We need a Tay backup more than a Rip backup... Delfino is a good backup 2 in the NBA but not so much a good backup 3.
Too bad we have #15 and not #5. Wright will go top 9. I agree that Wright could be just as good as Durant when it is all said and done.
If the Pistons want to move up, the guy they should target is Corey Brewer if you're looking for a Tayshaun back-up. He is Tayshaun reincarnated although I think he's not as good as posting up but better driving to the basket. But I like guys who played in a team system, and won titles over guys that played on Bill Self's glorified fantasy team. If the Pistons stay at 15 and 27, we first pray Acie Law drops to 15. If he doesn't, we should consider taking Javaris Crittenton. 6'5" PGs don't come along every day. For the 27th pick, maybe we should go international and let a guy marinate overseas for a year. If you're convinced that C-Webb is retiring, and Lindsey's time is up too, that fills the needs, since at some point you have to give Max and AJ some time. Or, since I'm not sold on Crittenton being a top 20 pick like Chad Ford has him, take Thaddeus Young to back up Tay, and his teammate Crittenton with the 27th pick. Next year's line-up would look like this (I'm assuming we re-sign everyone I want): Starters: Billups, Hamilton, Prince, Wallace, Maxiell Bench backcourt: Crittenton and Delfino Bench Forwards: McDyess, Johnson, Young, Mohammad (in the Dale Davis role) I would assume Davis, C-Webb and Lindsey retire, and Murray is traded. It's the perfect opportunity for Thaddeus and Javaris, both young guys, to be on a winning team where they can get some time, and be mentored by two veterans who are both great players, and who are model citizens and teammates.
Acie Law will not fall to number 15, I expect that he is drafted by Atlanta with the 11th pick. With the 15th pick assuming Law is gone I would draft: Tiago Splitter or Al Thornton. With the 27th pick I would take either Javaris Crittenton or Rodney Stuckey. Since we will lose Davis and maybe Webber we should draft a 4/5 with the 15th pick. If Hunter retires then a tweener like Stuckey makes sense. We don't really need to draft a 2/3 because Acker should be back. However, I would not be disappointed if Delfino is traded. He just isn't as good as I thought he would be.. Oh well JMax is much better than I thought..
I'm excited about Acker. For those of you who have not watched him play in Europe, the guy plays with purpose. This might be a good time to use our draft picks + Delfino or some other contract player to trade for a known quantity. We will be trying to integrate Acker, Maxiell, Amir Johnson, and Blalock (throwing Lee a bone) next year as it is. I'm not sure if we need to put another rookie through the Detroit Pistons initiation of 82 games on the bench. Trade all 3 draft picks + ______ for someone in their prime.
You were able to watch Acker play? I'd love to hear about that. I always liked the guy, thought he'd be here, and Pistons seemed to talk about having him on the roster. I think if he does join Pistons that makes Murray totally expendable (not like he's not at this juncture).
webz has made some Acker YouTube videos from Euroleague footage. You can also read up about him on BBSC, and in our preseason game threads.
I just watched him on NBAtv when they showed his team playing. To me, he looks like Tayshaun Prince in the body of a tall shooting guard. My overall impression is just that he looks extremely confident, has great length, and mixes it up nicely between drives and jumpers. With the success he's had in Europe, he has to be able to contribute off of our bench.
Wonder if Ainge would take draft picks plus salary filler for Pierce. Probably would have to give up a starter to match salaries though Nazr is a nice chunk.
Splitter video(hadn't seen this posted) YouTube - Tiago Splitter Video He looks very weak...not impressed.
I have a vision of Noah dropping to 15th OR (more probable) trade for him. The guy is all about defence - he doesn't care about him self and is a team oriented player. Package Murray and 15th pick and go after Noah. Please!! He could be the starting C or come off the bench for Maxey. But just think about the frontcourt of Maxey and Noah in 3/4 years.
Now that Roy Hibbert is out of the draft, Noah is not falling out of the lottery. There are much more sure things in the middle-end of the first round in terms of perimeter players rather than big men, especially considering the Pistons have good young big men in the pipe. One point guard, most likely Crittenton will be there at 15. Then try to get an athletic swingman to back up Tayshaun, and if Thaddeus Young is out there, we should pair the two teammates up again.
I'm less sold on Acker, I think he can perhaps play a role but he's like a less athletic more polished Delfino. Or a lesser shooting Allan Houston.
