Pistons sign Dupree

[jochhejaam]

So far we've lost Ben (no offense), Cato (totally useless to us) and Evans (big disappointment) and have added Nazr (More offense, good rebounding, bad hands), Murray (streaky scorer, no D) and Dupree (athletic, plays within his limits, good at putbacks around the basket). In addition to this we return 3 all-stars and Tayshaun. I'm optimistic.

[Pistons < Spurs]

Pistons bring back Dupree
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
By A. Sherrod Blakely

AUBURN HILLS -- When Rasheed Wallace or one of his Detroit Pistons teammates cracked jokes during training camp last year, chances were pretty good that, at some point, they would be directed at Ronald Dupree.

The 6-foot-7 forward was well-liked by his teammates in Detroit.

Apparently, the Pistons front office also feels pretty good about him because Dupree is back in Detroit, with a two-year contract that includes a player option after next season.

"He's excited about coming back to Detroit," said agent Mark Bartelstein, who also represents Pistons guard Lindsey Hunter. "He enjoyed his time there, and is looking forward to getting back together with the guys up there."

With Carlos Delfino and Maurice Evans (recently traded to the Los Angeles Lakers) slotted to play most of the backup minutes at small forward last season, Dupree was traded to Minnesota for a second-round draft pick just before the season. With the Timberwolves, Dupree averaged 2.2 points per game in 36 games, both career lows. He played in 47 games for the Pistons during the 2004-2005 season and 47 games with Chicago as a rookie in 2003-2004.

While Dupree, 26, might be Detroit's last free-agent signing, the Pistons might not be done making deals.

There's speculation that Dupree may give the Pistons another athletic player off the bench in case they deal Delfino in a sign-and-trade package. Atlanta's Al Harrington, one of the top free agents still available, is a player the Pistons might pursue.

A. Sherrod Blakely can be reached at [email protected] or mlive.com/forums/pistons.

If we can get Harrington in a S&T for delfino (and Acker?) I'd be amazed ... and confident in a return to the Finals.

[bdubya]

Once again: Beno for Delfino?

Depends how you pronounce "Beno". If it rhymes with "Delfino", then , why not?

[ABDENOUR POWER]

If we can get Harrington in a S&T for delfino (and Acker?) I'd be amazed ... and confident in a return to the Finals.

First of all, I don't see this happening since Atlanta is already loaded with swing players. But, if something could be worked up, it would be HUGE. Our chances for serious contention next year would skyrocket.

[Bob Lanier]

Harrington is a piece of , and would do absolutely nothing in the playoffs. He's a less athletic McDyess with all the negative at ude problems people dislike about Murray.

But, Saunders would like him. And, it's possible that the Pistons can get to the Finals - just exceedingly unlikely.

[himat]

Joe is stockpiling for a trade.