Time to get serious about evaluating prospects at #9

As much as trading down seems to make some sense, I still don't see it helps the Pistons. Trading down gets you a lesser chance at landing an impact player. The Pistons have a roster full of mediocre backup type guys. They need studs. All of these great NBA teams have a "Big 3". Detroit has a "Little 14."

Now ESPN says that NBA doctors are warning teams about Sullinger having back issues...

^Yeah, apparently a hammy injury that caused a back problem or something.

I hope we get more than *crickets* this time.
Chad Ford:

An interesting look at the league.

But having said that, if MIA had the opp to pair Bosh with DHoward or ABynum, do you think they would turn it down so they can continue to play small ball? Of course not.

Good bigs are efficient on offense because they tend to take more shots at the rim and go to the line more often. On defense, they are intimidating, and if athletic, can force wings and guard to take midrange/more innefficient shots as they clog driving lanes.

I don't think the location of Dayes head is the issue. I assume it went up his ass trying to follow one of his missed dribbles.

I agree on JJ. He was one season deep when he did a very serious injury, and this season just gone (essentially only his second) was spent working his way back into the game from this injury with a short pre-season, new coach, with two guys he had played very little ball with in BK and Monroe (all that stuff I have gone on about previously) and I think still out of position.

Ideally with a decent big from this draft, I would love to see Tay come off our bench with JJ start at SF. Playing more of this running game we saw late in the season, an ageing Tay and high energy JJ would work better sharing these minutes. Frank is pretty astute and I think he would try this out with a longer pre-season to work with.

Given the chance I reckon JJ will suprise a few this coming season.

His PER was just under league average with low minutes and playing out of position. He has improved his outside shot immensely and plays great perimeter defense. I say put him in the 3 against teams with 2 in the paint/post, and on the 4 against face up power forwards who are looking to stretch defense and create passing/driving lanes. His reactions on ball defending combined with good speed and agility to chase get him the nod over Prince, despite his length.

And it is just refreshing to see someone attack the offensive glass and move off the ball on O. Hustle on both ends is going to give this team wins, because in reality, we are not going to have an ethereal superstar anytime soon.

An interesting little conspiracy theory here: Detroit Pistons and Arnett Moultrie: Could they be a prearranged NBA Draft marriage? | MLive.com

I've liked Moultrie for a long time, and think he would be a good fit. Reading this makes me happy.

Cool!
Let's trade down to get him and maybe pick up another guy in the 1st round too!

Why trade down? He's a better option than anyone else likely to be there at 9; why gamble and risk that someone else moves up to take him?

I like that too. Something about him being 6'10 and 3/4ths bothers me though. I really wish he were 6'11. That little bit of size does make a difference in the NBA.

When pistonpowered did their draft dreams profile of Moultrie back in April they said:

Looks like he has moved up a bit.

With those tight hamstrings I can't really see Sullinger getting his leg very high on the Piston wall test. I guess we can cross him off the list.

I agree that JJ should have a better year this season, but it seems that his best attribute for playing the 3 spot is that he can't really play the 4. He isn't a great defender, I think he is perceived to be by us. He is almost exclusively an offense only player.

More than anything I hope the Pistons draft someone that can rebound the ball defensively for a change.

His hard work is paying off. What an example to the young people!!! Tres impactful.

Didn't I say that yesterday? See....I gets NO RESPECT around these parts..........