Well, they managed to go 21-21 after a 4-20 start. They had no offseason, a new coach, and relied on a rookie point guard. The Pistons will be returning the same roster minus Ben Gordon, plus Corey Magette, so that's a wash. Assuming that their rookie contributes, and given a full offseason for their players to play together, I don't see why they can't end up a couple games above .500, which would at least put them into contention for the playoffs. Yeah, it would suck to lose out on that pick, but that's why I'm hoping Joe has something more up his sleeve than just getting rid of Gordon.
Well, he's probably got atleast one thing up his sleeve during draft night - a layer of extra salty butter from reaching for the popcorn at the bottom of the box.
Our roster will look a little better without Ben Gordon next season. ..But you gotta remember that all of the other teams in the EC will be improving too. Cleveland will be a playoff team. Milwaukee will certainly be a playoff team. Washington will be improved. Who knows what Brooklyn is gonna do. Toronto will be better if they can stay healthy. Boston is hard to get a read on but I can't see very many (if any) of the teams that made the playoffs last season NOT making the playoffs next season.
I'm down with that. But in the likely event that I'm right, you get to "wear" this one: Stipulation: Either of us can change our mind on our avatar choice until the season starts, as long as we both agree before the Cavs season opener.
The four targets.....if I were Joe Josh Smith (UFA), can play either F position and protect the rim. If it all works out with Drummond we'd have the best defensive front court in the league, the downside is his poor 3pt fg%, teams would definitely pack the paint against us. James Harden (RFA), even though he scares me, because it might be another Ben Gordon scenario. If we picked up Harden I'd start him, move Stuckey to the bench (reducing his role on this team) and then let him walk at the end of his contract, saving $8M. Demar Derozan (RFA) Andre Igoudala, assuming he doesn't pick up his player option. If we could trade Tay AND shed Charlies contract, we could possibly end up with 2 of the 4.
PG - BK SG - Harden SF - Josh Smith PF - Moose C - Drummond Wow. If we could convince Josh Smith to not brick 20 footers all game, that is a seriously scary team.
Nash goes to Lakers in sign-and-trade deal - Yahoo! News for those who were sleeping back east when this proposal was agreed to, it was first reported that Nash did not want play for the Lakers his old rivals pacific rivals, but supposedly Kobe called him and convinced him to join the Lake show. You know me the only Laker hater in my neighborhood is not pleased with this turn of events..... Do the Pistons have anyone with half the clout of Kobe to convince anyone who is half decent to sign in Motown?
