Max for max

Since his collage days at Cincinnati, stimulating the crowd with brutal blocks and dynamic dunks has been the modus operandi of one Jason Maxiell. As he begins his 4^th season in the NBA, I can't help but wonder, will J-Max be bringing that powerful presence off the pine as he begins his 5^th?

While watching that #54 jersey hover in front of the scorers table, I have a sense of comfort knowing that strength and momentum will not be lost as a starter gets summoned to the bench. Jason brings the “going to work” attitude that Joe Dumars demands every game. This is not something easily found in the league today. The kind of spark Maxiell provides for the Pistons is unbelievably scarce. In fact, the Boston Celtics would not have won its 17^th championship without their second unit spark plug James Posey. [Further examples include the Spurs' Manu Ginobili, Miami's Alonzo Morning, and L.A.'s Robbert Horry. Interestingly enough, Posey played on Miami's Championship team as well. And Horry, well, need I say more.] In order to win an NBA championship you need a Vinnie (The Microwave) Johnson type player coming off the bench, period. It doesn't matter which position he plays, as long as he controls the tempo of the game, and Maxi does exactly that. Although I am obviously a Jason Maxiell enthusiast, I must keep in mind the down side to his game. Or more appropriately, to his size. A stocky 6'7” 260 pound frame is satisfactory for a second unit power forward with Maxiell's athleticism, intensity and heart. As a full time starter however, he is simply too small. Even with a longer reach then most 6'7” players. Now I, like I'm sure some of you, have considered the idea of putting him at small forward. This could work in a few situations, but again, his 260lbs. will make it very difficult to keep up with the lighter and faster 3's. As valuable as J-Max is to the Pistons, he just isn't a starter. He's a premier bench player in the NBA, and thats not a bad thing to be on a team of Detroit's caliber. Now the burning question. How much is Jason Maxiell worth to the Detroit Pistons. Joe D. offered 5 million a year. Jason's agent convinced him to turn it down. As a Pistons fan, this isn't necessarily a bad thing as Detroit shoots for another 'ship. Maxi playing for max money, will only make him play harder. So, is it worth the gamble waiting until the off season to sign him? Say we win the championship with J-Max playing 25-30 mpg. Will the price increase from a rumored 6 mill, to 7 or more? Will his price include a starting role? Is he replaceable? These are questions I hope Joe Dumars asked himself when he decided to let Jason Maxiell become a restricted free agent at the end of the season.