We've already finished the first week of the season, and the Pistons do not look like the Pistons. I am not here to whine, I know already that we need some time to adapt to the loss of Ben Wallace - and as we can see now, it is a huge loss. Here are some things that need improvement, or things I've noticed that I did not like.- No Interior Defense- Sloppy play which is causing too many turnovers- This follow up with the last one, but we need some structure and organization in our plays, they seem to be very rushed for some reason.- Offensive/Defensive Rebounding has been killing us - we really need to emphasize this.- Hustle - We gotta step up the hustle, we need to get all loose balls, we want quick hands and feet to get steals and etc.- Adjust to the new Tech rule - I know it sucks, and I absolutely hate this new rule, but it's obvious the NBA won't change so we have to adjust. It will take a while to get rid of the normal emotional habits of yelling or slamming the ball or withe - but we need to get rid of these costly technicals. They will cost us suspensions, points and sometimes lost games.- This goes out to Flip - you have to fix this rotation. Some of the rotations and substitutions he uses drive me crazy.- Chauncey and Rasheed have been stepping it up as of the last couple games, but we need Tayshaun Prince to step it up a lot - we were counting on him to help us out, and we need this right now from him. (Rip is doing a good job so far)The Good things I've seen: (not too many)- The Bench has been solid for the Pistons; Maxiel, Delfino, and Murray have been especially great.- Nazr Mohammed has come in to the starting line up pretty well - he's got some kinks to work out, but I think he'll come along even nicer a little later in the season. I like his consistency, he's scored 8-10 pts a game, with usually 9 boards. - Gotta give Jason Maxiel his own spot, he has just been great. He represents what I think the Pistons should strive for - a hard working, gritty, tough basketball player.and that's really about it. But Yeah, I think the Pistons will get their game back in maybe a month or two...last year when the Heat got all those new guys it took them the whole season, we've gained a new starting center, so it shouldn't take as long, hopefully.
Eventually if this continues, I think you have to start Maxiell. As you said, he stands for everything the Pistons have been and should be about. I really like the kid. It also makes a lot of sense as right now you have Maxiell and Dice off the bench..2 PF's who I'd never want to see playing the Center spot.Starting Maxipad means we get to bring Flip Murray/Delfino/Dice/Nazr off the bench..which would be much more conventional.And I think the Tech rule may get a little looser soon. Players union talking about having a meeting with Stern, or eventually taking it to court.
I think going after Nazr in a desperate fashion like we did shows that alot of people in the organization weren't confident in Rasheed playing that many minutes at center. Moving Sheed over and starting one of the PFs off the bench seems like the most logical thing, but I don't think we'll ever see it.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Joe D. to deal Chauncey. His contract expires at the end of the season, and he can get the league max elsewhere probably. If the 'Stons are out of playoff contention by the deadline, look for Chuancey to be dealt.
Whoa whoa whoa lets slow down here. The Pistons won't deal Chauncey, and they WILL FOR SURE be in the playoffs. We are just adjusting to this Ben-less defense, and trying to create a new identity. After we do that we will be in fine shape. Maxiell looks like he can help with the interior defense off the bench for us. Once we find out what kind of team we have we will be fine.
