Denver Oct 17 7PM

These guys again. This one is going to be played in Grand Rapids.

Rip is not expected to play due to an ankle sprain.

http://http://www.mlive.com/pistons/index.ssf/2007/10/sitting_out_is_part_of_preseas.html


Saunders, who declined to say which games his starters will sit, understands the disappointment some fans might feel if their favorite player comes to town and doesn't play.
"That's why we've always gone where we don't just shut down a bunch of guys," Saunders said.
However, keeping players healthy throughout the preseason is a greater priority.
"You don't want to put yourself in harm's way," Saunders said. "So it's a fine line that you have to watch."


WTH?!

Rip's already injured. Hopefully ppl will sit or play Lim min.

Also Flip Murray is starting not Stuckey in place of Rip.

http://http://www.mlive.com/pistons/index.ssf/2007/10/sitting_out_is_part_of_preseas.html



WTH?!

Rip's already injured. Hopefully ppl will sit or play Lim min.

Also Flip Murray is starting not Stuckey in place of Rip.

This move, starting Murray, is just going to seriously dampen fan enthusiasm. Just puts more fuel to the argument that many put forward that they don't believe Stuckey will actually get to play. Very bad PR move. Instead, they should be starting Stuckey, and thereby put a serious shout out to the world that this guy is worth coming to see play. I tell you, it was just one drive, but that one drive Stuckey did was a show in itself. (And he did several more in the previous games.) Advertise Stuckey if you want fans to actually show up for the games.

Maybe Saunders will try to implement his North Coast Offense and we'll finally get the dream starting lineup of:

1) Fitch
2) Hunter
3) Flip
4) Dupree
5) Nazr

I'm fine with Flip starting if it means we are leading up to his being traded.

I'm fine with ANYONE playing if they are pressuring other player's minutes.

Not directly related to the game, but NBA TV is showing an hour-long special on the 1990 Pistons title team just before it, from 6-7 Eastern time. I'm setting my DVR for that.

Not directly related to the game, but NBA TV is showing an hour-long special on the 1990 Pistons title team just before it, from 6-7 Eastern time. I'm setting my DVR for that.

Is the game on following the special??

On NBA TV that is?

Indeed it is.

I'm fine with ANYONE playing if they are pressuring other player's minutes.

Hear hear!!

Post to the thread please if you would like the chat open for the game...

I'll be there for game chat.

Chat's open!

Nice win for the Pistons tonight in front of the G-Rap faithful. Rip and CB were out, and none of the other regular starters (Sheed, Dice, Tay) played beyond the first quarter. Samb, Hayes, and Mejia had nice games, along with Flip Jr. and JMax. Everyone crashed the boards and hustled well, though the execution left something to be desired at times.

Impressive win by the young players off the bench, for the 2nd straight game.

Nice to finally see Samb play. Tough call on where he should play this season. He did a lot of good things out there with his limited knowledge of the game at this point. Might be worth considering for his shot blocking.

Nice games from Stucky and Afflalo.

Maxiel had to be the player of the game for the Pistons 25 points and 12 boards.

I like the energy the youngsters give. Stuckey pushing the ball, Afflalo looks smooth as silk out there.

Give both of them some PT during the regular season Flip, or else!!!!!!:gun1::gun1::gun1::gun1::gun1::gun1::gun 1::gun1::gun1:

I seriously have a crush on Afflalo. I don't what it is. I just love his game.

Nice game for the rooks..to bad fans in Grapids didn't get a chance to see at least one star from the Nuggets play.... on the other hand I am glad that Flip sr read the forum pages yesterday and decided to start and play the second team. and even let them play 90% of the game.

The rookies and second and third year players can ball..offensively, but they still need to learn to play some defense. What will happen when they have to play vs some veterans.... It will come in time.

Samb was very impressive and given some d league play can contribute in post season or at least make the A team next season if he develops some more. Stuckey and Hayes shots were off but as long as they can come off the bench and can spell the starters without the Pistons losing any ground they will be just what the doctor ordered. Even Flip jr looked good out there.

They looked winded to start the 4th but recovered enough to win the game...Dumars continued to make notes to himself on his blackberry.. "Fire Flip if he doesn't play thse guys during regular season":)

I fired up the DVR before the game, as NBA TV showed an hour-long highlights package of the '90 back-to-back Pistons title season. Unfortunately, when I started playing it after tonight's game ended, I found out that 3/4 of it had been pre-empted for the press conference announcing the Atlanta expansion team for the WNBA! :bs: :lame:

But I did get to see the fun part at the end of documentary when they showed the '90 team celebrating to the tune of that oh-so-popular song of the time: "U Can't Touch This." The last thing in the final credits was the Buddha at the celebration in the Palace, pointing to his championship ring and rattling off the Pistons' victims in the playoffs: "Indiana, New York, Chicago, Portland...YOU CAN'T TOUCH THIS!!" :pound::winner_first_h4h:

Wow, Camby did not even play in this one. Denver did play all its stars in the game between the two with Detroit. Its hard to gage a whole lot against a weak Denver front line, but here is what I saw.:

Flip Murray scored a lot. He made three open outside jumpers. He got inside quite a bit, either finishing, or making his free throws. He dished quite a few decent assists. Flip limited his crazy shots to just a few for the game. His stats were also added to by Denver grabbing him a few times on the perimeter and him making his resulting free throws. On defense on the other hand, he was often out of position or simply slow to get to where he was suppose to be - and could not keep players in front of him.


Stuckey also got inside a lot, and made a ton of free throws. His stats were padded a bit at the end as Denver was fouling to stop the clock and him making the resulting free throws. Stuckey continues to miss his outside shots. On defense, pretty darn good.

Afflalo very quietly just keeps pouring in the points. A shot here and there and he makes his free throws. Good solid D.

Mejia got to play a bit. Not much in the offense department, but he can handle the ball and consistently beats everyone to loose balls to rack up some rebound numbers - not that he did not go up for a few too. He has some height, and some size and strength to hold his ground in rebounding situations. His defense is clearly a notch above Stuckey's and Afflalo's.


Hayes shot a lot, made some and missed most. He was continually too slow for the speedy team Denver had out there. He played both forward positions.


Samb looked impressive shooting the ball, and compared to the guys Denver played, just towered over everyone. He towered over our guys too, and he has some serious long reach. To just send him to the D league with no chance to stay up here - I just can't agree with it. He got into early foul trouble, getting 3 fouls pretty quick, but ended up with just 4 while playing most of the game.


JMAX was awesome, but you got to mention again the level of the competition. JMAX was hitting his outside shots, getting anything he wanted around the basket. He missed more than he made at the line though. The solution to that is simple. Play the heck out him so he gets comfortable up at the line. If he can make those jumpers, he can certainly make the free throws. Again, JMAX got tons of rebounds, but against who?


Billups did not play. Hunter just a couple of minutes. No Rip. No Amir. No Mohammed. Dupree got about 7 minutes of work in, did very little besides finish a fast break or two.


Tay, Sheed, Dyess started but did not play past the 1st quarter. Dyess had a putback score, made a free throw off some inside play. Inside play that we need from him. He also missed a fade shot he shoots so much. It is a post move, but a very weak one. JMAX shoots it too on occasion, but is told not to. For a very simple reason. If your big is fading from the basket while shooting -who is going to get the rebound? Its a double standard that must be addressed. Dyess only hurts us shooting that shot, he needs to stop.


It was a very high scoring game, and I am sure the folks in GR loved to watch a MIGHTY PISTON VICTORY. GO PISTONS!!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I like your thinking Mikhail!!!:MusicBigGrin:

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


Bug having said all that, Amir Johnson can probably do everything he does better, so I'd rather see the PT go to him.
Playing time is the issue here. If he can get time, keep him. Otherwise, let him go to NBDL and work on his game. Then glue Nazr to the bench later on and bring Cheick in.

Too bad we can't sent Nazr down to the D-League to showcase him. He'd probably average a double double.

wow, this was a fun game to watch. i saw a little at the bar and then watched the whole thing when i get home later.

not mentioned yet is stuckey's passing, which was fantastic yesterday. he had that lead-in lob to dice in the 1st quarter, then drove the lane and drew all 4 defenders, kicking it back to tay for an open 3 with a no-look pass, then had 2-3 other occasions where he threaded the needle through 2-3 guys to hit our players in the post. his jumper will come - a lot of them were very close. the off-balance 3 at the end of the 1st quarter was sweet.

afflalo continues to impress. it's funny how he's trying to be sold as hunter's defensive replacement / protégé, but he has solid shooting form, takes smart shots, makes a good percentage, and has 3-ball range. he's just a solid all-around player.

samb was impressive, and looked a lot better than when i saw him in person. he has good leaping ability, great form on his shot, and moves fairly well. i agree that the D-league will be best for him, as the potential is there. now, i imagine he'd still get destroyed by guys like camby and other 1st string power forwards, but his performance was very encouraging.

flip was alright too - again when he plays under control he can be valuable. he knows when he can drive to the lane and he's good at finishing. i don't know if there will be room for him once amir comes back and the 2nd unit can have hayes at the 3 and stuckey / afflalo at the 1 and 2 spots.

even though hayes was 6/17 i wasn't disappointed with his performance. mejia was a nice surprise - dude can ball. his height really helps him out with rebounding and defense.

overall i was impressed with the hustle of the pistons. they killed denver on the boards (especially on offense), played tough man-to-man defense (even if the overall team defense was suspect), and made smart plays. maxiell's one slam was setup by stuckey, who turned it over but was able to steal it right back. they're playing hard and not giving up and not taking plays off, and that's good news.

Sheed had something funny to say about Samb:

"Cheikh's still light in the chops," Wallace said. "But all that is is leverage. He's still standing straight up. Once he gets down more like a squat like he's taking a dump, he'll be all right. It's just a matter of foot control. But he's got a soft touch for a big man to be 7 feet, 7-1."

DETROIT 119, DENVER 110: Pistons' subs heat up court; Maxiell delivers double-double (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071018/SPORTS03/710180489/1051)

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

I told you guys....

see, my VSL coverage is worth the hot dog and small soda that Roscoe pays me.:sssh:

I told you guys....

see, my VSL coverage is worth the hot dog and small soda that Roscoe pays me.:sssh:
I wonder how many more times we'll hear the "I told you guys..." routine? Keep it up Low! We love ya!
:pound:

First NBA game I've seen this season. I loved this game. It was so refreshing to see players other than the starters playing almost an entire game. I too realize that we were playing against the 2nd/3rd string of Denver, but I didn't care. I was so thrilled when we came back to the third quarter and all our bench guys were in the rotation and I could finally see them in action in extended minutes.

It's only one game but I like all our new guys. It's horrible to say but I just don't know how many more "Best Starting Four in the NBA" games I can watch at this point. It's one of the reasons I follow so many other teams, because I really enjoy watching the bench play.

As far as the game goes, I can never seem to remember specific plays, just overall impressions. One Huge Impression. Cheikh Samb. I love him (in a basketball way). I love the way he moves, he's not afraid to shoot a perimeter shot, he was aggressive in such a graceful way. Right after we got him didn't we have a Cheik Samb avatar that was a really bad picture? Anyway, he's filled out some and filled in some and those long arms grab those rebounds and block those shots like it's effortless. Wow. I hope we can hold on to him, I just have a feeling about him. Like he has a natural high basketball IQ for someone at his position.

Afflalo blew my mind. Didn't expect his game to be so well-rounded. Stuckey took that easy gentle drive right to the basket from way beyond the foul line. I mean maybe I can stand to watch Chauncey play a perimeter game if I can watch Stuckey drive to the basket regularly. Somehow it'll take the edge off for me. :)

Well as you can tell I'm all hyped up from the game. I watched it live and taped it and then watched it again. I just love that there are Pistons that I can look forward to watching. If only Flip will play them enough.

Another thing that is cool about the starters on the bench is wondering if any of these bench guys will make them a little worried about their playing time. Probably not on this team, but it's still fun to think about. Also, I'm so starstruck by the Best Starting Four. I love when the camera goes to the sidelines and I can see Chauncey, Rip, Tay, and Sheed talking to each other, cutting up, reacting to the game. I've gone to three Pistons games now and I'm too starstruck and chicken to get an autograph. Maybe this year. I would love to have a Sheed autograph.

I mean for me this was just a highly entertaining game all the way around. Even Flip seemed to have on a nicer suit (I do think that top button was too high but...it's a minor thing).:)

First NBA game I've seen this season. I loved this game. It was so refreshing to see players other than the starters playing almost an entire game. I too realize that we were playing against the 2nd/3rd string of Denver, but I didn't care. I was so thrilled when we came back to the third quarter and all our bench guys were in the rotation and I could finally see them in action in extended minutes.

It's only one game but I like all our new guys. It's horrible to say but I just don't know how many more "Best Starting Four in the NBA" games I can watch at this point. It's one of the reasons I follow so many other teams, because I really enjoy watching the bench play.

As far as the game goes, I can never seem to remember specific plays, just overall impressions. One Huge Impression. Cheikh Samb. I love him (in a basketball way). I love the way he moves, he's not afraid to shoot a perimeter shot, he was aggressive in such a graceful way. Right after we got him didn't we have a Cheik Samb avatar that was a really bad picture? Anyway, he's filled out some and filled in some and those long arms grab those rebounds and block those shots like it's effortless. Wow. I hope we can hold on to him, I just have a feeling about him. Like he has a natural high basketball IQ for someone at his position.

Afflalo blew my mind. Didn't expect his game to be so well-rounded. Stuckey took that easy gentle drive right to the basket from way beyond the foul line. I mean maybe I can stand to watch Chauncey play a perimeter game if I can watch Stuckey drive to the basket regularly. Somehow it'll take the edge off for me. :)

Well as you can tell I'm all hyped up from the game. I watched it live and taped it and then watched it again. I just love that there are Pistons that I can look forward to watching. If only Flip will play them enough.

Another thing that is cool about the starters on the bench is wondering if any of these bench guys will make them a little worried about their playing time. Probably not on this team, but it's still fun to think about. Also, I'm so starstruck by the Best Starting Four. I love when the camera goes to the sidelines and I can see Chauncey, Rip, Tay, and Sheed talking to each other, cutting up, reacting to the game. I've gone to three Pistons games now and I'm too starstruck and chicken to get an autograph. Maybe this year. I would love to have a Sheed autograph.

I mean for me this was just a highly entertaining game all the way around. Even Flip seemed to have on a nicer suit (I do think that top button was too high but...it's a minor thing).:)

Kimmie, I just love your insights. Looking forward to the season getting started just to read your Kimpcaps, although Kimcasts sound better:)

Looks like Samb impressed most of us. Except for Lee, for some reason Lee does not like rookies. Rather see Flip Murry and Hunter play.

Ist time I saw Samb as well. He may have a shot on the team at some point during the season considering how short we are up front. Kind of surprised no one else brought up Maxiels 25 pts and 12 boards. Perhaps we expected something like that given the competition.

Looks like Samb impressed most of us. Except for Lee, for some reason Lee does not like rookies. Rather see Flip Murry and Hunter play.
As i read this the second hand of my clock ticked towards the left and my cats got up on the counter to cook scrambled eggs and hash browns while harmonizing barbershop quartet style renditions of Anything Goes in mandarin.

I wonder how many more times we'll hear the "I told you guys..." routine? Keep it up Low! We love ya!
:pound:

:pound: I only roll it out like a guaran-Sheed. I can't pull that out all the time.

Except for Lee, for some reason Lee does not like rookies. Rather see Flip Murry and Hunter play.

I tell' ya, Lee is Flip Saunders' nickname in this forum. Get the rotations first here, at pf.com

I make a habit to never comment on the preseason......my body is itching :hoops:f0r Game 1 and our first chat night!!!...My starting 5?

F-Wallace
F- Maxiel
C- Mohammad
G- Billups
G-Hamilton

Tay is the consumate Havilcek, Bobby Jones, Ricky Pierce -type. All three of those guys was at their best coming off the bench. Plus, he and McDyess should be on the floor with Stuckey and DoubleA. Tay's gonna get his 35MPG anyway.

I still see a big trade over the horizon...........

I certainly wouldn't say that Havlicek was at his best coming off the bench. He did first make his mark in the NBA that way, but he's not in the HOF just because he was a great sixth man early in his career.

So with Tay off the bench, he'd be getting Thurl-Bailey-with-the-Jazz style minutes in the HQ rotation, where everyone waits the first 6 or 7 minutes for the "real" starting five to take the floor? :)