<div class="quote_poster">Quoting :</div><div class="quote_post">The Detroit Pistons activated center Mehmet Okur from the injured list prior to Wednesday night's game against the Chicago Bulls. Okur, who missed six games with back spasms, has averaged 9.9 points and 6.5 rebounds in 55 games, including 31 starts. Pistons coach Larry Brown was not sure if Okur would play against the Bulls, but he expected Richard Hamilton to return after missing three games with a broken nose.</div> Full Story
Good news for The Pistons. I'm real big on Memo, I'm confident he can be a solid center in this league for years to come. He's has good low post moves, his jumper extends to nearly the three point line, and he's defensively sound. Perhaps he won't be a star in this league like O'Neal and Ming, but he could easily be a another solid center like Rasho, Divac, Miller, MaGloire, etc. I'd say he could be averaging a double double if he works on his game and receives quality starting minutes in Detroit.
He needs more conditioning especially in the weight area. He also needs to re work his attitude to stop pouting every time things don't go his way. He has the skills to be a solid centre but his mind has to catch up to his skills I wonder how Memo would feel re-signing with Detroit knowing that Darko is waiting in the wings to take his spot.
Memo needs to step his game up like Tayshaun did. Brown has been critical of all his players (Chauncey, Rip, Memo, Darko, and Tayshaun). All have responded by playing tougher and harder. Especially Tayshaun, as of late. Memo should sulk, but just come out more focused and intense. How amazing would it be to have Memo, Darko, Ben and Rasheed all rotating as our centers/power forwards. Rasheed and Memo have an outside touch. Ben and Darko can be defensive monsters. I hope we can keep Memo and Rasheed.
I really don't think Rasheed or Memo would sign with Detroit. Detroit has made it known that Darko is the future and this is not good news for players who want to start or get consistent PT. Memo and Rasheed are good enough start on 90% of all teams out in the league. They don't deserve to be on the bench
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting CourtVision:</div><div class="quote_post">I really don't think Rasheed or Memo would sign with Detroit. Detroit has made it known that Darko is the future and this is not good news for players who want to start or get consistent PT. Memo and Rasheed are good enough start on 90% of all teams out in the league. They don't deserve to be on the bench</div> Here's some fun food for thought. Let's assume Rasheed is gone - he's made it known he would like to play in New York, so let's just forget him as an option for the moment. What if Darko, who by scouts' accounts (and that's all we can really base things on at this point) has three-point range on his jumper, is able to improve his footwork to the point where he can play the 3, as Rasheed has done in Portland? Then you have Memo at the 5, Ben at the 4, and Darko at the 3. These are big if's - I'm just throwing it out there for fun.
Sounds logical. But I think that the Pistons are actually trying to coach him to play down low mainly, not on the perimetre. If he does develope a jump shot then things would be very interesting for the Pistons. Three 7 footers (two who have range) starting? Thats hard to contest
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting CourtVision:</div><div class="quote_post">Sounds logical. But I think that the Pistons are actually trying to coach him to play down low mainly, not on the perimetre.</div> Granted, you don't really want a 7-foot lefthander with excellent shot-blocking instincts (a little math tells us he's averaging 2.8 blocks and 8.5 rebounds per 35 minutes - a taste of what might be) chasing small forwards on the perimeter, but still ... And then there's the Tayshaun issue.
Memo won't be with the Pistons forever. I see him as sort of an insurance blanket for Darko; if Darko isn't the amazing player he's supposed to be in a few years, then we'll want Memo still around. Until Darko's ready, we need him to play. He isn't a player we're ready to give up yet, but I don't see Memo playing for the Pistons five years from now.
Well...about four years? I think it all depends on Darko's development. They should sign him to a three year deal this summer, that gives them some flexibility.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting CourtVision:</div><div class="quote_post">I really don't think Rasheed or Memo would sign with Detroit. Detroit has made it known that Darko is the future and this is not good news for players who want to start or get consistent PT. Memo and Rasheed are good enough start on 90% of all teams out in the league. They don't deserve to be on the bench</div> If I had to bet I would say Rasheed re-signs, he is in a good situation and is basically playing for a team at the top of the conference, first time for at least 4/5 years that has happened. He will not only have the money (If Dumars decides to give it him) but also a winning attuide. Sheed can also play the small forward spot well enough which would still give the Pistons a chance to allow Darko to play and produce at the power forward/center spot. Pistons can't allow both Okur and Wallace to leave, put it this way if they allow it to happen...the word "screwed" comes to mind.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllNet:</div><div class="quote_post">If I had to bet I would say Rasheed re-signs, he is in a good situation and is basically playing for a team at the top of the conference, first time for at least 4/5 years that has happened. He will not only have the money (If Dumars decides to give it him) but also a winning attuide. Sheed can also play the small forward spot well enough which would still give the Pistons a chance to allow Darko to play and produce at the power forward/center spot. Pistons can't allow both Okur and Wallace to leave, put it this way if they allow it to happen...the word "screwed" comes to mind.</div> yeah if they lose Sheed and Memo, they have to hope: a. they snag a big time free agent b. Darko plays big minutes next year and has a break out season
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting iamme:</div><div class="quote_post">yeah if they lose Sheed and Memo, they have to hope: b. Darko plays big minutes next year and has a break out season</div> I wouldn't really mind this happening. I agree, however, that if Sheed and Memo are gone next year, we are pretty much gone too, unless we get a good free agent or the Darko break out happens.
I agree that it is best for Detroit that Sheed and Memo stay. I also believe that this will only help in the developement of the wonder kid Darko. To be playing against Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace and Memo Okur in practice is like a god send for any rookie. He will get beat up and scored on but he stands to learn a lot from those starters
