***Official Detroit Pistons Thread***

[Kruza]

Re: ***Official Detroit Pistons 2007-08 Thread***

(This is a repeat of what's posted in the 2008 NBA Playoffs Discussion thread.)

These opening-round playoff home losses are disappointing and aggravating on so many levels. But to point out a silver lining, it has happened before with this Pistons team. Like vs. the Magic in '03 and vs. Bucks in '04. The players were all aware of it and said it wouldn't happen again... and look what happened last night against the Sixers. I expect the team to bounce back though.

The main reason for this loss was that the starters just plain choked down the stretch with missed close range shots, missed free throws, lackadaisical defense and odd turnovers. There's no disputing that. But I did have some issues with the player rotations which could've impacted the result.

First off, I am puzzled as to why Rodney Stuckey and Lindsey Hunter were played together since Flip Saunders rarely used that combination during the regular season. This combo won't be effective in a halfcourt because neither player has a consistent jumper. If they aren't forcing turnovers and getting any opportunites to score on the open floor, then they should be broken up. Stuckey-Rip and Stuckey-Chauncey had been much more effective backcourt combos. With his inconsistencies with his jumper on the offensive end, Hunter should only really be paired with Rip so Rip can space the floor for him when he drives to the basket. And Stuckey should've been on the floor a lot longer than he was. His slashing ability was missed and sorely needed in Game 1. I also wouldn't mind seeing Arron Afflalo getting a little PT too, but obviously not paired with Hunter.

And how Amir Johnson got absolutely no playing time in the game is another mystery. I like Antonio McDyess as a player, but this is clearly not a good matchup for him and Amir should get most of his minutes for the rest of this series.

Kruza

[Psyblast]

Re: ***Official Detroit Pistons 2007-08 Thread***

(This is a repeat of what's posted in the 2008 NBA Playoffs Discussion thread.)

These opening-round playoff home losses are disappointing and aggravating on so many levels. But to point out a silver lining, it has happened before with this Pistons team. Like vs. the Magic in '03 and vs. Bucks in '04. The players were all aware of it and said it wouldn't happen again... and look what happened last night against the Sixers. I expect the team to bounce back though.

The main reason for this loss was that the starters just plain choked down the stretch with missed close range shots, missed free throws, lackadaisical defense and odd turnovers. There's no disputing that. But I did have some issues with the player rotations which could've impacted the result.

First off, I am puzzled as to why Rodney Stuckey and Lindsey Hunter were played together since Flip Saunders rarely used that combination during the regular season. This combo won't be effective in a halfcourt because neither player has a consistent jumper. If they aren't forcing turnovers and getting any opportunites to score on the open floor, then they should be broken up. Stuckey-Rip and Stuckey-Chauncey had been much more effective backcourt combos. With his inconsistencies with his jumper on the offensive end, Hunter should only really be paired with Rip so Rip can space the floor for him when he drives to the basket. And Stuckey should've been on the floor a lot longer than he was. His slashing ability was missed and sorely needed in Game 1. I also wouldn't mind seeing Arron Afflalo getting a little PT too, but obviously not paired with Hunter.

And how Amir Johnson got absolutely no playing time in the game is another mystery. I like Antonio McDyess as a player, but this is clearly not a good matchup for him and Amir should get most of his minutes for the rest of this series.

Kruza

I thought Ratliff should've seen more time too.

I hate to be so negative (again), but I'm beginning to see that no matter what adjustments Flip makes during the regular season in regards to resting the starters and trusting the bench more...he can't repair the damage he's done to this team's mental toughness. I mean, Chauncey and Rip missing clutch FTs? Tayshaun missing a wide open jumper? Rasheed (that BS in the Sixers huddle aside) blowing basically a layup?

This team's killer instinct is fading, in my opinion. This isn't the same team that won Game 6s on the road in Orlando, New Jersey, Miami, San Antonio, etc. The killer instinct left with Larry Brown.

I hope like hell that I'm wrong, but last night was unbelievably discouraging.

[Kruza]

Re: ***Official Detroit Pistons 2007-08 Thread***

Yeah, that killer instinct issue is a concern. The ironic thing about this is the only starter who meant business out there in Game 1 is Sheed, and he's the vet on the team who usually has the most trouble staying mentally focused.

Another concern of mine is how Flip will handle making decisions that may be unpopular with majority of the players. What I mean is that I honestly believe Flip has to consider sitting Dice and go with Sheed-Maxey-Theo-Amir frontline rotation for the rest of this series. Dice's game just doesn't match up well against the athleticism and youth of this Sixers team. Flip could also see how Afflalo performs, but at the expense of Hunter's minutes and not Stuckey's.

Kruza

[trobinson97]

Re: ***Official Detroit Pistons 2007-08 Thread***

Spot on Kruza. I couldn't believe all the freebies they missed down the stretch, that was really weird. The worst thing for me was definitely the line up Flip had out there in the 4th quarter. I think it was Ratliff, Stuckey, Hunter, Maxiell and Prince. There was like zero chemistry and there was no leader on the floor offensively. I imagine they were supposed to defer to Tay in that rotation but he looked very indecisive and just isn't a leader like that. Like you said Kruza, Stucky and Lindsay are not efficent shooters and sometimes erratic. Prince is a capable option, but by no means should he be a main option. Nothing need be said of the other two offensively.

That's the one thing I blame Flip for. Chauncey missing free throws, Sheed joking around with the Sixers in their huddle then blowing a layup a few seconds later, as well as Prince's guffaws were on them I am afraid. No way can I blame Flip for their lack of execution and seemingly lack of interest. After all, a coach can only do so much, it's the players who have to put it all together in the end, and these guys know better. I am still not worried about this series, but I am worried about future series, even in the next round if they don't show that they want this as much as they talk about it.

[Psyblast]

Re: ***Official Detroit Pistons 2007-08 Thread***

No way can I blame Flip for their lack of execution and seemingly lack of interest. After all, a coach can only do so much, it's the players who have to put it all together in the end, and these guys know better.

The only problem with that is these kind of mental lapses never happened under Larry Brown. If Sheed ever did that thing in the huddle with the other team during a crucial moment, LB would chew his *** out right then and there. This team never lost interest when LB was the coach; LB pounded it into their heads that they couldn't let up for one second. Now that they have a big ****ing loser as a coach, the players have gotten lazy.

[poster]

Re: ***Official Detroit Pistons 2007-08 Thread***

I really don't know what to think after having some time to digest Game 1. You guys all made some good points. I will not feel satisfied if they don't come out and blow Philly out of the gym in Game 2.

[Kruza]

Re: ***Official Detroit Pistons 2007-08 Thread***

I guess you feel satisfied now, poster.

Heh, Dice probably read what I posted about his Game 1 performance becuase he played like a man possessed last night. Same with Tay. Good to see all the players attacking the basket as often as possible. Amir and Afflalo both got minutes, and Lindsey rode the pine. Need to see more from Hayes, though.

Kruza

[poster]

Re: ***Official Detroit Pistons 2007-08 Thread***

I guess you feel satisfied now, poster.

Heh, Dice probably read what I posted about his Game 1 performance becuase he played like a man possessed last night. Same with Tay. Good to see all the players attacking the basket as often as possible. Amir and Afflalo both got minutes, and Lindsey rode the pine. Need to see more from Hayes, though.

Kruza

Ha ha no doubt bro! :-) Everyone stepped up their game, and the kids got some burn. It would be nice is Jarvis was more consistent. I like Lindsay and they might need him at some point, but I want to see AA get the minutes instead. I hope they bring this kind of effort on Friday.

[Altimus]

Re: ***Official Detroit Pistons 2007-08 Thread***

I've been reading today how if the Pistons don't get out of the 2nd round, Flip will be fired or at least is on the hot seat.

And guess who has interest in Flip, Paxson. Any rumors about Flip being outed?

[The 24th Letter]

Re: ***Official Detroit Pistons 2007-08 Thread***

[Psyblast]

Re: ***Official Detroit Pistons 2007-08 Thread***

I've been reading today how if the Pistons don't get out of the 2nd round, Flip will be fired or at least is on the hot seat.

And guess who has interest in Flip, Paxson. Any rumors about Flip being outed?

You call them rumors, I call them prayers.

IMO Flop should be fired unless the Pistons win the East (or they lose to Boston in 6-7 games).

[Psyblast]

Re: ***Official Detroit Pistons 2007-08 Thread***

I'm going to post this here since it might get lost in the Playoffs thread, interested in seeing thoughts from fellow Pistons fans.

------------------------------------------------


I hate to say it, but the Pistons are overrated. They're just a bunch of rampaging egos led by one of the worst coaches in basketball. I've heard of teams relishing the "underdog" role, but this is extreme. This team can't handle being the favorite at all. The players are so prideful, they just have to have that chip on their shoulders. It's absurd, really.

I don't know what coach is out there that can reign these egos back in. To be honest, I don't know if it can be done. I'm starting to think the window for the nucleus of this team to win a championship is done. I'm pretty sure Dumars won't blow it up, but if he did, I wouldn't mind seeing some crazy moves happen. (Disclaimer: I'm just thinking out loud, and I acknowledge that this series isn't over yet, so save the outrage, people).

1. Fire Flop.
2. Trade Rasheed for a 2nd round pick (or something equivalent to that).
3. If necessary, trade Chauncey. They could probably get a 1st rounder for him, but I'm only suggesting that if cap room would be needed for #4.
4. Sign Elton Brand.
5. If #3 was required to do #4, get a new PG (or play Stuckey at the point if they think he's ready).

Like I said, I'm just thinking out loud. More of just mad scientist brainstorming than anything, but if they get bounced in this round...I don't know if replacing the coach is going to be enough.

[trobinson97]

Re: ***Official Detroit Pistons 2007-08 Thread***

Pains me to say it but I agree with you. If they lose this series, I think Joe should finally call it a run. It was nice while it lasted but I hate seeing these guys play like they don't give a damn.

[poster]

Re: ***Official Detroit Pistons 2007-08 Thread***

Guys, I am worried that they wont win this series. They just don't care, no fire left. Is it the coach? Maybe, but I honestly feel he gets too much blame. When the team plays well, the players get all of the credit based on the success of the last 4-5 years. Add to that the fact that they have played together for a long period, are unselfish, and play as a team. When they go bad, they get some blame, but it seems like it goes elsewhere, and that elsewhere is Flip.

What I saw yesterday was no focus, lazy play, and inexcusable decision making. This team won 59 games. Are the playoffs another beast? Of course they are. They should roll this team in no more than 5 games. Nothing against Philly, but the talent level gap is huge. They are shutting down the Sixers best player and are still getting smoked. That is on the players, not the coach. I would say the coaching staff has done a good job in game planning for this team as you see in the D on AI. The rest of the spots on the floor the Pistons are better for the most part and are getting outworked and outplayed. I don't know what to think anymore. They had great success under LB, but would they still be having that success if he were still the coach? Hard to say. I just know that I am sick of the players playing down to the competition. Maybe they are over rated.

For the record, I want no part of Elton Brand. While he plays hard and puts up the numbers, he is too small. I need size up front.

[Kruza]

Re: ***Official Detroit Pistons 2007-08 Thread***

This Pistons team need to be threatened and kicked in the a-- to get going. No further explanation needed. It's frustrating and annoying to watch, but that's the way it is with this group.

Kruza