Breaking down the 2002 Rookies

[Shaver]

Re: Breaking down the 2002 Rookies

First off, chances are Prince will play the 2 for the Pistons nearly as much as he plays the 3. A modified 2-3.

Second, summer league does mean something in terms of whether or not you'll be able to get your shot off.

Third, don't underestimate the scouting of Joe Dumars. He dropped Rodney White because of Prince's game.

Time will tell. We'll agree to disagree till they lace 'em up in a few months.

[GodsSon]

Re: Breaking down the 2002 Rookies

I would never underestimate Joe Dumars or any pro GM. I always give people in a grand positions the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. Dumars has been extremely solid and unbashful when it comes to molding the Pistons, but...

If he drafted Prince to play some 2, then, well, as a Bucks fan, I can live with that.

[Shaver]

Re: Breaking down the 2002 Rookies

I don't think he drafted Prince to play 2, but I think with sending Stack to the Wiz he'll play some modified 2.

[GodsSon]

Re: Breaking down the 2002 Rookies

I'm assuming you are a Pistons fan, Clay. Who do you think will be the starters for the Pistions?

Billups
Hamilton
Curry
Wallace
Robinson

I know some Pistons fans are high on Mehmet Okur. And why did they waive Bobby Simmons?

I'd be surprised if they win 50 games this season.

[Shaver]

Re: Breaking down the 2002 Rookies

I would guess you nailed the proposed starting 5. They are very high on Okur and I still think they have thoughts the Rebraca can become a serviceable 5 in the East. I would guess you will see some tinkering with the lineup. However, Chauncy, Rip, and Ben are locks I'm sure. You may see some play with the 3 and 5 spots.

50 games? Yeah, I would agree. They snuck up on a lot of people last year and that won't happen again. They're still a playoff caliber team and probably a 1st round winner, but I don't see any major strides to move past New Jersey or Boston.

[GodsSon]

Re: Breaking down the 2002 Rookies

We agree. Oddly enough, there isn't a team in the Central Division that has a clear advantage over any other. I suppose New Orleans is the early favorite to win it, followed by the Pistions (Detroit has great coaching).

Thanks for the chat, Clay.

[Shaver]

Re: Breaking down the 2002 Rookies

Great Chat. It's nice to talk some B-Ball on here.

Detroit is still in the loop because you CAN still win with D.

BTW - chat up Steve (the owner of the site) sometime. He's a big Piston's fan too.

[Kruza]

Re: Breaking down the 2002 Rookies

Actually, I think Zeljko Rebraca will be starting at center this season, while Ben Wallace moves to power forward. And I think Michael Curry will be coming off the bench, as I see either Cliff Robinson or Corliss Williamson starting at small forward.

I won't expect 50 wins from the Pistons for this season, but I don't think it's impossible for this team to achieve it. I think this greatly depends on how fast this group will gel together as a team. However, at the very least I do expect the Pistons to win enough games to make the playoffs this upcoming season.

Kruza

[Kruza]

Re: Breaking down the 2002 Rookies

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
I don't think he drafted Prince to play 2, but I think with sending Stack to the Wiz he'll play some modified 2.

<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">

I think Tayshaun Prince will play at the 2-spot except during situations when he's on the court with either Rip Hamilton or Jon Barry. This is when I believe he'll move over to the 3-spot.

Kruza

[acjones151]

Re: Breaking down the 2002 Rookies

<font color="green"> BUTLER and WAGNER both of those will be featured on sportscenter multiple times during the year and jaws will drop.....

I think wagner will shoot and incredibly low percentage but still average 18+ just like AI

Butler looks like a tough bad *** Rashard Lewis, the sky's the limit &amp; he could be one of the best forwards in the league in 3 years .....Example: who thought Marion would be this good?</font color>

[GodsSon]

Re: Breaking down the 2002 Rookies

Thing is, everybody expects Butler to be good and challenge for the rookie of the year. Only a few people knew about Marion's skills.

I watched Butler a UConn a bit and I don't see the Sportscenter-esque spectular-ness in his game. I'm sure he's going to be solid, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Stoudamire on the other hand. Dude's a walking highlight film. Some of his summer league dunks are incredible.

Amare Highlights here. (Slow connections need not apply.)

[swigfall]

Re: Breaking down the 2002 Rookies

does anyone have any opinion on freddie jones, i'd like 2 hear it, he led the pacers summer league team in scoring btw...

[GodsSon]

Re: Breaking down the 2002 Rookies

BUMP!