ducks
09-08-2005, 12:44 AM
Pistons want to sign Prince to contract extension
http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons.../D07-306358.htm
AUBURN HILLS -- Because the Pistons shot 43.7 percent in the playoffs last season, it was assumed that one of the first orders of offseason business would be to acquire a proven perimeter shooter.
Former coach Larry Brown campaigned for one before he left, and so have fans.
But president Joe Dumars had a different plan.
The Pistons on Tuesday formally introduced their two newest acquisitions -- longtime center Dale Davis and 26-year-old swingman Maurice Evans, neither of whom would be considered a proven perimeter shooter.
"I didn't so much think I needed to address the shooting need," Dumars said. "What we needed was somebody who could come in and play the two-three (shooting guard-small forward) spot. If he could've been a pure shooter, great. But if not, we still needed somebody to give us minutes there. I like the guys we've got."
In Dumars' defense, he made a pitch to the best free-agent shooter on the market -- Michael Finley. The Pistons offered the full mid-level exception (starting at $5 million) and were rebuked. Finley didn't like the idea of coming off the Pistons' bench and signed with the Spurs.
Instead, Dumars used the money to sign two players, each of whom is expected to be in the rotation next season. As for the shooting issue, Dumars, for now, is counting on internal growth from the likes of Tayshaun Prince, Carlos Delfino, Carlos Arroyo and even Darko Milicic.
"Every hole on your team cannot be addressed by just going out and acquiring," Dumars said. "You have to have some internal growth, too. That has to be a part of it. We have some good, young players on our roster. You have to let your young guys grow."
Dumars also is counting on coach Flip Saunders' more liberating offensive style to create more scoring.
"I don't see any holes," Saunders said. "I think all the pieces are there."
Prince update
Dumars, now that he's back from a trip to Turkey, has restarted negotiations on a contract extension for Prince. Dumars planned to speak to Prince's agent, Bill Duffy, Tuesday night.
"I think we will get something done long-term," Dumars said. "We are going to keep him here. Tay wants that, I want that and Duffy wants that. We'll get something done."
Prince, who is beginning his fourth season with the Pistons, is expected to get a five-year extension worth between $45 million and $50 million. The Pistons have until the end of October to sign Prince to an extension. If they don't, Prince would become a restricted free agent next summer.
You can reach Chris McCosky at (313) 222-1489
http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons.../D07-306358.htm
AUBURN HILLS -- Because the Pistons shot 43.7 percent in the playoffs last season, it was assumed that one of the first orders of offseason business would be to acquire a proven perimeter shooter.
Former coach Larry Brown campaigned for one before he left, and so have fans.
But president Joe Dumars had a different plan.
The Pistons on Tuesday formally introduced their two newest acquisitions -- longtime center Dale Davis and 26-year-old swingman Maurice Evans, neither of whom would be considered a proven perimeter shooter.
"I didn't so much think I needed to address the shooting need," Dumars said. "What we needed was somebody who could come in and play the two-three (shooting guard-small forward) spot. If he could've been a pure shooter, great. But if not, we still needed somebody to give us minutes there. I like the guys we've got."
In Dumars' defense, he made a pitch to the best free-agent shooter on the market -- Michael Finley. The Pistons offered the full mid-level exception (starting at $5 million) and were rebuked. Finley didn't like the idea of coming off the Pistons' bench and signed with the Spurs.
Instead, Dumars used the money to sign two players, each of whom is expected to be in the rotation next season. As for the shooting issue, Dumars, for now, is counting on internal growth from the likes of Tayshaun Prince, Carlos Delfino, Carlos Arroyo and even Darko Milicic.
"Every hole on your team cannot be addressed by just going out and acquiring," Dumars said. "You have to have some internal growth, too. That has to be a part of it. We have some good, young players on our roster. You have to let your young guys grow."
Dumars also is counting on coach Flip Saunders' more liberating offensive style to create more scoring.
"I don't see any holes," Saunders said. "I think all the pieces are there."
Prince update
Dumars, now that he's back from a trip to Turkey, has restarted negotiations on a contract extension for Prince. Dumars planned to speak to Prince's agent, Bill Duffy, Tuesday night.
"I think we will get something done long-term," Dumars said. "We are going to keep him here. Tay wants that, I want that and Duffy wants that. We'll get something done."
Prince, who is beginning his fourth season with the Pistons, is expected to get a five-year extension worth between $45 million and $50 million. The Pistons have until the end of October to sign Prince to an extension. If they don't, Prince would become a restricted free agent next summer.
You can reach Chris McCosky at (313) 222-1489