OK! OK! Pistons fans...step back, take a deep breath, relax and read. There's reason for concern, but don't toss in the towel quite yet. Let's discuss a few options first.
Our “small ball” starting line up of Stuckey, AI, Rip, Tay and Sheed one way or another, will not be in effect post All Star Game. A strong source informed me Joe Dumars had given his puppet (Michael Curry) till the Atlanta game on Feb. 11th to “right the ship.” Since there's no way Dumars is even considering firing puppet boy - the only logical assumption would be moving a player. With the trade deadline looming on Feb. 19th, I would say 'player movement' is solid logic. But, let us not get ahead of ourselves. First we'll discuss the situation at hand with option one.
1.) Although there will be plenty of times during games when this “small ball” formula will be effective, still, one of the two SG's must start the game from the bench. Who? Allen Iverson that's who, and I'll tell you why. Think about it. Rip has been the leading scorer during the pistons' great run over the last 6 years. He just signed an extension, this is his team. AI's just passing through. Not to mention, when he was traded he said he would “do what ever it takes to help this team win a championship.” Also Rip can't create his own shot. He needs other threats around him to be a threat himself. This isn't about one man's legacy. It's about the team and it's fans. Plus with either Stuckey or AI on the floor, you'll always have some one who can make the jumper, take it to the hole or find the open man. Start Brown with Sheed @ PF & bring Maxiell in as your second big after McDyess. It's a simple fix! Dose puppet boy have the stones to make it happen? Or will the puppet master have to step in. This leads us to option two.
2.) February 19th is not only the trade deadline. The Pistons also start the most difficult parcel of their schedule hosting the San Antonio Spurs followed by Cleveland, New Orleans, Orlando, Boston and Denver. So obviously Joe D. needs his team to be playing championship caliber ball. So, is it possible he could move another player? And if so, who? Richard “Rip” Hamilton that's who, and I'll tell you why. Think about it. He's the only one worth anything Joe D's willing to give up. Stuckey's untouchable. Prince is the only starter playing any defense. AI's only here for salary cap reasons. And you won't get enough for Sheed. Plus I believe Dumars plans on trying to talk Sheed into a 2 year contract for the mid level exception. This leaves us Rip + additional players and/or draft picks. I vehemently believe Joe D's vision includes Stuckey and Afflalo as the starting guards with Prince at the 3. So even if he miraculously keep Sheed for cheep, there is still a serious need for a star big man. Who's out their. Stoudemire- the Suns won't take anything we have to offer. Booser- maybe, but how healthy is he? plus you'll loose him to Miami. Bynum- no way L.A. lets him go. J.O'Neal- not worth consideration. Okur- Utah won't haggle knowing Booser's leaving. Curry- obese with a tun of baggage. Marion- impossible do to Booser. Odum- would rather have Rip. Al Jefferson- Doubt it, yet worth a try. Biedrins- I wish. Bosh- Bingo! Rip + Amir + 1st & 2nd round draft picks. If Toronto isn't playoff bound by then, this could happen. *Stuck-AI-Tay-Bosh-Sheed, sounds good to me.
In my ever humble opinion, the best case scenario would be option 1. Then trade Rip to Golden State for Biedrins + Belinelli in the off season. Then go after Booser or sign one year contracts and go after Bosh or Stoudemire in 2010. With that kind of cash and a chance to win multiple championships, why wouldn't they want to come here? Can you just fathom it. Stuckey, Afflalo, Prince, Booser(Stoudemire/Bosh), Biedrins- Bynum, Belinelli, Sharp, Johnson and Maxiell. Versatile scoring + potent defense = multiple championships.
What do you think?
Keywords: pistons
