<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Antonio McDyess has been brought into situations in the past where he was expected to lead a fractured team into the playoffs and beyond. In Denver and New York, McDyess was unable to be as successful as those general managers who drafted or traded for him had hoped he'd be, but in the offseason he signed with a team that doesn't need help getting a championship, he signed with a team that needs him to help defend that championship. McDyess is healthy and since it is clear he will be a pivitol role player, he is far more comfortable than he has been in the past. "It?s been a long road," he said. "I am finally able to just go out and play. No pressure. The leg feels great. I don?t even think about it."</div> Full Story
Unlike in New York he won't be depended on to start and play big minutes, he will be playing back-up minutes. I'm confident than Dice can do a great job off the bench. He did have 14 double double last year for a reason, the guy can still play the game. Pistons have the best trainers in the NBA, If they think Dice is 100% and ready to go, he is.
^ Yeah, agreed playing for 20-25 minutes a game would not hurt at all, in fact, it could be the best way he can contribute to the team, while regaining his explosiveness... hopefully he will be able to.
In New York he never got the chance to play big minutes because he was injured in the 02-03 preseason. When he came back he only lasted here a month when Isaiah traded him.
I wasn't too excited about getting Dice but am at least a bit more optimistic now. And I agree, playing low minutes, I think, will be the best way for him to contribute to this type of team.
Because Dice wont be playing as many minutes as he has in the past, there will be less pressure on his leg. This will reduce the chance of injury, and he could end up playing for the majority of the season. If he stays healthy I could see him being a good contributor for the Pistons off the bench.
I didn't even realize he was on the roster until today when I played against Detroit in Live. Man, Detroit is big with the 4 spot. Even though Dice has been injured, he may still give a solid contribution.
I read Arnie Kantor said that Mcdyess's previous injuries are fully healed and that he is at no more of risk for injury then Ben or Rasheed. I can't wait to see him play in the first preseason game. I also hope we get to see Rasheed play some small forward and a front court of Ben,McDyess and Rasheed on the court at the sametime. If McDyess is healthy our front court has to be the most athletic front court in NBA history. Combining that athleticism with Rasheed and Tay's versatility it gives LB a lot of options and it should be fun to watch what he comes up with. I expect us to trap more and really pressure the ball this season.
I think McDyess will really be an un-sung hero for this team. He really seems like he is inshape and has over came the injuries in the past. Plus that dunk was tight as hell, last night.
