Who hopes Detroit gets owned by Miami?

[Brutalis]

Say I!

I!

[leemajors]

i just hope it's a good game, not a clunker like dallas/heat.

[Brutalis]

i
:elephant

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

I can't root against the Pistons (except when they're playing the Silver and Black).

They're good.

[Brutalis]

I
:elephant :elephant

[Horry For 3!]

I don't care if the Pistons win or lose.

[Brutalis]

I
:elephant :elephant :elephant

[Spurminator]

I hope they tie.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

mookie says that Shaq will be allowed to get away with Murder come playoff time

[Brutalis]

I
:elephant :elephant :elephant :elephant

[boutons_]

Heat suck, Pistons will kill them. no Miami Showtime today.

[ABDENOUR POWER]

I think Miami will win. Its a much bigger game for them than it is for Detroit.

[exstatic]

Heat suck, Pistons will kill them. no Miami Showtime today.
Werd. I will go on record as saying that the Dallas Massacre will shatter their season. Detroit will win by double digits on the road.

Riley is an idiot. Miami was a team that went to a game 7 of the ECF, and he burns that team to the ground and brings in clowns like Walker. Then he shoves Van Gundy in front of the bus so he can coach again.

[Brutalis]

hey miami learn some defense ya shitknockers

[WalterBenitez]

I, but :oops

[rayray2k8]

not likely.
pistons at 80% is better than miami at 100%.. which is a shame :lol

[SAGambler]

Will surprise me if Miami wins, but we can always hope..

[ChumpDumper]

Well, Shaq remembered he's a badass today.

Should last about two more games before the next injury.

[T Park]

Shaq is a shell of his former self.

Its unreal how he cant back anyone down in the paint anymore.

The telling game was when Rasho pushed him off the lowblock.


That, was a call for retirement if I had ever seen one.

[Nikos]

I want Miami.

[Spurologist]

:lol Wade makes a contorting 180 reverse layup and can't make a wide open layup. I mean nobody was near him.

[ChumpDumper]

Well Shaq dropped 12 on the Pistons in the first.

Injuries affect him just like Duncan.

[1Parker1]

Miami SUCKS!!!! They had a great team last season, why the hell did they feel the need to trade away half their starters?

[1Parker1]

:lol Wade makes a contorting 180 reverse layup and can't make a wide open layup. I mean nobody was near him.


:lol That crazy 360 layup was awesome! He's having a tough time scoring right now. Pistons defense playing him good.

[spurschick]

I realize that players age like the rest of us, but Shaq just isn't Shaq anymore. I know he wants to win another title, but I'd like to see him retire with some dignity.

[SouthernFried]

Detroits Offense is the smoothest, bestest offense I've seen since Magic's Lakers.

Pop should take note.

[boutons_]

Pistons +10 at the half. GAMEOVER

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

It's not over, but Miami's D sucks...

[ABDENOUR POWER]

Miami will come out firing in the second half....

[1Parker1]

Damn, if (or when?) Miami loses today, they'll be 0-2 against Dallas, Spurs, Suns, and Pistons this season...and that's despite still have the second best record in the East. :wow

[HB22inSA]

Once again, Miami is a mediocre team at best, and the Pistons should destroy them in the second half.

[HB22inSA]

Damn, if (or when?) Miami loses today, they'll be 2-0 against Dallas, Spurs, Suns, and Pistons this season...and that's despite still have the second best record in the East.
Huh?

Do you mean 0-2??

[1Parker1]

Huh?

Do you mean 0-2??

:lol Damn, HB22inSA, you're on a roll today correcting my typos!!! You're right, I meant 0-2!!

[ducks]

Detroit 24 35 25 0 84 8:48

Miami 24 25 22 7 78 4th
PISTONS HAVE NOT SCORED IN 4

[ducks]

1 2 3 4 Total
Detroit 24 35 25 6 90 3:45

Miami 24 25 22 16 87 4th

PISTONS ARE CHOKING

[ducks]

3:45 DET - Full timeout (Timeout #5)
3:45 DET - Shooting foul on R. Wallace
3:45 MIA - D. Wade drives to the hoop for a layup
4:05 MIA - S. O'Neal defensive rebound
4:07 DET - R. Hamilton misses a 19-foot jumper from the right wing
4:26 MIA - D. Wade makes a 17-foot jumper from the left wing. Assist: G. Payton
4:45 DET - R. Wallace makes a 20-foot jumper from the right corner. Assist: R. Hamilton
5:01 MIA - Loose ball foul on U. Haslem
5:01 MIA - Defensive rebound
5:03 MIA - S. O'Neal misses a 7-foot jumper along the left baseline

[ducks]

3:27 MIA - U. Haslem steals the ball from R. Hamilton
3:45 MIA - D. Wade hits a free throw

[reader]

I thought the Pistons would blow them out ... now tie game with 3 minutes to go.

Who knew?

[ducks]

3:27 MIA - D. Wade hits the first free throw
3:27 DET - Loose ball foul on C. Billups

[ducks]

3:27 MIA - D. Wade hits the second free throw
90-90

[Kori Ellis]

Damn Billups/Rip with back to back 3's.

[HB22inSA]

Detroit will win.

And that's a guarantee.

[ducks]

2:38 MIA - Layup by D. Wade
2:39 MIA - D. Wade offensive rebound
2:42 MIA - S. Anderson misses a layup
3:06 DET - C. Billups makes a 25-foot three-pointer from the right wing
3:27 MIA - D. Wade hits the second free throw
3:27 MIA - D. Wade hits the first free throw

[CubanMustGo]

Where's Snaq??

[Amuseddaysleeper]

the pistons ability to nail the 3 everytime is what'll doom our spurs in the finals

last year it was our 3 point shooting ability that hurt the pistons

this year i fear just the opposite may happen :oops

[ducks]

2:09 MIA - 20 sec timeout
2:16 DET - R. Hamilton makes a 23-foot three-pointer from the left corner. Assist: T. Prince

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

I thought the Pistons would blow them out ... now tie game with 3 minutes to go.

Who knew?

You had to think the Heat would play better after getting embarassed in Dallas and considering it's on national TV...

[HB22inSA]

Billups is a beast!!!

[ducks]

1:36 DET - C. Billups makes a 21-foot jumper from the right wing
1:57 MIA - D. Wade makes shot

[Spurologist]

Wade is a fucking monster

[ducks]

1:23 MIA - D. Wade makes a 9-foot jumper in the lane. Assist: U. Haslem

[Spurologist]

what a game

[ducks]

1:02 MIA - G. Payton steals the ball from C. Billups
1:14 MIA - Personal foul on U. Haslem

[ducks]

:55.3 DET - Full timeout (Timeout #6)
:55.3 MIA - D. Wade makes a 15-foot jumper in the lane

98-98

[picnroll]

Will Detroits four all-stars only be a game up on the Spurs two?

[HB22inSA]

Detroit will win. They're just too lucky...I mean, good...

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Detroit will win. They're just too lucky.

yeah detroit is ALWAYS getting shots to go when they need

plus they also make stops when they need to for the most part

i see a detroit win

[CubanMustGo]

Luck is the product of skill.

Just look at the Spurs' season so far. A lot of "luck" pulling games out of their ass (e.g. today).

[ducks]

Detroit
Name Min FG 3Pt FT Off Reb Ast TO Stl Blk PF Pts
T. Prince 38 2-12 1-2 0-0 2 10 3 0 0 0 0 5
R. Wallace 43 8-15 4-9 1-2 0 3 2 0 0 3 4 21
B. Wallace 25 1-2 0-0 1-2 1 7 3 2 1 1 3 3
C. Billups 40 10-19 4-6 5-6 1 2 10 4 0 0 1 29
R. Hamilton 36 10-16 1-2 4-4 1 4 5 5 0 1 2 25
D. Davis 3 0-0 0-0 2-2 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2
A. McDyess 15 4-5 0-0 0-0 2 3 0 1 0 0 4 8
C. Delfino 12 1-2 1-1 2-2 1 5 0 1 0 0 3 5
C. Arroyo 6 0-1 0-0 0-0 1 1 3 0 0 0 1 0
M. Evans 2 0-2 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Totals 220 36-74 11-20 15-18 9 36 26 13 1 5 19 98
Percentages: .486 .550 .833 Team Rebounds: 11
Miami
Name Min FG 3Pt FT Off Reb Ast TO Stl Blk PF Pts
J. Posey 23 0-2 0-2 0-0 0 1 0 1 0 0 3 0
U. Haslem 31 2-6 0-0 2-2 2 6 2 0 2 0 5 6
S. O'Neal 33 14-24 0-0 3-6 5 8 0 3 1 3 4 31
J. Williams 21 2-5 0-2 0-0 0 1 5 0 1 0 1 4
D. Wade 42 14-26 0-1 7-9 2 7 4 0 0 1 3 35
G. Payton 30 6-13 1-4 0-0 2 3 2 0 1 0 1 13
A. Walker 23 1-6 0-3 0-0 2 4 2 0 0 0 1 2
S. Anderson 13 1-4 0-0 0-0 0 2 0 0 2 0 1 2
A. Mourning 8 1-3 0-0 3-4 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 5
Totals 224 41-89 1-12 15-21 14 36 15 4 7 4 19 98
Percentages: .461 .083 .714 Team Rebounds: 12
Game Info
Technical Fouls: Miami - U. Haslem 1, S. O'Neal 1

[HB22inSA]

see, lucky call...

[ducks]

Detroit 24 35 25 14 98 :55.3

Miami 24 25 22 27 98 4th

[Spurologist]

wade for the game

[Pistons < Spurs]

nice shot....

[ducks]

:26.9 DET - R. Hamilton misses a 16-foot jumper along the right baseline
:41.4 DET - Offensive rebound
:42.9 DET - C. Billups misses a 22-foot jumper from the right wing

[Spurologist]

Holy Shit

[NASpurs]

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaade!

[HB22inSA]

Billups for 3 at the buzzer...

[Brutalis]

Wade Said Get Up Punk

[CubanMustGo]

Wade is one stone-cold mutha today.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

i predict a detroit 3 at the buzzer


GREAT shot by wade

dude was a no show for 3 qtrs and just dominated the 4th

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Wow, what a great performance and game...

[ducks]

:24.9 MIA - D. Wade defensive rebound
:26.9 DET - R. Hamilton misses a 16-foot jumper along the right baseline

[Brutalis]

:lmao


i swear if detroit makes a shot with 2 secs left...

[Spurologist]

Anyone check out the Detroit Bench.

Damn. Just Damn

[ducks]

:02.3 DET - Full timeout (Timeout #7)
:02.3 MIA - D. Wade makes shot
:24.9 MIA - D. Wade defensive rebound

[Pistons < Spurs]

Wow, what a great performance and game...


:tu


Miami really stepped up in the 4th...especially defensively. And Wade is a freakin' animal.

[CubanMustGo]

:lmao


i swear if detroit makes a shot with 2 secs left...

2.3 is an eternity in the NBA. But it would suck.

[Brutalis]

shot wouldnt have counted anyways

[HB22inSA]

Spurs 1 game back.

[Pistons < Spurs]

Heat win

[picnroll]

Detroit bites the dust again.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Can't ask for a better look from 3...

[ducks]

1:02 MIA - G. Payton steals the ball from C. Billups

GP CAN STILL D UP
AND NICE TURNOVER MVP ACCORINDING TO PISTONS FANS

[Kori Ellis]

Sweet!

[Spurologist]

Game Over.

[aaronstampler]

Alright alright alright! 1 game out in the loss column, two games for real. HCA baby!

[Horry For 3!]

Pistons lost :tu Spurs only one game back :elephant

[Brutalis]

goo heat its ya birthday gooo heat get bussssyyyy

just one game ahead....

[ducks]

1 2 3 4 Total
Detroit 24 35 25 14 98 Final

Miami 24 25 22 29 100

[Spurologist]

the smell is coming back. HCA. how sweet it is.

[T Park]

1


game


back


:smokin

[CubanMustGo]

Spurs gotta tough back-to-back at Cleveland tomorrow nite. Make it count guys.

[ducks]

Prince Sucked Ass Today

[myhc]

WOW!

actually folks, we're 2 games back now since we have to finish a game ahead of them since they have the tiebreaker. but still.... WOW!!!

:elephant :elephant

[T Park]

Chauncey Billups BTW Pistons fans,

just recaptured my MVP vote.

That mfer is unreal how clutch he is.

[boutons_]

Just fucking wow, Wade beats the Pistons single-handed, but did have a little help with 2 STLs by Udonis and Gary. just fucking wow.

What great day for the Spurs.

[Brutalis]

DWOWND

[ducks]

WADE NO TURNOVERS TODAY
D. Wade D. Wade
15-27, 37 Pts
8 Rebs, 4 Assists

[exstatic]

Never been so happy to be wrong.

Detroit: 4-4 in their last 8. HUMAN, and very "catchable".

[Spurologist]

Prince Sucked Ass Today

he choked on both ends of the court. Wade owned him and he owned himself by not making the potential game winning shot

[Brutalis]

Chauncey Billups BTW Pistons fans,

just recaptured my MVP vote.

That mfer is unreal how clutch he is.

whats clutch about turning the ball over at the biggest climax of the game for detroit?

[Amuseddaysleeper]

guys guys its actually TWO games back cuz we were too stupid to take detroit seriously this season and now its coming back to bite us in the ass as we've gotta make up an extra game on them


having said that........


the light at the end of the spurs tunnel is def. looking a hell of a lot brighter

i was STUNNED that tayshaun missed that wide open 3!!!! wow!!

[CubanMustGo]

Wade had like one point in first six+ minutes of the fourth quarter. Like hitting a light switch ...

[timvp]

I can't figure out why Prince's game is suffering so much under Flip. He's worse on both ends of the court. At one point in time, he might have been the best perimeter defender in the league. Now he's average.

[picnroll]

ABC got their monies worth today. Two great games.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I can't figure out why Prince's game is suffering so much under Flip. He's worse on both ends of the court. At one point in time, he might have been the best perimeter defender in the league. Now he's average.

exactly. i thought he was a hugely underrated defender. his offense game was very good as well. but this season he's been somewhat sketchy. but despite all this i def. dont know about our chances against Detroit in the finals though i do feel MUCH better about them than i did a month ago!

[Pistons < Spurs]

Alright alright alright! 1 game out in the loss column, two games for real. HCA baby!

Gotta love the tie breaker!!! HAHA!


Give Miami credit. They stepped up when it mattered. Wade made some big plays. Shooting lights out. He also made some big offensive rebounds.

Glove's steal was huge.

A 5 minute scoring slump??? :oops Damn you guys.... :spin

Good game for Miami. They needed this win. Maybe they will rally around this, and decide to play for real from here on out. It would at least make things interesting.

[mavsfan1000]

Detroit absolutely blew this game. They stopped attacking and settling for jumpers.

[Brutalis]

rofl @ tie breaker

ohhh how i love the fear struck in detroit

[mavsfan1000]

Miami though still has problems and Shaq and Wade having to play unreal just to win the game.

[CubanMustGo]

Here are all of MIA's scoring plays the last 4:26.

Dwyane Wade makes 17-foot jumper (Gary Payton assists)
Dwyane Wade makes driving layup
Dwyane Wade makes free throw 1 of 1
Dwyane Wade makes free throw 1 of 2
Dwyane Wade makes free throw 2 of 2
Dwyane Wade makes layup
Dwyane Wade makes 19-foot two point shot
Dwyane Wade makes 9-foot jumper (Udonis Haslem assists)
Dwyane Wade makes 14-foot jumper
Dwyane Wade makes 18-foot two point shot

The only person not named Wade to take a shot was Anderson. He missed, but of course Wade got the board and put it back in.

That is putting a team on your back. That, my friends, is EPIC!

[Pistons < Spurs]

Detroit absolutely blew this game. They stopped attacking and settling for jumpers.


to some extent yes, but Miami definetly played at a different level at the end when it really counted.

[The Captain]

Good game Spurs.

[timvp]

As long as Shaq is healthy, his team is dangerous.

[Pistons < Spurs]

ohhh how i love the fear struck in detroit


Fear? what fear??

This game meant more for Miami than Detroit. This game also meant more to San Antonio than it did to Detroit.


We lost. No biggie.

Shit happens.

[HB22inSA]

Detroit will be fine, but not that I wish this upon anyone, but how long can they stay 100% healthy.

They've had the same starting lineup all year, and that's unheard of.

Detroit will play better now that they don't have that 5-game cushion anymore.

The teams from Texas have closed the gap.

[leemajors]

how rare is it to have 2 good back to back games on any day?

[CubanMustGo]

Spurs were one long fluky three by Manu from losing today too. Let's try to keep things in perspective.

[mavsfan1000]

Spurs= the most clutch team in the league. No lead is safe unless it is a blowout.

[picnroll]

Miami played some intense D at the end. Pistons stayed in on threes hitting 11 of 20, hit some tough ones at the end. One rumor has Heat going after Patterson. That would make them a considerably tougher out for the Pistons.

[mavsfan1000]

As long as Shaq is healthy, his team is dangerous.
Unless Miami gets better 3 point threats Miami isn't dangerous.

[SAGambler]

Miami played some intense D at the end. Pistons stayed in on threes hitting 11 of 20, hit some tough ones at the end. One rumor has Heat going after Patterson. That would make them a considerably tougher out for the Pistons.

Some rumor mentioned over on Pistons board about Darko staying in Florida. Don't know if there is anything to it or just wishful thinking from some Piston Fan.....

[picnroll]

Wonder what Dumars was thinking watching Wade on the floor and Darko on the bench? :lol

[Pistons < Spurs]

Some rumor mentioned over on Pistons board about Darko staying in Florida. Don't know if there is anything to it or just wishful thinking from some Piston Fan.....


Highly doubt it. The news is Orlando wants Darko and Arroyo for Cato and a first rounder.

This same/or similiar offer was mentioned a month ago, which we turned down.

Dumars said Darko wouldn't be expected to do anything for at least 3 years.....this is year 3.

He's only 21, and is an athletic 7 footer w/ range. He just needs time.

[mavsfan1000]

Darko is a beast. 20 years old and will be the dominant player in 5 years.

[picnroll]

If Mahinmi is the beast that Darko has proven to be I want Presti to slit his wrists, that's even for a 29 pick.

[FreshPrince22]

If Delfino stayed in the game during the 4th this is a 5-10 point win for the Pistons. Delfino was absolutely locking Wade down. Wade had a total of 1 point during the 13 minutes that Delfino played (all of which were on Wade).

[ducks]

Pistons Are 4-4 The Last 8 Games
And People Still Think Pistons Are This Great Team That Is So Far Ahead Of Everyone Else In The Nba
Which Is Completly False

[picnroll]

Delfino did look good.

[mavsfan1000]

Miami can celebrate their big win of the year. :lol

[picnroll]

Have the Mavs hung their Feb 9th to 10th, 2006 Western Confernce First Place banner yet?

[FreshPrince22]

Delfino did look good.

And Tayshaun looked god awful (2 of 12 FGs and got lit up). Not to mention he missed the wide open game winner. :rolleyes

People are already calling for Tayshaun's head on the Pistons board.

[bdubya]

If Delfino stayed in the game during the 4th this is a 5-10 point win for the Pistons. Delfino was absolutely locking Wade down. Wade had a total of 1 point during the 13 minutes that Delfino played (all of which were on Wade).

Dang right. Gonna have to talk to Flip about that... Delfino's been earning more minutes, and it's past time he got them. Get Tayshaun some rest (looks like he might need it) and let Delfino off the leash. All our starters looked too relaxed when they were up 13; we gave this one away with lazy passes and no offensive movement. :pctoss

[Rummpd]

I wonder if any team that was like 35-5 was suddenly back on pace to win "just 65 or 66 games" in so short of time without an injury (Suns slipped last year after Nash got hurt)?

Very, very plausible Spurs now catch the Pistons for HCA. Spurs are like a fast closing race horse traditionally and have played several more road games than the Pistons (Spurs and Mavs now the same number of road games which is believe is 26 a piece).

Only huge advantage Pistons have (other than being up 2) is playing in the weak ass East but both the Heat and the Pistons will play them tough head to head the rest of the way and most importantly that "aura of invincibility appears to be lifting"!

[jochhejaam]

And Tayshaun looked god awful (2 of 12 FGs and got lit up). Not to mention he missed the wide open game winner. :rolleyes

People are already calling for Tayshaun's head on the Pistons board.
Bad shooting night for Tay (understatement), darn that was a tough loss! <sigh> :lol

We need a W at home against NJ and then get back at it after the AS game.


(Obligatory excuse) Bens hurt and Chauncey's hurt. :lol

[1Parker1]

Wow, I definitely didn't think Miami was going to win that game. Wade was awesome though.

I still have to admit, I'm still not that impressed with Miami. Their 3 point shooting is almost non-existent now, I cringe every time they put Walker on the floor, and I don't know how many more 31 point nights Shaq has left in him.

[coopdogg3]

I was very impressed with Miami. They were down by 13 (I think) at one point in the 4th quarter, but they refused to quit. They kept fighting, came up with the stops when they needed them (the whole team contributed on defense), and then let Wade win the game on the offensive end. Shots will drop, and shooters will get cold - but you can't fake that kind of heart and drive by Miami today.

[jochhejaam]

I was very impressed with Miami. They were down by 13 (I think) at one point in the 4th quarter, but they refused to quit. They kept fighting, came up with the stops when they needed them (the whole team contributed on defense), and then let Wade win the game on the offensive end. Shots will drop, and shooters will get cold - but you can't fake that kind of heart and drive by Miami today.
And to think that we took Darko instead of Wade. :pctoss

[mavsfan1000]

Have the Mavs hung their Feb 9th to 10th, 2006 Western Confernce First Place banner yet?
No that won't happen till June. :lol

[SAGambler]

And Tayshaun looked god awful (2 of 12 FGs and got lit up). Not to mention he missed the wide open game winner. :rolleyes

People are already calling for Tayshaun's head on the Pistons board.

He had a terrible game for sure, but that last shot I don't think would have counted even if he made it.. On the replay it certainly looked like the buzzer had sounded before the ball left his hand...

Interesting they are calling for his head now, when only a couple a days ago they couldn't understand how he was left off the AS roster...

Finicky fans....nothing like em...

[Budkin]

And to think that we took Darko instead of Wade. :pctoss

Yeah that must be painful to think about. But who knows how different you would have been with Wade. You might not have won that next year. Never know.

[picnroll]

LeBron
Darko
Carmelo
Wade
Bosh
Kaman
Hinrich

Could that turn out to be the worst draft pick in NBA history? I'd say Joe has a shot.

[Spurminator]

Another question might be what would Larry Brown have done to stunt the career of Carmelo/Wade/Bosh if the Pistons had drafted one of them?

[jochhejaam]

He had a terrible game for sure, but that last shot I don't think would have counted even if he made it.. On the replay it certainly looked like the buzzer had sounded before the ball left his hand...

Interesting they are calling for his head now, when only a couple a days ago they couldn't understand how he was left off the AS roster...

Finicky fans....nothing like em...
There was more to losing than Prince's bad shooting, we didn't take care of the ball and Miami did. Turnovers- Det 13 / Miami 4 and props to Wade.

[mavsfan1000]

Larry Brown has stunted Darko and I don't know if Darko will ever get out of it. Larry Brown totally disrespects young players no matter how talented. An example was Lebron and Carmelo at the Olympics.

[picnroll]

Larry stunted DRob and Sean?

[FreshPrince22]

Larry Brown has stunted Darko and I don't know if Darko will ever get out of it. Larry Brown totally disrespects young players no matter how talented. An example was Lebron and Carmelo at the Olympics.

Yea, Carmello, Wade, and Bosh are thanking their lucky stars that the Pistons didn't pick them. And I still think Darko would have been a great player if he went to Toronto instead of Bosh.

[FreshPrince22]

Larry stunted DRob and Sean?

How old was DRob when he came to the NBA? And how good were the Spurs at the time? Yea, that's what I thought.

I'll give you a hint, he was 6 years older than Darko was, and the Spurs were a 50+ loss team for the year before getting David and the 2 years after. I'd say he had nothing to lose by playing him. In fact they needed him to play, and to play well. The Pistons won a title with their number 2 pick rotting on the bench. Totally different situation.

[leemajors]

Larry Brown has stunted Darko and I don't know if Darko will ever get out of it. Larry Brown totally disrespects young players no matter how talented. An example was Lebron and Carmelo at the Olympics.

but he's playing rookies heavy minutes this year.

[mavsfan1000]

This year he has no choice. The rookies are obviously the best players on the team.

[FreshPrince22]

but he's playing rookies heavy minutes this year.

Look at that garbage team he has. He has no choice. And still their play has been sporatic. Channing Frye's minutes in particular waver from 15-30 on a game-to-game basis.

[Mr. Body]

Yea, Carmello, Wade, and Bosh are thanking their lucky stars that the Pistons didn't pick them. And I still think Darko would have been a great player if he went to Toronto instead of Bosh.

It'd not Brown's fault Darko's a bust, but I can understand why it's valuable to a Pistons fan to think so.

[FreshPrince22]

It'd not Brown's fault Darko's a bust, but I can understand why it's valuable to a Pistons fan to think so.

I agree that it's more the situation than Brown, but Brown certainly didn't help the situation any.

[picnroll]

Darko, Kwame, Kandi, Skita. Shit happens.

[JamStone]

I just got back home from Chicago. Long trip knowing the Pistons gave up that game today. Haven't gone through this whole thread, so don't know exactly what was discussed. I just know the Pistons had control of that game today for much of the game and Dwyane Wade just went berzerk at the end to save the Heat. Tough game to lose, and very disappointing. With Dallas and San Antonio playing as well as they have, it really hurts to go through these last few losses. The solace I do take is that all four of these recent losses were close games on the road. Pistons had a chance in each of the losses to win the games, and especially at Atlanta and at Miami, they probably should have won. Great teams find ways to win on the road, and the Pistons haven't been able to do that recently.

San Antonio and Dallas coming on strong. I just hope the Pistons start playing better at the end of these close games on the road. That will help them continue to have true success this season. Only 32 more games in the regular season. Detroit, Dallas, and San Antonio will all be a lot more focused after the all star break to win every game. And, Phoenix will remain a darkhouse contender to make some noise in the second half before the playoffs.

Looks to be a very exciting second half of the season.

[conqueso]

LeBron
Darko
Carmelo
Wade
Bosh
Kaman
Hinrich

Could that turn out to be the worst draft pick in NBA history? I'd say Joe has a shot.

1984 NBA Draft:

1: Akeem Olajuwon
2: Sam Bowie
3: Michael Jordan
4: Sam Perkins
5: Charles Barkley
...
7: Alvin Robertson
...
9: Otis Thorpe
...
11: Kevin Willis
...
16: John Stockton

So in this draft, you had 4 of the Top 50 Pro players of all time, at least that many Hall-of-Famers, the all-time league leader in assists, one of the three best centers ever, and the greatest player to ever play the game. There's 8 MVP awards in that group, and 52 All-Star games selections. Sam Bowie, the second pick by the Portland Trailblazers, averaged 10.9 ppg and 7.5 rpg over a 10 year career. Now I know that's not exactly comparable to the 1.6 ppg and 1.2 rpg of Darko the Destroyer, but you have to raise the bar a little bit since that was the best draft of all time. Look at it like this; by picking Darko, the Pistons missed out on Melo, Wade, Bosh, Hinrich, Kaman, T.J. Ford, Ridnour, David West, Boris Diaw, etc. Who knows, maybe two or three of those guys will end up being all-stars, maybe you have one guy (ahem, Wade) somewhere along the line win an MVP, but it's not like Detroit missed out on drafting the GREATEST PLAYER OF ALL TIME in order to pick up some foul prone, injury-laden dump of a big man. They just missed out on getting a good/great player by drafting what FreshPrince and darrin want to call "a work in progress," but what I would call a steaming pile of dog shit.

It's interesting though how people try to justify that pick by saying "we didn't need another shooting guard, we drafted Clyde the year before." Sounds very similar to "We didn't need another swingman, we had Tayshaun" or "We didn't need another guard, we had Chauncey." It should be a lesson for everyone; fuck the conventional logic, a guy with skills who doesn't fit on your team is worth more than a guy with no skills who might someday fit on your team.

[MadSammyboy]

The Spurs didn't win fifty games the year before Robinson arrived, they won twenty-one. That's how they secured the #3 pick that turned out to be Elliot.

[FreshPrince22]

The Spurs didn't win fifty games the year before Robinson arrived, they won twenty-one. That's how they secured the #3 pick that turned out to be Elliot.

Who said they won 50 games? I said they were a 50+ loss team at the beginning, and just prior to the Robinson era. Meaning, he was on a bad team.

[SequSpur]

I do.