was still Rip,” says Long. “He was still Coatesville.” Still the Rip who, as a teen, tried to wiggle his way out of cutting the lawn at his uncle’s house by saying he didn’t want to get his
new sneaks grassy. Imagine his chagrin when Jontue’s pop bought him a pair of work boots.
The Coatesville crew have made their peace with the fans and the demands and the spotlight now. Not to mention the good life. They can always count on nice seats at Pistons games. Jontue loves the way the Bentley Coupe handles. Everyone counts meeting MJ as one of the best moments of their lives. And no summer is complete without a trip to Miami on the tricked-out charter plane.
Rip rented a five-bedroom South Beach mansion on the water for 10 days this July. The guest list read like the Coatesville phone book. By day they rode scooters up and down Ocean Drive, took in the scenery at Wet Willie’s, played water basketball in
the backyard pool. But the evenings were not unlike those in C-Ville. The crew played tonk and spades and retold one neighborhood tale after another. “We don’t need to go out to have fun, not even in Miami,” says Baxter. “All we need is everyone together. That’s what fun is to us.”
Reminders of home are everywhere, but none is rustier than the one that sits by the curb of the driveway in front of Hamilton’s
Michigan mansion. By his junior year of high school, Rip had saved enough cash mowing lawns and trimming hedges (yes, those boots came in handy) to buy a 1981 Cutlass. The body was dinged, the roof sagged, the tires were bald and it was prone to overheating. But his boys called it the Lexus Coupe, and
Rip beamed when he drove it. “It would smoke so bad we had to hold our breath,” says Brown. Whenever the crew made weekend trips to Storrs, they carried a list of people they could call in each state along the way if the car broke down.
After the Pistons won the title in 2004, Rip used a $500,000 bonus to purchase a Maybach. When he slips into the soft leather of the heated bucket seats and lets the 550-hp engine roar, he is cocooned in the pinnacle of automotive luxury, and he knows he’s made it. But the faded paint of the Cutlass keeps him real.
So do his boys. Every August, Hamilton holds a Rip City Day celebration at Ash Park. It’s part family reunion, part county fair, with plenty of
hoops for the kids. This year, under the shade of 50-foot oak trees, the crew gathers around picnic tables. They hug and apply playful headlocks and elbows to guts that used to be washboards. White Air Force Ones and Rip City jerseys are-of coursethe uniform.
At one point, Rip takes a break from his host duties and sits with his friends. “Remember the time you almost had a dunk in a game?” Hicks asks the 5’11" Baxter. “That was a few pounds ago,” adds Spud. “Before you looked like a defensive end.”
Rip smiles and shakes his head. Ain’t no crew like the one he got. Baxter’s father approaches the bunch. He and Rip’s dad played together at Coatesville Area in the 1970s. He starts to tell
stories of his own when Rip’s mom stops by to check on the boys. She greets strangers with hugs.
Then a woman in her mid-30s whom nobody quite recognizes steps forward. “Milton, is that you?” she says to Baxter. A quick review of family trees reveals they are cousins. They hug. “That’s how it is here,” says Hamilton. “Everyone in Coatesville is one person away from being related.”
The subject of Ron the barber comes up. His shop closed a few years ago. “Let’s just say Ron has gone away for a while,” says Jontue. There are some chuckles, but then everyone grows quiet for the first time all day. You can see it on their faces. They know the old neighborhood is changing.
All the more reason to stay the same.

This piece, out of The Oakland press, expands, albeit briefly, on Chauncey's LB rant from yesterday.

http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/090205/spo_200509029994.shtml

You have to give CB a lot of credit for his honesty. As a team leader though I have to wonder why he didn't step up and do something at the time, isn't that what a team leader is supposed to do? Would Isiah Thomas have let someone on his team get bullied like this without his consent? No. The blame can't be all on Larry Brown. Why didn't Joe step up and protect the kid if it was so bad? More questions than answers from CB's comments.

I don't know. With a Championship run taking place, I don't think Joe D was about to undercut the coach and ruin what was working pretty well. I don't Brown would tolerate Joe D's interference either being the veteran coach that he is. But truthfully, if Darko would just get in there and rebound and play D, he probably could have gained a spot in the rotation. Instead he wants to be Novitsky.....

that LB ever had ANY intention of playing Darko. Yeah, yeah, just go on and say that all LB asked of him was to rebound and defend and he would get minutes but those of us who watched closely know that wasn't the truth. Darko played pretty well in Ben's absence (brawl suspension 6 games) and Dice's absence (calf injury 5 games). Did he get any reward or accolaides from his coach for stepping in and working hard? LB's response was to glue him to the bench for the next 2 months. It was just like, everytime the kid took a few steps in a positive direction his coach was itching to pull the chair out and "teach him a lesson".

I for one will NEVER miss that coach. He trashed too many Pistons in his two years here, He chased away Okur, trashed Delfino, and never gave Darko a shot, trashed on Arroyo. His shortened rotation could have hurt the Pistons development for the next few years. Hopefully Flip can fix it.

BTW: The Pistons were a team on the brink of a title with Professionals on it. Any of the top 10 coaches in the NBA would have won the title if they got the Detroit job that year. They would have won the title with or without LB. Gotta love a coach who refuses to play Okur against Scalabrine in a 3OT game. (sarcasm off now).

I for one will NEVER miss that coach. He trashed too many Pistons in his two years here, He chased away Okur, trashed Delfino, and never gave Darko a shot, trashed on Arroyo. His shortened rotation could have hurt the Pistons development for the next few years. Hopefully Flip can fix it.

I will miss him if we don't make the Finals this year. I for one am not happy with players everyone likes but coming up short on the big goal.

Hopefully Flip can fix it.

I don't think fixing is the problem. Since any of the top 10 could win with this team, and LB ain't all that and a bag of chips, I hope that Flip doesn't screw it up.

Some more inside goods on Rip City

http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Hamilton/Hamilton_bio.html

Someone woke McCoskey up:

http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0509/07/D07-306358.htm (http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0509/07/D07-306358.htm)

http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0509/07/D07-306359.htm (http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0509/07/D07-306359.htm)

yeah something was going on there, they seemed to lose about 4 articles, then didn't update for a week. they haven't said anything much about davis and evans yet, not many quotes either.

Lots of times beat writers are on vacation for much of the offseason because they've accumulated so much comp time during the season. But it doesn't explain the News not assigning someone else to do some offseason writing. I guess the paper didn't feel a pressing need.

According to McCosky the Pistons actually made an offer to Finley in the amount of their mid-level exception; i..e, $5 million a year. Even the ESPN story on Mo Evans said the same thing.

I don't recall the Pistons ever making an offer to Finley. I know that they offered Davis his $3.5 million a year before Finley met with teams in Chicago.

I am curious if the Pistons actually offered Finley a deal or is McCosky just trying to stir the pot with falsehoods? If the Pistons actually offered Finley a deal and anyone has the link I would appreciate it if they could post it.

Thanks

I am curious if the Pistons actually offered Finley a deal or is McCosky just trying to stir the pot with falsehoods? If the Pistons actually offered Finley a deal and anyone has the link I would appreciate it if they could post it.

I don't recall the Pistons making an offer either.

I did a search and all it said in every one of the articles was what we "could offer finley..." Nowhere did I see that we actually made an offer. So it sounds made up to me.

I had thought that they made an offer, but I could be wrong. Maybe they were just "in talks" and nothing was made official.

I also got the impression that Finley wasn't terribly interested in playing for the Piston's when there were warmer weathered contenders offering him just as much money and more playing time.

I think Joe D. made a pre-emptive decision by signing Davis, rather than waiting to be officially passed over when Finley eventually signed with someone - he didn't seem to be in any big hurry.

The Pistons were always on the outside looking in on this one. A long shot to land him from the beginning. Joe D. isn't one to just sit back while he's getting the cold shoulder.

No doubt Merc, it's about damn time the News gave us something, SHEESH!!! No excuse for that long of a time period passing by and not putting out anything. I mean they just totally let the big news of C-note sticking up for young Darko go past them like it was nothing. They really need to get their priorities together over there....

Indeed Joe definitely made attempts for Finley but wasn't getting much of a response therefore wisely moved on. Check out this clip from one mccosky's articles today...

"In Dumars' defense, he made a pitch to the best free-agent shooter on the market -- Michael Finley. The Pistons offered the full mid-level exception (starting at $5 million) and were rebuked. Finley didn't like the idea of coming off the Pistons' bench and signed with the Spurs."

Joe and staff didn't go all the way to chi-town to kiss up to Finley like other suitors did, but he certainly cast his line out there with some nice bait. Making a play for Finley was only common sense folks (especially with the squad we have to offer), Joe has NEVER been a fool therefore I never had a doubt he at least gave it the ole college try....

In spite of what he says.

I reason as follows.

Last spring the Pistons tried to get Dale Davis. As Joe D. has said many times and continues to say the way to NBA finals in the East is through Shaq. So Joe D. wanted another big man last spring who could give him 10 -15 solid minutes so that Brown didn't have to go to "small ball" because of his 2 and 4 foul rules.

Dumars was not successful last spring in getting Davis, but obviously after last year's playoffs Dumars still thought that the Pistons needed more proven experience up front with a solid big man who can rebound and defend. Davis can do this Finley can't.

The only money that the Pistons had to spend on free agents was their mid-level exception of about $5 million. I believe that Davis was Joe D.'s first choice to spend most of that money on. What ever, if anything he had left over he would use to look for a guy that could play some defense and score from the 3 and 4 slots.

I believe that Joe D. would have taken Finley over Mo Evans if Finley had agreed to come for $1.5 million. But of course Finley wouldn't do that so he signed elsewhere; i.e., with San Antonio. Whether Detroit ever offered Finley the $1.5 million we will probably never know. But I am pretty sure that they never offered him the $5 million or anything close to it. They had been after Davis since last March. This was the man Joe D. wanted to spend the bulk of the mid level exception on, not Finley.

Guys, some things aren't placed in print.

I really synthesize my own opinions from what I read so from my point of view, Joe did make an "offer" to Finley. He talked to him albeit over the phone, probably stated his case that this is a championship caliber team and that he'd probably be coming off the bench and would be willing to give the whole 5 mil but was wishing probably that he'd take less.

That is an offer to me. Joe was basically handing him that offer and it was there for a verbal agreement but Finley chose to wait it out and see what was out there.

I don't blame him for going to San Antonio. That team is strong too. It's where old cats go to get their rings. Mad Dog got his there, Barry, but guess we'd have to disappoint him this time.

No question that Evans wouldn't be here if Finley said yes but he didn't. It's not a bad pick-up though and I'd love to see what he brings to the table.

THere's always that midseason Joe D. Trade magic.......:eyebrows:

Yeah, I too thought that was the way it went down with Dumars and Finley. Joe makes a 5 million dollar verbal offer and after a bit Dumars could see Finley was highly unlikely to sign with Detroit. So Joe took an alternative route rather than wait for Finley to officially sign elsewhere after it would probably be too late for Joe to get his next best options (Davis and Evans).

Here's a couple articles from today's Oakland Press and a few AS Blakely pieces.

Pistons had to cut cord with Brown
http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/100505/spo_2005100508.shtml

Hunter must ease into his 13th season
http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/100505/spo_2005100511.shtml

CHECKING THE PISTONS
http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1128507009327270.xml&coll=1

Pistons adapting to the idea of playing zone
http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1128507001327270.xml&coll=1

Good stuff, Zoso.

This was in a Blakely piece: "Stock rising: Athletic rookie Amir Johnson showed his teammates on the first day of practice why the Pistons selected him with the No. 56 pick in the NBA draft. The 18-year-old is raw, needs to get stronger and has a lot to learn, but his upside is tremendous."

I don't mind Blakely saying this but give us some reason why you think that. "Tremendous upside" seems to be the 21st century catchphrase in the NBA.

Good stuff, Zoso.

This was in a Blakely piece: "Stock rising: Athletic rookie Amir Johnson showed his teammates on the first day of practice why the Pistons selected him with the No. 56 pick in the NBA draft. The 18-year-old is raw, needs to get stronger and has a lot to learn, but his upside is tremendous."

I don't mind Blakely saying this but give us some reason why you think that. "Tremendous upside" seems to be the 21st century catchphrase in the NBA.

I got this from the Mlive Pistons forum. Here's Blakely's thoughts on Johnson, as well as a few other things. He doesn't speak of Johnson's tremendous upside here, in fact, he makes him sound pretty bad.

The team did some scrimmaging tonight, and the youngsters looked really good. Amir Johnson is a freak athletically, but he's real skinny and isn't all that polished offensively. And his free throw shooting form is, gulp, worse than Ben's.

Maxiell is going to be a good player. It's hard to tell how he'll match up with bigger players, but I think he's going to be alright. Darko looks more comfortable now that he's not being forced to play so much in the post. The Dupree-Delfino battle is going to be interesting. I think Delfino has a more complete game, but in Flip's system which relies on constant movement, Dupree might be a better fit. Dale Davis had a little soreness, but that's no big deal. He's been in the league longer than anyone else on the team. He's going to have a few days like that during training camp.

Dale Davis had a little soreness, but that's no big deal. He's been in the league longer than anyone else on the team. He's going to have a few days like that during training camp.

Being 36 too, I know just how Dale feels. Just the other day I pulled a hammy on the way to the frig. Man, it's still sore. :laugh:

Being 36 too, I know just how Dale feels. Just the other day I pulled a hammy on the way to the frig. Man, it's still sore. :laugh:

lol, You think 36 is bad? I'm 46. My back goes out just WATCHING my wife pull a HAM out of the fridge.:yo:

lol, You think 36 is bad? I'm 46. My back goes out just WATCHING my wife pull a HAM out of the fridge.:yo:


Great, I've got that to look forward to. :nod:

I think JD loves the bigs so much because he's banking on some aches and pains from everyone. The Davis pickup could prove to be VERY significant. Insurance for Darko and playoff experience. I'm liking the Davis pickup more and more every day.

Good stuff, Zoso.

This was in a Blakely piece: "Stock rising: Athletic rookie Amir Johnson showed his teammates on the first day of practice why the Pistons selected him with the No. 56 pick in the NBA draft. The 18-year-old is raw, needs to get stronger and has a lot to learn, but his upside is tremendous."

I don't mind Blakely saying this but give us some reason why you think that. "Tremendous upside" seems to be the 21st century catchphrase in the NBA.

I said the same thing when I read that yesterday.

Here is today's
http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1128593404185320.xml&coll=1

"The team's three 2005 draft picks - first-rounder Jason Maxiell and second rounders Amir Johnson and Acker - made good first impressions on their coach. They came to the practice facility well before the 10:30 a.m. start time and displayed a good work ethic. " - Dana Gauruder

That's what I'm talkin' about! It would be great if one of these rookies worked their way into some meaningful minutes this year. It's good to see that they are committed to trying to make the squad.

Good articles. I wonder why Hunter waited until now to get that surgery done when he could have done it over the summer? I like what he said about regardless of who was at fault with the LB thing, it was time to move on.

"Camp competition: Darko Milicic and Dale Davis are battling to be the team's No. 4 interior player. Milicic seems to have the upper hand for now. He hasn't been spectacular, but he has been solid." - A. Sherrod Blakely

This is great news!

"Eye-opener: Amir Johnson put the basketball between his legs -- while in mid-air, mind you -- and dunked it with relative ease." - A. Sherrod Blakely

WOW! Is this boy a baller or what? This couldn't have been in a game. right?????

lol, You think 36 is bad? I'm 46. My back goes out just WATCHING my wife pull a HAM out of the fridge.:yo:

Unfortunately it doesn't get any better later on... I once pulled my back out putting my socks on... couch ridden for three days with a milk jug as the porta potty ... thats when you appreciate your dog most.

Best thing you can do is stretch every day... no surprises for your body.

Today's TC notes:

Three days into training camp and the Pistons practice facility is still full of energy. Players seem to be back in the swing of things and are look forward to the upcoming season. Keep checking in for the latest on Piston practices, transactions, quotes, and injury reports.

Saunders
Starting Fresh
With an entire new system involving new play calls and new rotations, Pistons players have a lot to learn. Not to fear, Coach Flip Saunders says he is used to starting over every season. “I learned a long time ago that I never assume that players remember or know anything from the past. So basically every year I start over. Depending on how much they know depends on how quick you can put things in or you might not have to work on things quite as long because they understand it.”

Saunders has started training camp with the basics and hopes to expand from there. “In my playbook, we have a lot of plays, but the terminology stays the same. There are different plays because we are putting different people in different positions, but we stick to the same concepts and the same terminology for what we are trying to do. [The Pistons] have picked up things and are doing really well from that standpoint.”

Pistons players are also getting used to a new coaching philosophy compared to that of year’s past. The defense will show a little more zone, while the offenses will rely more on what’s happening and what decisions are made from the point guard.

“The game is not black and white, the game is played gray,” Saunders said. “If I could tell you what is going to happen with everything, it would be real easy. But we can’t do that, so what happens is that when the game is played gray, you have to make decisions. That’s why in my practices I try to do a lot where we do things quickly. I just try to develop mental quickness so that guys have the ability to make those decisions quicker. When they get more confident with what their doing they’re going to make quicker and better decisions.”

Saunders also says that he has a lot of plays, but likes to stick to the ones that work. He works under the philosophy that if a play is successful, run it again. Make the opponents stop it or make them make an adjustment.

Week One: Training Camp Opens
Jason Maxiell’s Rookie Diary


What up, everyone? How’s everyone doing? Well, I guess it is about time I introduce myself to the greatest fans in the world. My name is Jason Maxiell, one of the most recent additions to your Detroit Pistons. I was selected by the Pistons as the 26th overall pick in the first round of the 2005 NBA Draft. That means I’ll be starting my NBA career in Detroit, home of the 2005 Eastern Conference Champions. I don’t think I could ask for much more than that. The next few months are going to be crazy and a big change from the University of Cincinnati where I played college ball, but I’m ready for the challenge.
Well, it’s early October and the 2005 NBA season is just under way. Pistons training camp started on Monday and I was thrown into a whirlwind of new things right off the bat. It started with Media Day followed by two-a-day practices that will last the rest of the week. Media Day was better than I thought it was going to be, just a bunch of interviews, posing for pictures, and shooting promotional spots. There’s a lot of answering the same questions over and over again, and a lot of posing for the same pictures, but it was nothing compared to the amount of stuff the veteran players had to do. They constantly had a gang of reporters surrounding them to pick their brains about the upcoming season. But everything we did was important to promoting our team. For example, even though pink isn’t my color of choice, I sported a pink Pistons baseball hat in a photo to support Breast Health Awareness. I’ve heard the picture is already up on Pistons.com. I guess that is my first lesson that when I’m in that uniform I am now an entertainer. It was all in good fun, though, and I’m happy to support a good cause.

Media Day also gave me the chance to meet the Pistons staff members and the beat reporters. Most of the reporters will be covering us in depth all season long, so it’s important to develop a relationship with them. Besides, I’ll probably be seeing them more than my family, especially when I’m on the road. But after the flocks of media cleared, and we concluded our team meeting, it was time for me to think about the game and prepare for the following day’s practice. It was time to get down to business.

Two-a-days officially started yesterday. I was so anxious to get started that I got to practice a couple hours early. Plus, Coach Saunders let us know that he’d be closing the doors on us if we were late – and that was not going to happen. Coach, who will also be experiencing his first year in Detroit, kept practice at a high-energy. There was a lot of running up and down the court with few breaks in between. It was tough, but that’s training camp. Everyone is really excited about getting the season started, but training camp is just something that has to get done. Besides, I’ve been in town for a couple of weeks, playing pick-up with the guys in preparation for the season. I’ve also been working out to get as strong and as tough as possible so that I would be ready. However, it doesn’t matter how good of shape I think I’m in, Coach let us know that for a coach, his players could always be in better shape.

Training camp was little different this year for the entire team though. Even though most the players have been around awhile and have been through several training camps, this year we were all sort of like rookies. With a new coach, everyone had to adjust to a new style of practice. There was a lot of running and a lot of teaching. Everyone was kept moving though. For the most part, thanks to the weeks of pickup, we were all in pretty good shape and pretty comfortable playing with one another. It will just take a little time to learn the new system.

Playing in the NBA has been a dream I’ve had for a long time. Now that its here I definitely have some goals for myself. One of my goals for my rookie year is simple: get back to the Finals. Winning a championship is what everyone strives for and this year is no different. We have the talent and the experience; we just have to do it. I know that I can help. Another aspiration of mine is to be known as more than just a rookie. I want to be able to fit in so well that I don’t want people thinking that I am a rookie. I want to play like a veteran.

That’s all I got for now. I have to get some rest before the next workout. But I’ll be sure to keep checking back with you guys.

I’m out.

Jason Maxiell
#54

thanks mercury. nice read and cool to get that wide-eyed rookie perspective.

i can't wait to see JMax on the court.

You don't want to see Max in that pink hat, though. Ugh. And what a terrible photo gallery they have on pistons.com! The guy taking pix for the league shot players against a crappy white paper background ... as if we only ordered the "Wallets" package in the school photo program or something.

Speaking of pix, the best Piston portraits the last couple of years have been by Robin Buckson of the Detroit News. She's good.

Not sure if this was posted from yesterday... more TC notes:

Flip Saunders plans to implement the rarely used zone defense this season with the Pistons. Under Saunders the Minnesota Timberwolves were regarded as one of the best zone defensive teams in the league. He is confident that this year’s Pistons will be even more successful with the zone. “[After] one day I can tell you we are going to be a lot better zone defensive team with this team than we ever were in Minnesota.”

The zone will be used as a change of pace defense only, not the main defense. Saunders states that they will continue to rely on “their ability to protect the paint, play aggressive, give up no lay-ups, contest every shot, and give up no second shots.”

Saunders doesn’t believe that the zone will deteriorate these basic principals. He lightheartedly calls his atypical zone defense the “hypatholic parapaloid transistional floating zone”. He describes it as a man-to-man with zone type principals.

Billups a Natural Leader
Veteran point guard and Pistons captain Chauncy Billups is instrumental to the team’s transition to a new style of play under a new coaching staff. Billups, who played for Pistons Head Coach Flip Saunders for two seasons in Minnesota, has helped to prepare the team for what Saunders is trying to accomplish. In addition, Billups is familiar with a lot of the offensive sets. Having your point guard understand where he needs to be is key to setting up the rest of the offense.

“In most of your sets the guard has the ball,” Saunders explained. “So the first thing you have to do is get him in the right spot. 20% of our problem is solved because [Billups] knows pretty much where to go.”

This season Saunders also plans to give Billups some freedom to make some play calls on the floor. “My hope for the point guards is that within two weeks there are many times that I am getting ready to call a play, and that at the same time we’ll call out the same play because they’ll start thinking how I’m thinking.”


Progress of Darko
Flip Saunders feels that Milicic has noticeably improved his strength during the Pistons brief off-season. While it does not appear that he has gained much weight, Milicic has definitely gotten stronger. Saunders plans to give the young center a chance to prove himself and will not be forcing him to play in the low post. Milicic has excellent passing skills and moves off the dribble.

Great stuff Merc. Did you steal his diary or something?

My first confident prediction of the season is that Jason Maxiel becomes a fan favorite really fast. The work ethic & the humble yet confident personality...this guy has 100 percent Piston DNA and I've never even seen him play, lol. Man, I'm thinking a mix of Big Ben, Rodman (the good stuff only), Dumars...I'm really glad they drafted him and can't wait to see him play. I think we are really going to see a very exciting team this year.

I wanna see Sheed in that pink hat instead of Maxiel

Man, I'm thinking a mix of Big Ben, Rodman (the good stuff only),

Does the good stuff include marrying Carmen Electra?? Because it does in my book.

Fox Sports rates Pistons acquisitions better than Pacers or Heat
I apologise if this has already been posted...

Summer Progress (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/4913790)

You gotta love the vibe we get from these few days of camp. I get tingly wanting to have our Pistons hoisting that trophy again at the end of this year.

And our rookies are great, the multi-talented Acker, the underrated phenom Amir (that dunk probably looked crazy, whew), and the humble and confident Maxiell.

Go Detroit! :nod:

Arroyo is OK without Brown
http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/100705/spo_2005100710.shtml

Evans works his way up from `penny' unit
http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/112867980794180.xml&coll=1

Checking the Pistons
http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/112867980194180.xml&coll=1

DARKO MILICIC'S THIRD SEASON: Man or myth?
Pistons insist this season can finally be Darko's time
http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons8e_20051008.htm

Darko envisions a fresh start with Flip
http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/100805/spo_2005100809.shtml

Rookie Acker posing difficult question for Pistons
http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1128723001211721.xml&coll=1

Nice stories today... there they go building our hopes up again. lol

"The first couple of days, I've learned a lot from him," Milicic said. "It's a really good experience. I feel much more comfortable right now. They're going to make the decision where I'm going to play, but what I like to play more is the 'four' position."

This is where DMC could have a major impact right away, IMO
He's just too big and strong for most PF's... not that he won't be effective at the 5 (our biggest need right now)
There seems to be a slight imbalance in our roster.
I think he can set up outside and still end up around the rim as most big men will have difficulty matching his quickness going to the hole...
he needs to start by knocking down a few mid range shots to gain their respect or they'll sag and make his versatility less effective.

Being 36 too, I know just how Dale feels. Just the other day I pulled a hammy on the way to the frig. Man, it's still sore. :laugh:
I thought you were going to say:

"I pulled a hammy out of the frig" :frusty:

I still don't get it. Why would his fridge be sore?

Are you getting the feeling that the Oakland Press sees the lousy coverage of the Detroit papers and is trying to provide more coverage? Or am I reading too much into this?

I agree that Oakland Press & Mlive have bypassed the Freep & News and the prefered source of Piston info... at least they're more intuned to what's happening.
That said I have to give McCoskey props for his piece on Darko... one of his better articles in ...say two years.

This one falls under the everyone has an az... er opinion

http://probasketball.about.com/od/teams/a/pistons06.htm

My favorite part of Merc's link:

Move We'd Make: Trade Delfino and Andreas Glyniadakis to Utah for more height up front in the form of Jarron Collins.

There are so many things wrong with this single sentence of 22 words, I'm torn between contempt and appreciation.

Are you getting the feeling that the Oakland Press sees the lousy coverage of the Detroit papers and is trying to provide more coverage? Or am I reading too much into this?

LOL!

It wouldn't surprise me, if that were the case. But, the Oakland Press, along with Blakely, have had pretty good coverage for the last few years.

Yeah, I think you may be reading too much into it. It's just more of a coincidence than anything else. I'm just glad that somebody's putting out some decent stuff to read. :)

Det News-

Some Pistons are unhappy about talk of a dress code
Stern wants to make business casual the rule for NBA players on game days and at appearances.
http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/09/C01-342063.htm

Billups seeks more respect
Point guard believes he brings a total leadership package while critics say he shoots too much.
http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/09/C14-342328.htm

AS Blakely-

CHECKING THE PISTONS
http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1128807601133340.xml&coll=1

For Milicic, the time to prove his worth is now
http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1128807602133340.xml&coll=1

Johnson for Slam Dunk Champion- no matter that it ain't no pistons style (has there ever been a Slam Dunk Contest Champion or even a Contender from this team?)!!!

Are you getting the feeling that the Oakland Press sees the lousy coverage of the Detroit papers and is trying to provide more coverage? Or am I reading too much into this?

They are going to be the fan's favorite as far as news goes. I am glad they are there. Detroit news is just now reporting what was already posted by MLIVE. It's pretty sad to have such a big paper get beat out by a small one. Actually they are beating out News and The Free Press.
My new names for them are the Detorit Snooze and the Detroit Weak Press.

Chris McCosky of The Detroit News Reports: The Pistons started camp with four point guards -- Chauncey Billups, Lindsey Hunter, Carlos Arroyo and rookie Alex Acker. So who was that tall guy running the point in the scrimmages on Sunday? (http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/10/D04-342701.htm) None other than small forward Tayshaun Prince, who was pressed into duty with Hunter out (ankle surgery) and Billups on the sideline after straining his back late in practice. "It was good to be able to give him some work there," coach Flip Saunders said. "He can probably play all five positions if he had to."

A. Sherrod Blakely of Booth Newspapers Reports: After a recent practice, Antonio McDyess sat in the trainer's room, his left knee heavily bandaged with a couple of huge, leaky bags of ice. A similar scene a year ago in training camp would have been reason to be concerned (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/112893902814590.xml&coll=1). But those moments of trepidation aren't a problem now that the left knee injuries that sidelined the former All-Star forward for nearly three seasons no longer appear to be an issue. And because of that, McDyess began training camp last week with a level of confidence in his left knee that he hasn't had in years.

Krista Latham of The Detroit Free Press Reports: One week of training camp down, eight preseason games, 82 regular-season games, and 20-some playoff games -- if you count a championship run -- to go. And it was a relatively quiet first week of practice for the Pistons, with no major position battles, no all-star additions and no championship swagger. Still, those hard, physical two-a-days did answer some questions and raise some new ones about the Flip Saunders era. How's the new-look offense coming? Thanks to the players' high basketball IQ, Saunders said he has already put in about five sets from his playbook, with many more coming (http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons10e_20051010.htm).

Joanne C. Gerstner of The Detroit News Reports: Pistons swingman Carlos Delfino learned many things during his rookie season in the NBA (http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/10/D04-342698.htm). He learned that the most important lessons involve fear, pain and confusion, but also that those things can lead to hope and confidence. Two right knee surgeries, two rehabilitations and more than a few setbacks have made Delfino stronger, physically and mentally. But it took the rehab task of pedaling hundreds of miles on his bike this summer to help him sort the lessons out. It was just Delfino, on his bike, alone with his thoughts.

Chris McCosky of The Detroit News Reports: No more fake injury reports. No more made up maladies. Doctors are off the hook. General managers are off the hook. The NBA, in its new collective bargaining agreement, has mercifully done away with the old injured list. In its place is an inactive list, similar to what the NHL has. "The new CBA has cleaned things up for us so much," said John Hammond, Pistons vice president of basketball. "Especially from an organizational standpoint. Under the old rules, if you put a player on the injured list, he had to stay there for a minimum of five games. He may not have needed to be on that long. Now, if a guy needs to only miss a game, that's all he has to miss." Here's how the inactive list will work (http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/10/D04-342700.htm). Teams can carry as many as 15 players on their roster, with a maximum of 12 and a minimum of eight being active. A team can carry 11 active players no longer than two consecutive weeks.

your first link on hoopsworld points to hoopsworld webmail and not the article :) thanks for the links & info

Johnson for Slam Dunk Champion- no matter that it ain't no pistons style (has there ever been a Slam Dunk Contest Champion or even a Contender from this team?)!!!

Allan Houston.

Bounced the ball off his head, ball hit the backboad, he caught it for a dunk.

He didn't fair that well. :)

I was shocked to see him there...I think most Pistons fans were looking to see G-Hill that year.

Chris McCosky of The Detroit News Reports: The Pistons started camp with four point guards -- Chauncey Billups, Lindsey Hunter, Carlos Arroyo and rookie Alex Acker. So who was that tall guy running the point in the scrimmages on Sunday? (http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/10/D04-342701.htm) None other than small forward Tayshaun Prince, who was pressed into duty with Hunter out (ankle surgery) and Billups on the sideline after straining his back late in practice. "It was good to be able to give him some work there," coach Flip Saunders said. "He can probably play all five positions if he had to."


Tay is so versatile. I hope this isn't representative of a lack of confidence in Arroyo though. Although this could just be an attempt by Flip to experiment with a bigger lineup. I guess we can never have to many looks on offense so there isn't much to worry about.

A. Sherrod Blakely of Booth Newspapers Reports: After a recent practice, Antonio McDyess sat in the trainer's room, his left knee heavily bandaged with a couple of huge, leaky bags of ice. A similar scene a year ago in training camp would have been reason to be concerned (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/112893902814590.xml&coll=1). But those moments of trepidation aren't a problem now that the left knee injuries that sidelined the former All-Star forward for nearly three seasons no longer appear to be an issue. And because of that, McDyess began training camp last week with a level of confidence in his left knee that he hasn't had in years.

6th man of the year?

Krista Latham of The Detroit Free Press Reports: One week of training camp down, eight preseason games, 82 regular-season games, and 20-some playoff games -- if you count a championship run -- to go. And it was a relatively quiet first week of practice for the Pistons, with no major position battles, no all-star additions and no championship swagger. Still, those hard, physical two-a-days did answer some questions and raise some new ones about the Flip Saunders era. How's the new-look offense coming? Thanks to the players' high basketball IQ, Saunders said he has already put in about five sets from his playbook, with many more coming (http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons10e_20051010.htm).


This is really exciting. I am very impressed with the amount of leadership Chauncey is showing (helps to know the system I guess). Interesting to hear that Rip will be less of a focal point of the offense. Based on initial impressions of preseason camp I don't know if Rip will be the triple double threat we were expecting. I look for his numbers to actually decline but for his field goal pct. to take a jump for the better. I can't wait to see this new offense in action.

Joanne C. Gerstner of The Detroit News Reports: Pistons swingman Carlos Delfino learned many things during his rookie season in the NBA (http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/10/D04-342698.htm). He learned that the most important lessons involve fear, pain and confusion, but also that those things can lead to hope and confidence. Two right knee surgeries, two rehabilitations and more than a few setbacks have made Delfino stronger, physically and mentally. But it took the rehab task of pedaling hundreds of miles on his bike this summer to help him sort the lessons out. It was just Delfino, on his bike, alone with his thoughts.

Basketbills, sounds like your boy is ready to do some damage this year. Of all the question mark players on the roster, he is most likely in my opinion to have the break out season.


Chris McCosky of The Detroit News Reports:No more fake injury reports. No more made up maladies. Doctors are off the hook. General managers are off the hook. The NBA, in its new collective bargaining agreement, has mercifully done away with the old injured list. In its place is an inactive list, similar to what the NHL has. "The new CBA has cleaned things up for us so much," said John Hammond, Pistons vice president of basketball. "Especially from an organizational standpoint. Under the old rules, if you put a player on the injured list, he had to stay there for a minimum of five games. He may not have needed to be on that long. Now, if a guy needs to only miss a game, that's all he has to miss." Here's how the inactive list will work (http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/10/D04-342700.htm). Teams can carry as many as 15 players on their roster, with a maximum of 12 and a minimum of eight being active. A team can carry 11 active players no longer than two consecutive weeks.


This sounds pretty cool. I like the whole idea of being able to change your active roster before games. Of all the rules that the NBA has introduced the past couple of years, this is perhaps the most meaningful and advantageous one to the league. For teams with alot of depth, I can really see this adding to team strategy.

"Camp competition: Darko Milicic and Dale Davis are battling to be the team's No. 4 interior player. Milicic seems to have the upper hand for now. He hasn't been spectacular, but he has been solid." - A. Sherrod Blakely

This is great news!

"Eye-opener: Amir Johnson put the basketball between his legs -- while in mid-air, mind you -- and dunked it with relative ease." - A. Sherrod Blakely

WOW! Is this boy a baller or what? This couldn't have been in a game. right?????

You know stuff like that could help teams win big games especially at home. you don't want to be a team on the road with kids flying over you and doing acrobatic dunks to get the crowd crazy especially at the palace. Crowd plays a huge part in games. This guy could become a fan Favorite soon.

[SIZE=5][SIZE=2]

Tay is so versatile. I hope this isn't representative of a lack of confidence in Arroyo though. Although this could just be an attempt by Flip to experiment with a bigger lineup. I guess we can never have to many looks on offense so there isn't much to worry about.



6th man of the year?



This is really exciting. I am very impressed with the amount of leadership Chauncey is showing (helps to know the system I guess). Interesting to hear that Rip will be less of a focal point of the offense. Based on initial impressions of preseason camp I don't know if Rip will be the triple double threat we were expecting. I look for his numbers to actually decline but for his field goal pct. to take a jump for the better. I can't wait to see this new offense in action.



Basketbills, sounds like your boy is ready to do some damage this year. Of all the question mark players on the roster, he is most likely in my opinion to have the break out season.



This sounds pretty cool. I like the whole idea of being able to change your active roster before games. Of all the rules that the NBA has introduced the past couple of years, this is perhaps the most meaningful and advantageous one to the league. For teams with alot of depth, I can really see this adding to team strategy.

rip will be perfectly fine, and we have to understand that rip will only pull of td's in meaningless games. Sorry, but with Ben hauling down rebounds along with Sheed, and Dice... it probably won't happen, it's still great that he is good enough to pull it off though.:thumb:

Detroit news -

Bulls will provide gauge
Billups (back) could miss exhibition debut; Saunders wants to see more of younger players.
http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/11/D08-344807.htm

The Freep -

Pistons rookies hit big time
Exhibition tonight at chance to shine
http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons11e_20051011.htm

Pistons hoop it up for their fans
Players greet and give autographs
http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons-bar111e_20051011.htm

Oakland Press -

Pistons rookies set to take the stage
Exhibition games live up to their billing for rookies trying to make an NBA roster.
http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/101105/spo_2005101108.shtml

A Sherrod Blakely -

Nerves will be on edge as rookies get first taste of NBA
Their nerves will be on edge, the adrenaline will be flowing, and if all goes well, whatever the Detroit Pistons' rookies had for lunch today will stay in its place.
http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1129025407191160.xml&coll=1

Checking the Pistons
Inside the Pistons training camp at Auburn Hills
http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1129025402191160.xml&coll=1

Johnson for Slam Dunk Champion- no matter that it ain't no pistons style (has there ever been a Slam Dunk Contest Champion or even a Contender from this team?)!!!

g hill was suppose to have competed but never did. Stack could have but turned it down as well, if he had gone I think stack could have made it past first round easy.

I think dupree all the way for a dunk contest, its not just blaha saying hes got hops the boy really can jump out of the gym.

The Detroit news -

Milicic is center of attention
He plays an active role in exhibition victory with 4 of Detroit's 12 blocks, 7 points and 4 rebounds.

http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/12/D01-346297.htm

The Detroit Free Press -

PISTONS CORNER: Saunders shares Bulls' pain

http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pcorn12e_20051012.htm

Opening thoughts.

http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons-box112e_20051012.htm

Pistons exhibit a more open offense under new coach
So this is what a Flip Saunders basketball team looks like.

http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons12e_20051012.htm

MITCH ALBOM: Trying to decipher the NBA dress code
A thief can wear a suit, a gangster can wear a tie, and a sleazy politician can wear fancy shoes. So a dress code -- as NBA commissioner David Stern is pondering -- will not turn players into model citizens.

http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/mitch12e_20051012.htm

A. Sherrod Blakely -

Milicic finally shows talent expected of a No. 2 overall pick
Darko Milicic has looked good banging with the likes of Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace in practice this past week. But that's not what makes Milicic a better player this season.

http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1117548601296200.xml&coll=1

The Grand Rapids press -

Pistons go to Van Andel, come out a winner
Detroit Pistons backup guard Carlos Arroyo cracked a smile Tuesday night after helping the Pistons tame the Chicago Bulls in their NBA preseason opener in Van Andel Arena 87-76.

http://www.mlive.com/pistons/grpress/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/112912857840860.xml&coll=6

The Detroit news -

Saunders prefers aggressive offense
Unlike his predecessor, coach doesn't mind if his players break off set plays and attack the basket.

http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/13/D03-347021.htm

Saunders searches for the right team mix
His challenge is to find meaningful minutes to develop young players Milicic, Delfino, Arroyo.

http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/13/D01-347386.htm

The Detroit Free Press -

Evans feeling wanted, ready to help with Pistons
The Pistons had just finished a two-hour practice on Wednesday afternoon when swingman Maurice Evans jogged to the ball rack, grabbed the first basketball he saw, found an empty basket on the side of the court and started practicing his jump shot.

http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons13e_20051013.htm

The Oakland press -

Veteran Day seeking spot
Former star at Arkansas has been impressive in practices

http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/101305/spo_2005101310.shtml

A. Sherrod Blakely -

Day in camp to give other teams a chance to see what he has left
Imagine an old-school rocker trying to jump-start his career by joining Green Day, the Black Eyed Peas or some other established, highly successful pop group. Or how about a retired cop trying to enlist with the Secret Service or the FBI.
All are possible, but unlikely to happen. The same can be said for Todd Day's chances of making the Detroit Pistons roster, which was reduced by one on Wednesday when the Pistons requested waivers on shooting guard Alejandro Sanchez.

http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1129198223183450.xml&coll=1

More open shots through the offense, high assist ratio, high field goal pct...sounds good to me!
Really like what I'm hearing about the confidence Flip has instilled in our younger players. Can't wait to hear about how they perform tonight.
Good luck to Todd Day
PRballer, looks like your boy Alejandro Sanchez was the first casualty to the waiver wire. Is this it for him in the pros or do you think he will catch on with another team?

The Detroit Free Press -

Evans feeling wanted, ready to help with Pistons
The Pistons had just finished a two-hour practice on Wednesday afternoon when swingman Maurice Evans jogged to the ball rack, grabbed the first basketball he saw, found an empty basket on the side of the court and started practicing his jump shot.

http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons13e_20051013.htm

That's a great article.

More open shots through the offense, high assist ratio, high field goal pct...sounds good to me!
Really like what I'm hearing about the confidence Flip has instilled in our younger players. Can't wait to hear about how they perform tonight.
Good luck to Todd Day
PRballer, looks like your boy Alejandro Sanchez was the first casualty to the waiver wire. Is this it for him in the pros or do you think he will catch on with another team?

I don't know where the "Sanchez" last name came from.LOL. I really wasn't expecting him to make the team, since the needs of this team are another backup PG and not a SG or a SF. He knew coming in that his chances were slim to none but he said he valued the experience. I read on the PR newspaper that he's talking to his agent to go to another pro league in Europe, South America or somewhere else. I think he doesn't have a chance this year in the NBA(it's too late) but if he develops a consistent outside shot he'll make it in the near future. I'm sure he'll be on the piston's radar for a while.

The Detroit news -

Wallace a mismatch for top pick Bogut
Ben's physical style overwhelms the Bucks rookie, who misses four shots in exhibition loss.

http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/14/D06-348611.htm

Traffic violations surprise Milicic
Piston didn't know his license was suspended and tinted windows on the front glass is illegal.

http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/14/D01-348279.htm

Detroit Free Press -

PISTONS 95, BUCKS 88: Darko arrested; Pistons top Bucks
One step forward, one step back. Then another step forward.
On Tuesday, Detroit Pistons center Darko Milicic played well enough in the exhibition season opener to give hope he might not be a bust.
On Wednesday, he was a 20-year-old -- just one who forgot to pay some traffic tickets and was arrested for driving with a suspended license.
Then, Thursday, all was well again, as he faced the media and then stepped under the lights and performed in an exhibition season game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons14e_20051014.htm

A. Sherrod Blakely -

Bell plans on making most of another shot at NBA
Reputations, good or bad, are hard to shake from the minds of NBA general managers. Charlie Bell knows this all too well.
An exceptional athlete who could score, the 6-foot-3 Bell was considered too short by most NBA GMs to be an NBA shooting guard and not a good enough ball-handler to play the point.

http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1129284617303060.xml&coll=1

Milicic will learn from mistakes after suspension of license
Darko Milicic said he didn't realize until he was pulled over by a police officer Wednesday afternoon that his driver's license was suspended.
"They said I didn't pay some tickets," said Milicic, who had 10 points and nine rebounds in the Detroit Pistons' 95-88 preseason victory against Milwaukee on Thursday. "I was supposed to take care of them, and I thought I did. Obviously, I didn't. I will take care of them as soon as I can."

http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1129284627303060.xml&coll=1

The Detroit news -

Wallace a mismatch for top pick Bogut
Ben's physical style overwhelms the Bucks rookie, who misses four shots in exhibition loss.

http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/14/D06-348611.htm

Traffic violations surprise Milicic
Piston didn't know his license was suspended and tinted windows on the front glass is illegal.

http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/14/D01-348279.htm

Detroit Free Press -

PISTONS 95, BUCKS 88: Darko arrested; Pistons top Bucks
One step forward, one step back. Then another step forward.
On Tuesday, Detroit Pistons center Darko Milicic played well enough in the exhibition season opener to give hope he might not be a bust.
On Wednesday, he was a 20-year-old -- just one who forgot to pay some traffic tickets and was arrested for driving with a suspended license.
Then, Thursday, all was well again, as he faced the media and then stepped under the lights and performed in an exhibition season game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons14e_20051014.htm

A. Sherrod Blakely -

Bell plans on making most of another shot at NBA
Reputations, good or bad, are hard to shake from the minds of NBA general managers. Charlie Bell knows this all too well.
An exceptional athlete who could score, the 6-foot-3 Bell was considered too short by most NBA GMs to be an NBA shooting guard and not a good enough ball-handler to play the point.

http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1129284617303060.xml&coll=1

Milicic will learn from mistakes after suspension of license
Darko Milicic said he didn't realize until he was pulled over by a police officer Wednesday afternoon that his driver's license was suspended.
"They said I didn't pay some tickets," said Milicic, who had 10 points and nine rebounds in the Detroit Pistons' 95-88 preseason victory against Milwaukee on Thursday. "I was supposed to take care of them, and I thought I did. Obviously, I didn't. I will take care of them as soon as I can."

http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1129284627303060.xml&coll=1

"I saw they were trying to go at Ben a couple of times and I was like, 'Wow, good luck,'"said Chauncey Billups (javascript: openlink('http://www.forecaster.ca/detnews/basketball/player.cgi?0033')), who led the Pistons with 16 points.

Man, it's great to have Ben on our side. :)

ESPN-

"Darko Days
Brown out, Flip in. Which means the changes in Detroit, Marc Stein reports, include more running, more zone ... and more Darko Milicic."

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/trainingcamp05/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=2190851

The Free Press -

Daddy Delfino's son back on track
by Krista Latham

Every day, when Pistons practice ends, a man who looks suspiciously like Carlos Delfino -- same hair, same shape, slightly bigger build -- shags rebounds and doles out pointers for his look-alike.
And Delfino listens.
That's because Carlos Delfino V, the second-year Pistons swingman, knows Carlos Delfino IV, his father, knows best.

http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons15e_20051015.htm


The Oakland press -

Saunders: Pistons' zone defense will show up eventualually
By DANA GAURUDER

It's going to take time for the Pistons to get in the zone. Anyone who has watched the Pistons' first two preseason games might wonder about Flip Saunders' infl uence on the team's defense. The zone that Saunders used in Minnesota has been virtually undetectable.

http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/101505/spo_2005101512.shtml

Booth Newspapers -

Dupree improved, but still longshot to make Pistons roster
By A. Sherrod Blakely

AUBURN HILLS -- Ronald Dupree is a better shooter now, which he proved on Friday when he banked in a shot from half court that ended the Detroit Piston's practice early. His ball-handling, always suspect, has improved as well. He's a year older, a year wiser and with a new coach around, he's rediscovered his confidence as well.

http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1129315202114990.xml&coll=1

The Detroit news -

Pistons, Prince aren't near deal
Forward's agent leaves town as sides attempt to reach agreement before Oct. 31 deadline.
By Chris McCoskey

Negotiations on a contract extension for Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince aren't quite at an impasse, but it wasn't a good sign that agent Bill Duffy left for California Saturday morning without a deal in place.

http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/16/C03-350279.htm

Booth Newspapers -

Pistons, Prince still apart on extension
By A. Sherrod Blakely

The Detroit Pistons know Tayshaun Prince is a valuable member of their team. Figuring out how much he's worth, that's another matter entirely.
Prince and the Pistons are apparently at an impasse in their talks concerning a contract extension.

http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1129408801122860.xml&coll=1

I was glad to see that McCoskey's article finally "unveiled" the mask mystery. Rip needs to put that thing back on and quit taking uneccessary risks. :nono:

One of every 10 plays we might use a zone?... dang that's a lot more than was expected.

Zoso, great job keeping us informed... much appreciated
Pistonsforum = one stop :thumb:

;)One of every 10 plays we might use a zone?... dang that's a lot more than was expected.

Zoso, great job keeping us informed... much appreciated
Pistonsforum = one stop :thumb:

Thanks for the kind words and appreciation, Merc. Sure thing man, you know how we do. ;)

Also, great job from you and your fellow Cal ADmin's on the game threads. You guys are doing great work. Things are really shaping up around here. I totally agree on the "one stop shop" tip. It really helps to save time on the old surf board. :nod:

Found this "Outsider" Report on a mesage board
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Five observations from Pistons camp:

1. Not-So-Dark Days: Darko Milicic, blocking shots?



Darko should see more minutes and less time posting up.
Darko Milicic, scoring points in crunch time?

Darko Milicic, actually calling for the ball?

The Pistons have seen all of the above from the 2003 No. 2 overall pick in the first two weeks of the season. After two years of inactivity (and worse) under Larry Brown, Darko is finally getting a chance to contribute from Flip Saunders.

'Darko's looking really good,' teammate Chauncey Billups said. 'I'm proud of him.'

No one in Detroit, mind you, is getting too carried away. Milicic remains No. 4 in the Pistons' power rotation behind Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess.

However …

Saunders has Darko facing the basket and playing out on the floor more, whereas Brown saw the long lefty as a post prospect only. The difference is noticeable already.


'His greatest asset is his feet -- he's got great quickness and athletic ability for a guy his size,' Saunders said. 'Why take a guy that has speed like that and just put him down there [in the post] where he can't use it? I look at it like boxing -- don't take a guy that's a boxer and try to make him a puncher. We want to try to make other people guard him.

Statistically Speaking
Check out how ######### rates the Pistons' roster.


'I was not anywhere close to aware of how talented Darko is. I had no idea that he could do a lot of things he can do. That's probably been my biggest surprise so far.'

Said Billups: 'He's able to be himself now. He's able to be who he is. He's not a five. He's a four man who can put it on the ground, who's a great passer, who can shoot that shot and make decisions out there.'

In short, Milicic looks a lot more confident now than he did in the Vegas summer league against lesser competition. It appears that his Vegas experience was just the first step in rebuilding his beaten-down confidence, with progress made later in the summer as a member of the mostly nightmarish Serbian national team.

Now?

Milicic is carrying himself as though he deserves a nightly ration of 10-15 minutes off the bench, which sounds modest but would represent significant progress on a team with a frontcourt rotation as deep as Detroit's. He just might get it, too.

'I feel much better,' Milicic said. 'I feel very comfortable with Flip. He saw I'm a better player facing the basket. I think that's what my game is.'



The Pistons have more muscle in rookie Jason Maxiell.
2. Next in line: I liked Jason Maxiell when I saw him overpower NBA wannabes in summer league. I liked him even more at practice earlier this week when I saw the 6-foot-5 bruiser (listed charitably at 6-7) take the ball right at Rasheed Wallace and any other veteran in his way.

Maxiell's problem, of course, is not like unlike Darko's original problem in Detroit: He was drafted by maybe the last team that has minutes to spare at the power positions.

But some guys just have a rebounding nose for the ball that can't be taught and Maxiell is one of those guys. It might not be soon and it might not be with the Pistons, but the No. 26 overall pick last June will be a decent player for someone someday.

3. Youth movement: Then again, maybe Maxiell's breakthrough will be in Detroit.

One of the rarely mentioned reasons why the Pistons had to make a coaching change is the promising posse of prospects club president Joe Dumars has managed to assemble while the veterans are competing for championships.

Brown had no patience to develop Darko and Carlos Delfino. Saunders will make those two and Maxiell part of the program, which isn't a bad idea with three of the five starters (plus top reserve Antonio McDyess) having already played between nine and 11 years in the league.

The Pistons' staying power can only be enhanced if the kiddies Dumars was fortunate enough to find become NBA players … or at least NBA trade assets.

4. More zip for Rip? They've played only two exhibition games and they're still learning the basics of Saunders' famously thick playbook. The Pistons have a lot to digest before they can claim to 'know' the offense.

Yet for all the attention Billups and Saunders are getting, back together some three seasons after Billups left Minnesota, I'm just as curious to see what Richard Hamilton can do in a system that promises more screens and increased player and ball movement.

Shouldn't that eventually make Hamilton even more effective?

'I can see it,' Hamilton said. 'I can see it. I've seen it since the first day of practice.'

We haven't seen it yet in exhibition play, but, again, it's early.

5. Defense never rests here: The Pistons don't deny that they have much to prove with an under-the-microscope new coach and little they can do before April that proves anything. As Lindsey Hunter said, 'Championships are what we're judged on now.'

One request, though.

Don't give any credence to suggestions that Detroit's defense is going to drop off now that Brown is in New York.

Saunders is indeed known as an offensive specialist, but let's face it: He couldn't stop the Pistons from playing defense if he wanted to.

Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace and Tayshaun Prince would play killer defense for any coach.

Wouldn't they?

'Their defensive personality is very well-established,' Saunders said, 'and they've established it themselves.'

Tayshaun said either his highschool, or college coach (I don't remember which one) would not give the players any basketballs to practice with until they played defense correctly for an hour straight. I don't know how someone can lose their defense getting taught that way.

Nice post.

The Detroit news -

Transition game: Pistons won't rush teen Johnson
Team keeps 18-year-old away from minor-league affiliate so it can gauge him on and off the court.
By Chris McCoskey

When the NBA established its minor-league affiliation with the National Basketball Developmental League this summer, it did so with players such as Pistons forward Amir Johnson in mind.

http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/17/D04-350942.htm

Dupree makes strong case to stay
Guard, who is playing for backup spot, scores 13 points in exhibition victory over Minnesota.
By Chris McCoskey

AUBURN HILLS-- Ronald Dupree isn't one to send messages, at least not with his mouth. But his game continues to speak loud and clear to the Pistons' coaching staff, to president Joe Dumars and to anybody else who might be watching.

"Hey, I'm here," Dupree said, after he energized the Pistons with 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists in a 91-80 exhibition victory over Minnesota on Sunday night. "I've been here and I will continue to be here."

http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/17/D04-350945.htm

Chris McCosky: Burning Questions

Retooled Heat won't win East
They add Walker, Williams and Payton, but Pistons have edge in stability, chemistry.

Q. Do you think Miami has done enough to overtake the Pistons in the East?
A: Nope, and I am surprised that so many "experts" think they have. I guess I will never understand people's infatuation with change.

http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/17/D04-350944.htm

Basketball 101: Defensive three seconds
by Chris McCoskey

The NBA's defensive three-second rule continues, at times, to baffle fans, players, and, to hear coaches tell it, officials, as well.
"Referees can't count on both hands," Pistons coach Flip Saunders said. "So what happens is, when they start calling defensive three seconds, they stop calling offensive three seconds."

http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/17/D04-350943.htm

Detroit Free Press -

ROUNDUP: Collier's death shocks Pistons

Bad news travels fast, and before the Detroit Pistons practiced mid-Saturday morning, it had sped from Atlanta to Auburn Hills and landed with a heartbreaking thud.

One of their NBA brothers was dead.

http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/nba17e_20051017.htm

Pistons hold off Wolves: Flip's squad rallies to top his old team
BY KRISTA LATHAM

Flip Saunders shrugged off this reunion, claiming it doesn't mean much in the exhibition season. Even so, he must be happy about this: New team 1, old team 0.

Saunders, the Pistons' first-year head coach, faced the Minnesota Timberwolves -- the team he led for 10 seasons -- for the first time since being fired in February. And although it's clear his new team is still adjusting to his flex offense, the Pistons managed a 91-80 win Sunday.

http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons17e_20051017.htm

Booth Newspapers -

Saunders' new team tops his old one
By A. Sherrod Blakely

AUBURN HILLS -- It wasn't exactly the Hatfields meeting the McCoys, but the reunion between Flip Saunders and one of his best friends, Kevin McHale - who, by the way, fired Saunders as the Minnesota Timberwolves head coach in February -- was anything but a feel-good moment

http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/112954385143290.xml&coll=1

The Detroit news -

Pistons, Prince aren't near deal
Forward's agent leaves town as sides attempt to reach agreement before Oct. 31 deadline.
By Chris McCoskey

Negotiations on a contract extension for Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince aren't quite at an impasse, but it wasn't a good sign that agent Bill Duffy left for California Saturday morning without a deal in place.

http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/16/C03-350279.htm

Booth Newspapers -

Pistons, Prince still apart on extension
By A. Sherrod Blakely

The Detroit Pistons know Tayshaun Prince is a valuable member of their team. Figuring out how much he's worth, that's another matter entirely.
Prince and the Pistons are apparently at an impasse in their talks concerning a contract extension.

http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1129408801122860.xml&coll=1


Very disturbing that we could lose Tay. Sounds like his agent is really in his ear. I know money is important but I hope Tay realizes that playing on a championship quality team comes at a price as well. Do you want to be a "well" played player on a championship team or an "overpaid" player on a questionable team? That's really the decision he needs to make. If he walks off contending that he should be the highest paid Pistons that is a slap in the face to the team that drafted him in my opinion. Crippling the team for the sake of adding a couple millions to your contract so you can say....my contract is on par with Joe Johnson...isn't going to cut it for us. Tay please stay, but if you don't well...to hell with you. :)
Rip...put on the &*%$$! mask! jeesh!

I've yet to hear any team be excited about what the NBDL has to offer. I wonder what the league is going to do to make this more attractive for NBA teams to send their talent.
Dupree! Dupree! Dupree! Joe, keep this man!
Miami Heat will do fine and it has nothing to do with their trades and everything to do with Dwayne Wade evolving into an all-star. Still not enough to beat the Pistons but they will challenge us. I have no doubt in my mind that they will be ready to play this year. My only question is if Stan Van Gundy will last the entire season.
So far, it doesn't look like the Zone has negatively affected our defensive effectiveness. Only time will reveal how well this works out for our team.
RIP Collier
Detroit vs Minnesota - Was there any doubt about the outcome?

The Detroit news -

Prince slowed by sore legs
A change of shoes, physical treatment should help forward return to form.
By Chris McCoskey

Tayshaun Prince got married in the middle of September, spent a couple of weeks honeymooning with his bride, Farah, in Tahiti. Then, before he could get to unwrapping all the wedding gifts, he had to report to training camp.

http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/18/D05-352478.htm

Minimum dress code will be business casual
There will be no more dress-down days in the NBA.

The league announced in a memo to teams on Monday that a minimum dress code will go into effect at the start of the regular season on Nov. 1.

http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/18/D05-352477.htm

The Detroit Free Press -

Newlywed Prince troubled by knees
BY KRISTA LATHAM

If Tayshaun Prince looks a little distracted this exhibition season, he has a good reason.
Make that several good reasons.

http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons18e_20051018.htm

Booth Newspapers -

Davis biding his time
By A. Sherrod Blakely

When you've been in the NBA for as long as Dale Davis has, sitting out a few preseason games is no big deal.
"I'm not in a hurry," chuckled Davis after practice on Monday.

http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/112963020982320.xml&coll=1

The Detroit news -

Mavs' late run trips Pistons
Saunders likes what he sees from younger players
By David Goricki

Chauncey Billups was pleased with the Pistons' effort Tuesday night despite their first exhibition loss of the season, 94-88 to the Dallas Mavericks at The Palace.
The Mavericks (3-1) dominated the early minutes of the fourth quarter, using a 13-1 run to turn a 67-66 deficit into their largest lead, 79-68. They led the rest of the way.

http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/19/D01-354179.htm

Pistons must keep Prince, but don't worry, they will
By Rob Parker

You won't hear any noise out of Tayshaun Prince about getting a new contract. It's simply not his style.
He's a quiet man, so much so that sometimes you might even forget he's a key member of the championship-level Pistons. And it isn't because he doesn't contribute. It's because he does his job in a workmanlike fashion, without pomp and circumstance.

http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/19/D01-354178.htm

The Detroit Free Press -

Pistons lose first game; bench impresses
BY CHRIS SILVA

Pistons coach Flip Saunders got what he was looking for at the Palace.

Dicey situations. A close game. A loud crowd. And a chance to see how his reserves would play down the stretch.
It wasn't perfect, but the bench players showed they could hang with the game on the line.

http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons-bar119e_20051019.htm

New dress code suits few
Pistons critical of Stern ruling that begins Nov. 1
BY CHRIS SILVA

Leave the bling at home.
Take off those headphones.
And, for the last time, take off that cap.

That was the message the NBA sent to its players Monday when it officially adopted a dress code that will go into effect Nov. 1, the start of the regular season.

http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons19e_20051019.htm

The Oakland press -

Davis impressed by Detroit's bigs
By DANA GAURUDER

Dale Davis has never seen anything like it at training camp.
Joining the NBA in 1991, Davis played on many talented frontcourts during his seasons with Indiana. The Davises - Dale and Antonio - and 7-foot-4 Rik Smits presented matchup headaches for opponents throughout the 1990s.

http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/101805/spo_2005101812.shtml

Mavs hang on to top Pistons
By DANA GAURUDER

Carlos Delfino hit the floor. A splitsecond later, Darko Milicic followed.
Neither came up with the loose ball, but the message was clear. Some people really do care about winning in the preseason.

http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/101905/spo_2005101910.shtml

Booth Newspapers -

Young players get a taste of crunch time in NBA
By A. Sherrod Blakely

Detroit Pistons coach Flip Saunders has many goals during the preseason. Among them is to see how his younger players respond in different game situations.
Saunders didn't get the outcome he wanted in Detroit's 94-88 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, but he was pleased with how his young players performed in a tight game against a quality opponent

http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1129716616181020.xml&coll=1

The Detroit news -

Pistons weigh roster choices
(http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/20/D01-355484.htm)Acker, Dupree make decision difficult, but Dumars wants to keep everybody if he can.
By Chris McCosky

There are 12 days left before Pistons president Joe Dumars has to submit his 15-man roster to the NBA.
There are 16 players fighting for those 15 spots, and Dumars has all but given up on the idea of somebody cutting himself.

The Detroit Free Press -

Bucks roll over flat Pistons (http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons20e_20051020.htm)
BY KRISTA LATHAM

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Energy supplies always dip toward empty on the second night of a back-to-back.
But when that game comes in the exhibition season and takes place in Green Bay, Wis. -- a place known for foam cheese heads, not basketball enthusiasts -- well, forget about it.

The Detroit news -

Second unit is making a name (http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/21/D06-356526.htm)
Newcomer Evans has provided a spark by running, rebounding, defending and scoring.
By Chris McCosky

One of the goals for Pistons president Joe Dumars over the summer was to replenish and rejuvenate the bench unit.
"The one thing that I really want," Dumars said Wednesday, "is for our second group to be an energy unit. That's what we had in our championship run, and that's what I think you are starting to see with this group."

The Detroit Free Press -

Pistons get boost from inactive list (http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons21e_20051021.htm)
BY KRISTA LATHAM

The new NBA collective bargaining agreement changed the way coaches will set their active rosters this season, and the change should help a deep team like the Pistons.
Say good-bye to alleged back spasms, and hello to the inactive list

Booth Newspapers -

Johnson taking right approach to learning NBA game (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/112988941737510.xml&coll=1)
By A. Sherrod Blakely

Most of the Detroit Pistons players head home shortly after practice ends. For 18-year-old rookie Amir Johnson, that's when the fun really begins.

I think this year's bench has the potential to exceed the 2004 championship bench...at least offensively
Last year we were hurt by the leagues new rules (on defense) this year we will be one of the beneficiaries of the new rules (inactive list) because of our depth.
If the media is trying to get fans excited about the potential of Amir...well, its definitely working with me. :)

The Detroit Free Press -

More to Davis than defense (http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons22e_20051022.htm)
BY KRISTA LATHAM

Dale Davis is not the new Elden Campbell.

Former Pistons center Campbell had one primary job the previous two seasons -- act as the sacrificial Shaq-stopper come playoff time.
Davis, the new Pistons backup center, will serve his time in the post battling Shaquille O'Neal, the behemoth center who comes to town tonight with his revamped Heat.

But Davis won't be alone.

Booth Newspapers -

Imitation flattering to Hamilton (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1129927201101790.xml&coll=1)
By A. Sherrod Blakely

At a recent function for season-ticket holders, Richard Hamilton and most of the Detroit Pistons starters had quite a crowd waiting for their autographs. As Hamilton looked around the room, he noticed his newest teammates, first-year players such as Jason Maxiell, Amir Johnson and Alex Acker, had significantly smaller followings. He recalled how not so long ago, he, too, was a relatively unknown talent new to the NBA

I like Evans quote in McCoskey's 10/21 article:

Evans, whom the PIsons signed to a three-year, $4.5 million contract in August, accepted the compliment graciously but scoffed a bit at the "energy-guy" label.

"It's not energy in a negative sense," he said. "Some guys say they are energy players, engergy guys, because they can't really do anything but run around and play hard. I don't want that to be the association."

I like Evans quote in McCoskey's 10/21 article:

Evans, whom the PIsons signed to a three-year, $4.5 million contract in August, accepted the compliment graciously but scoffed a bit at the "energy-guy" label.

"It's not energy in a negative sense," he said. "Some guys say they are energy players, engergy guys, because they can't really do anything but run around and play hard. I don't want that to be the association."

Sounds like DD is lettin' it be known, that he's no Darvin Hamm. LOL! :laugh:

Detroit news -

Harper: Starting five aren't great yet (http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/23/C04-358404.htm)
Assistant and five-time champ says Pistons must play hard consistently to take next step as unit.
By Chris McCosky

Ron Harper, a member of five NBA championship teams, was part of a starting five in Chicago that many consider one of the best in NBA history.

He teamed with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, ex-Piston Dennis Rodman and Luc Longley on that 1995-96 championship team.
As an assistant coach with the Pistons this season, he gets to work with a starting unit that many believe has been the best in the NBA the last two seasons.

Heat are new, but don't look improved (http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/23/C04-358247.htm)
Detroit has its way with Miami, which is getting used to a big offseason makeover.
By Chris McCosky

The Pistons weren't making any judgments after their 87-66 exhibition romp past the revamped Miami Heat on Saturday night.
But they can't help wondering why the Heat felt compelled to make so many changes.

"With a team like that, I wouldn't have changed nothing," Rasheed Wallace said. "They took us to a Game 7 in that (Eastern) conference finals, I mean why change that team? They had the same heart, the guys knew the system and knew what they were supposed to do. There was no reason to break it up.
"But I guess management thought differently."

The Oakland press -

New-look Heat come to town (http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/102205/spo_2005102210.shtml)
By DANA GAURUDER

Flip Saunders made it clear Friday he was not happy with the Pistons' last performance. A messy 104-94 loss to Milwaukee on Wednesday led to a practice that demanded proper execution and attention to detail.
Advertisement

"Message sent," said Saunders, the Pistons' first-year coach. "Message received."

Booth Newspapers -

No more excuses for Arroyo
(http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/113006220284860.xml&coll=1)By A. Sherrod Blakely

No more excuses.

Carlos Arroyo wasn't looking for them. But shortly after he was traded from Utah to the Detroit Pistons last January, there were plenty of them.

Once considered Utah's heir apparent to future Hall of Fame point guard John Stockton, Arroyo's free-styling game clashed with the more controlled, set-offense mentality of Jazz coach Jerry Sloan. That eventually led to Arroyo being demoted to the bench.

~Behind enemy lines~

The Miami Herald -

Heat still seeking a winning identity (http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/basketball/12974672.htm)
by Israel Gutierrez

Besides Shaquille O'Neal, who scored 28 points, the Heat shot 13 of 51 from the field and continued to show signs of confusion with the offense.

The Sun Sentinel -

Pistons are not firing up Heat
(http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basketball/heat/sfl-heat22oct22,0,5707713.story?coll=sfla-sports-heat)By Michael Cunningham

The animosity apparently is missing, along with former Pistons coach Larry Brown and the high stakes of a trip to the NBA Finals.

So when the Heat visits The Palace of Auburn Hills to play the Pistons tonight, it won't be with any bitter memories from the rough-and-tumble Eastern Conference finals last season.

Walker starts, stumbles (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basketball/heat/sfl-heat23.1oct23,0,5432872.story?coll=sfla-sports-heat)
By Ira Winderman

Through failure, the Heat might have succeeded in one respect in Saturday's 87-66 exhibition loss to the Pistons.

Obliged to give Antoine Walker a shot with the starters, Heat coach Stan Van Gundy got a result that should make it easier to keep the versatile power forward with the second unit.

Not much needs to be said about Detroit's whipping of Miami. Miami appears to be in trouble this year, but I fully expect for them to turn things around before the regular season starts.
Harper's comments on the Pistons starting five are for the most part on the money except for the thought that his Bulls team had one of the best starting fives in history. I think he is giving himself and Luc Longley??? a little bit too much credit. Those Chicago teams were great for really one reason....Michael Jordan. I will give him that the tandem of Jordan, Pippen and Rodman was pretty tough and as talented of a trio that you might ever see on the court together. Detroit's starting five is just that, a collection of interchangeable parts where the absence of one piece still leaves the team competitive.

[/URL]

Did you know Flip has the same winning % as LB?
Now let's see him do it in the playoffs.
[URL="http://pistons.realgm.com/articles/153/20051019/the_flip_side/"]The Flip Side (http://pistons.realgm.com/articles/153/20051019/the_flip_side/)

good article but it's amazing no one checks those articles before publishing them. that one is filled with so many spelling and grammatical errors ('dominate' ??), wow.

The Detroit news -

Bench players looking good
(http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/24/D04-358498.htm)Assertive Darko, Delfino and others are alleviating worries about Pistons' depth.
By Chris McCosky

You have to keep reminding yourself that it's still preseason, and that exhibition exploits don't always translate into regular-season success.
But it is getting harder and harder to contain the excitement over the growth of Darko Milicic and Carlos Delfino and what that might do for what had been the Pistons' weak link -- their bench.

Brown knew reign in Detroit was over
(http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/24/D04-358497.htm)In the end, though, both Piston management and the restless coach got what they wanted.
By Chris McCosky

Larry Brown won't be coming back to The Palace until Dec. 2, but it's not too early to plant this little seed.
Don't boo him.
If you feel the urge, look up at that glorious championship banner hanging in the rafters of The Palace.

The Detroit Free Press -

Dupree fights for roster spot (http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons24e_20051024.htm)
By Krista Lathem

As Ronald Dupree spends this week trying to cement his future with the Detroit Pistons, family members, some 1,300 miles away, will continue to work on an even tougher task -- rebuilding their lives.

The Detroit News -

Three days of practice help to fine-tune plays (http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/25/D05-359778.htm)
Saunders also is using the time to make final evaluations for the last positions on roster.
By Joanne C. Gerstner

It's all a matter of interpretation.
Three days of uninterrupted practice time equals heaven for most NBA coaches.
For the players...well, let's just say they'd rather play games than be run into the ground by more drills.

The Detroit Free Press -

Pistons' theory? Expect gentle 'Sheed (http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons25e_20051025.htm)
BY KRISTA LATHAM

There are plenty of theories about why the Pistons won't win the NBA title this season.
Perhaps the most perplexing, at least to coach Flip Saunders, is the Rasheed Wallace Theory.

Booth newspapers -

Delfino enjoying fresh start this season (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1130235020181260.xml&coll=1)
By A. Sherrod Blakely

Carlos Delfino had the kind of rookie season a year ago that he would just as soon forget.
Speaking limited English made communication for the Argentine guard an issue at times. Run-ins with then-Detroit Pistons head coach Larry Brown and a right knee injury that kept him sidelined longer than many expected, didn't help matters.

USA Today -

Pistons say Milicic's time is coming (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/pistons/2005-10-24-pistons-darko_x.htm)
By David DuPree, USA TODAY

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Darko Milicic hasn't gotten enough playing time during the last two seasons to even earn a varsity letter. But each year, when the NBA trading deadline approaches, Detroit Pistons players parade to Joe Dumars to make sure he doesn't do anything stupid — such as trade the multitalented 7-0 center, who rarely got on court under former coach Larry Brown.

The Oakland Press -

Flip thankful for Rasheed's leadership (http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/102505/spo_2005102511.shtml)
By DANA GAURUDER

Nearly an hour after the Pistons' preseason blowout over Miami on Saturday night, Rasheed Wallace was still attracting a crowd.
Surrounded by 60-odd fans on that chilly night, he stood in The Palace parking lot, signing autographs and chatting with the people who pay his salary.

Jmax Diary (http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/rookiediary_051025.html)

The Detroit news -

Dupree not free to call the shots (http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/26/D07-361678.htm)
He was the last player cut two years ago and could face a similar fight for the final roster spot.
By Joanne C. Gerstner

Pistons forward Ronald Dupree has been down this road.
He is working hard in training camp, doing his best, but his ultimate fate is in the hands of the coaching staff and front office.

The Detroit Free Press -

Pistons eager for real thing (http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons26e_20051026.htm)
Preseason drags, but it teaches, too
BY CHRIS SILVA

It's like waiting for your first kiss or for your favorite musician to release a new album.
You know it will happen, but you can hardly wait for the day to arrive.

That's how the Pistons feel about the start to the regular season, which will be a week from today against the Philadelphia 76ers. But first, they have to play two more exhibition games, starting Thursday night at Dallas.

The Oakland Press -

Saunders content with camp outing (http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/102605/spo_2005102610.shtml)
By DANA GAURUDER

The players have been receptive and cooperative. Injuries have been minimal. The main preseason objective has been fulfilled. No one seems to miss his predecessor.

Flip Saunders could not have mapped out a more productive training camp in his first season as the Detroit Pistons' head coach.

Booth Newspapers -

Contract demands will catch up to Pistons (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/113032142297230.xml&coll=1)
(http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/113032142297230.xml&coll=1)By A. Sherrod Blakely

At some point, the Detroit Pistons are going to have to pay up.
For years, they have been acquiring high-end talent for bargain-basement prices.

The Detroit news -

Don't let Acker know his status (http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0510/27/D02-362988.htm)
Rookie guard has no desire to hear about his prospects in a fight for the last roster spot.
By Joanne C. Gerstner

Rookie guard Alex Acker of the Pistons doesn't want to hear it.
He doesn't want to know how he's playing in training camp or what his chances are to land the final spot on the Pistons' roster.
It's shaping up to be a competition between Acker and forward Ronald Dupree.

The Detroit Free Press -

Players unwilling to redress dress code (http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/drew27e_20051027.htm)
BY Drew Sharp

Rosa Parks' death offers a timely reminder of the power of conviction. The idea of one person taking a stand for their beliefs above all else transcends the relative value of the fight itself.

Can today's athlete comprehend the simple defiance of a seamstress' refusal to sit in the back of a bus in Montgomery, Ala., 50 years ago?

Today's athlete exists from the back of a limousine.

Pistons' Acker plays cool on roster hot seat (http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons27e_20051027.htm)
(http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pistons27e_20051027.htm)BY George Sipple

The final two games of the exhibition season will be crucial for Pistons point guard Alex Acker, who's in danger of being cut from the regular-season squad.

Zaret to join Pistons telecast (http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/zaret27e_20051027.htm)
BY MIKE BRUDENELL

Eli Zaret, former host of "The Locker Room," will join George Blaha and Bill Laimbeer in the booth and courtside for Pistons regular-season telecasts this season on WDWB-TV, Channel 20 in Detroit.

The Oakland press -

Evans seems a natural fit (http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/102705/spo_2005102712.shtml)
By DANA GAURUDER
He got spurned on draft night. He got a little taste of the league, then had to improve his game overseas. He earned a spot on another NBA roster, then proved he belonged in the league.

Booth Newspapers -

Acker trying to make most of preseason playing time (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1130407814263710.xml&coll=1)
By A. Sherrod Blakely

There's a common belief that preseason games have little significance. Don't count Detroit Pistons guard Alex Acker among those who think that way.

ESPN's Piston preview (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dailydime-DetroitPreview0506)

Camp notes from yesterday (http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/tcnotes_051026.html)

R.D. is likely to get snatched up by the Spurs if Joe releases him.

From My San Antonio:

"The Spurs don't have immediate plans to add another player, but will monitor who becomes available as other teams make their cuts. Ronald Dupree, an athletic 6-foot-7 swingman the Spurs tried to sign a year ago, is battling for the final roster spot in Detroit."

The Spurs, coach Gregg Popovich said last week, are "always in the market for a young (small forward) who can defend."

R.D. is likely to get snatched up by the Spurs if Joe releases him.

From My San Antonio:

"The Spurs don't have immediate plans to add another player, but will monitor who becomes available as other teams make their cuts. Ronald Dupree, an athletic 6-foot-7 swingman the Spurs tried to sign a year ago, is battling for the final roster spot in Detroit."

The Spurs, coach Gregg Popovich said last week, are "always in the market for a young (small forward) who can defend."

wow, now wouldn't that be a cruel irony.

Yeah, especially if he took it to Delfino in the finals.

I just don't see how they can afford to cut Acker at this point... if Arroyo or C.B. gets hurt we would have to look for Tay or Delfino as the primary backup... I'm not s