Players (Might Be) Shopping Around For A Team

For the last several weeks there have been many rumors about different trades possibilities.......Until now, the only trade that came through is between Indiana-Tornto and Milwaukee-New Jersey.....The rest, are all speculations however, one way to find out who may just be in the market is by looking closely to a players' contract. Here is some helpful information from Detroit Free Press.

Teams can negotiate with free agents beginning Tuesday, but players can't sign contracts until July 9.

"With all due respect to the free agents out there, this is not one of the stronger classes," Dumars said earlier this month. "So that's why I'd emphasize more trade now than any other time."

This unrestricted class is highlighted by Washington Wizards forward Antawn Jamison and guard Gilbert Arenas, and includes Boston Celtics forward James Posey, New Jersey center DeSagana Diop, Clippers guard Corey Maggette and center Elton Brand, and Sacramento forward Ron Artest. Some of those players are still deciding whether to opt out of the final years of their deals. They have until Monday to make the call.
Restricted free agents include Golden State guard Monta Ellis and center Andris Biedrins, Philadelphia forward Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams, Atlanta forward Josh Smith and Josh Childress, Bobcats center Emeka Okafor, Chicago forward Luol Deng and guard Ben Gordon.

On the other hand, don't be surprise if there's any superstar that comes up in the trading talks similar to Carmelo Anthony recently. Deals could just happen in an instant or in a long process without anyone knowing it until it's been officially done.

NBA Draft Ends.....Trade Market Begins

The Detroit Pistons came up with Walter Sharpe from the draft night. Since I'm not a big fan of the draft, I'm not gonna get into too much details about it including the fact that there's tons of information around the league. Although I do want to make a note that most people in Piston Land were surprise of this pick, I do know that there's a good explanation to it especially if you're a big Joe Dumars fan like me. In the end, it comes out not surprising when Joe made a remark:

“He’s good, man, he’s good,” Dumars said. (From nba.com/pistons, trueblue)

Now that the draft is done, the exciting nba summer begins.......The trade market will be filled with names and teams that we are all waiting for. Pistons will be one of the hot topics in the trade market. Let the bidding begin!

A Look Around The League

Shaq got punish for telling the Truth
After including in his rap "Kobe couldn’t do without me" indicating that Kobe couldn't win a championship without him, his badge will be confiscated. Wait a minute, I thought its the other way around, you get punish for telling a lie.

Melo Trade Talk Has Re-Open
Now that Melo plead guilty to reduce the charge to 24 hour community service and $1000+ fine, trade doors might just open. Why? Because by pleading guilty simply means that you are admitting to what you were accuse of......Or, there's no way you're gonna' win your case. That said, that just adds up to his wrap sheet. He knows it, Nuggets knows it, everybody knows it.

TJ Ford In...Barbosa Out?
Another trade rumor have surfaced from Canada all the way to the Valley of the Rising Sun...Phoenix. This would be a lost cost for the Suns only because Barbosa is more consistent in the scoring end than Ford, except Ford has some advantage on the defensive side, plus he can play above the rim. Nevertheless, I would never trade "Road Runner" for Ford if I were Steve Kerr.

Rodney Stuckey's Character
How can you not like his game? His emergence during the 2007-2008 playoffs, not to mention its his rookie year....Wait, there's more to that. Along with his talent, heres a small piece of him as a person:
Stuckey was a stand up guy, and was super nice, but he had to laugh at my introduction I gave him before the interview.

"Um... hi Rodney, I'm Brandon Hansen, you know... the photographer... I take photos of you during games."

"Yeah, I know you, why did you introduce yourself? We've already talked before."

Melo Trade Talk Is In Fact a Fact

Few weeks ago, it has been speculated around the league that there is a rumor on Melo being traded to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups. True? It happens that it is. Report from Chris McCosky of DetNews confirms it.

Have the Pistons and Nuggets talked about the possibility of trading Chauncey Billups and Tayshaun Prince for Carmelo Anthony? Yes.
Are the talks recent and on-going? No.
Is the deal dead? Not quite, but nearly.
Here's the deal (this will be on the detnews.com website in a more formal manner later on tonight): Two weeks ago, Nuggets vice president Mark Warkentien called Pistons president Joe Dumars. A story had leaked out of Denver that the Nuggets were interested in Billups. Warkentien called initially to apologize for the information leak, but in the process, asked Dumars what it might take to pry Billups away. Dumars said, straight-up, Anthony.
They talked about that for a bit. Prince was added because, obviously, Anthony plays Prince's position. But in the end, Warkentien said the Nuggets weren't looking to move Anthony. He asked if Dumars wanted Marcus Camby or Allen Iverson. Dumars said no. If the Nuggets wanted Billups, then he wanted Anthony. That's where it ended. Two weeks ago.
But, the rumors persisted. In the meantime, Anthony started to get upset. He had his agents confront Warkentien about the rumors, which led to the reports Saturday night that the Nuggets "vetoed" the proposed trade.
Now, come on. You can't veto a trade that never got beyond the preliminary discussion stages. You can't veto a trade that you initiated. But, Warkentien and the Nuggets are trying to mollify and reassure Anthony that they still love him. If that means spinning things a certain way, then so be it.
So where do things sit? Anthony's agents -- Bill Duffy and Calvin Andrews -- are meeting with the Nuggets on Monday. Part of the meeting will be to discuss Antony's latest DUI arrest. The other part will be to discuss Anthony's future with the team.
I suppose there is a chance the meeting could go bad -- maybe the Nuggets threated to punish Anthony for the DUI or something -- and the Nuggets decide that they want to trade Anthony. More likely, though, the Nuggets will declare their love for Melo and announce to the world that they are not trading him.

I'm not surprise that Joe Dumars name were not mention in the prior rumors. Why? Because Joe normally does not discuss any possible trade deal publicly unless it's been finalized. Which leads us to believe why the Nuggets' VP had to apologize of the leak. Since a conversation has already been initiated (by the Nuggets), might as well ask about Billups. Smart way to initiate a conversation huh, its almost like a guy bumping into a girl, apologize and in the process "Wanna go out sometimes?" This next few days getting closer to the draft would be interesting on which team will make a move.

Talent, Character, and Winning it All

As the trade and mock draft speculations continues to grow, nothing has really been put on stone if there's any truth to all the rumors of swapping any players....Here's one that may be qualified to be put on stone.....As the draft gets closer, this is the time when trade comes around. A team needs to decide whether:

case 1: they're willing to give up their draft pick position for a proven NBA talent

case2: decide whether to give up their key player for a decent lottery pick.

As for the Detroit Pistons, I highly doubt that they get any "ready player" for next season for the 29th pick which leads us to case 2, similar but not for a lottery pick. When the Pistons exited the Eastern Conference finals, Joe Dumars made an appearance the following week that change is destined to happen and anyone could be traded (with exception of Rodney Stuckey). He also made it clear that he's not just gonna' give his guys away. He has no interest on anyone unless the best key player from a trading partner is involve in the trade. Its pretty clear Joe is going to have a Superstar in Detroit before Summer Camp begin in October.

My Wishful thinking? Maybe.......considering one of the many player that I wanted to wear a Pistons jersey next year. Did this player cross in Joe Dumars mind? Damn right it did, I have no doubts its on his long list of trade possibilities....Will he pull the trigger? Well, that's what the NBA summer break is for......We'll soon find out.

Tracy Mcgrady. From what I heard from thousands of fans about Tmac wearing a Pistons jersey is close to about 50-50. The ups? Proven All star and can create shots pretty much anywhere in the court. The downs? Going 30 years old and had some injury history. In addition to that, never made out of the 1st round playoffs. My thoughts are a little different from the ups and downs of the fans. When Kevin Garnett was traded to Boston, did they even think about KG's number of appearances in the playoffs? Not that I know. Injury history....This is pretty broad and general, I haven't heard many players who haven't had an injury, whether its minor or major, everyone has this. His age? Wait a minute, I thought Kevin Garnett is 32? It's true and he finally got a ring. The truth is, Mcgrady has been heart broken as much as Kevin Garnett. Consequently, he's hungry to get out of the 1st round, he has been inspired by so many things such as 22 winning streak, one of the best highlight of the 2007-2008 season. Also one of the biggest comeback after being down by 10 in less than a minute and pulled out a win over the San Antonio Spurs. In addition, Tmac is too hungry and inspired to win a title. If there's anybody similar to KG of really wanting to win a title, it would have to be Tmac. He'd do anything to get there. Also, he's been an inspiration to his team mates off and on the court. Sounds familiar....? Having a Talent, Character and to sacrifice anything for the sake of Winning it all.....It's exactly what Joe Dumars is looking for as a Pistons player. Joe would never settle for only having 1 or 2 out of the 3 traits he's looking for. Do I think Tmac is on Joe's Trades List....Damn right he is, he might be even on the top list.

A Look Around the League

Its St. Patrick Tonight in Boston
Its been 22 years since the last time the Celtics has won an NBA title. Tonight, you can't ask for a better night, winning at home on the 17th day of June with the 17th NBA Celtics title. KG, Pierce, Allen and the supporting cast showed how much they wanted it and played with their heart throughout 48 minutes. The result, a complete domination that shred the Lakers into pieces. Paul Pierce receive his fair share of appreciation as the Finals MVP.

Goodbye LA........Love Kobe
As many of us know, Kobe loves to start a drama whenever a season for him has ended, without a ring. Last year he demanded trade publicly without even discussing to Lakers General Manager. Later that summer, he said some harsh words to random people in Orange County about his team mate Andrew Bynum. Can you get any more unprofessional than that? If anything, at least he receive his first Season MVP and hopefully that should keep his "drama aura" lower this summer. Regardless, whether you're a Kobe Lover or Kobe Hater it'll be exciting to see what Kobe has to say this summer. My guess.....might have something to do with the Zen Master Phil Jackson.

Zen Master is a Coach for Multiple Superstar Players
Without Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen he hasn't won a championship.....Without Kobe and Shaq, he hasn't won a championship. That just tells you something that the Zen cannot transfer any young talented players or team into the likes of his Superstars, Kobe and MJ. There is no doubt that his calm "no worry" looks attitude does not work with the likes of Vujacic, Farmar, Radmanovic and Gasol.....Players like these lives with instruction and motivation from a coach who demands committment and Zen isn't just the type of guy. Similarly, Kobe never won a title without Shaq, while Shaq proved that he can.

Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.....Deserves it...Celtics Deserves it.

As a big Pistons fan, it stings that Celtics put the Pistons away in Game 6 at their homecourt. With that regard, I have to give it to them, they deserve to win it all this year. As for Garnett and Pierce, they have they fair share of long wait, Garnett in Minnesota and Pierce in Boston. They've gone through the ups and down and painful memory, now its time to collect their own. All I said....they better win the championship since they defeated the 2nd best team (regular season record) in the NBA, the Detroit Pistons.

The Lakers has no business winning this year
If you only go back to think about it, you may realize its a wishful thinking. Ever thought about the path the Lakers took to get to the finals? Easy, they played Denver, one of the worst defensive team in the league, also they played San Antonio Spurs, one of the best defensive team in the league. The difference? The Spurs has to go through a series of physical and fast pace team known as Shaq/Stoudemire/Nash Suns. Then they have to go through Chris Paul's and the young New Orleans. Spurs simply ran out of gas by the time they face the lakers. While Celtics, their playoff path are swarmed with the extraordinary talent of King James and the six time gate keeper of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Detroit Pistons. Just because Paul Gasol created an offensive chemistry with Kobe doesn't mean the Lakers became a better defensive team. Offense win games but defense wins championship. Today, that still stands considering the officiating has changed tremendously.....Proof? Detroit Pistons in 2004, San Antonio Spurs in 2005, Miami Heat in 2006, San Antonio in 2007 and this year its Boston. Its not coincident that these team won the title. Its defense that wins championship.

The Jordan-Kobe Comparison has finally come to an end
When I was a kid, MJ was a hero and an inspiration......The first time I heard comparison between MJ and Kobe just made me sick. Geez, thanks for ruining my childhood basketball memory....Tonight after seeing Game 6 of the championship, I'm relief including this:
Not to belabor the point because it's a moot discussion at this point, but MJ didn't have a "kryptonite" flaw. He just didn't. Of everyone from the '90s, John Starks probably defended him the best ... and it's not like Starks was shutting him down or anything. He just made MJ work a little harder for the points he was getting anyway. The point is, Jordan did whatever he wanted during a much more physical era, and when he faced great defensive teams -- like the '89 and '90 Pistons or the '93 Knicks -- nobody ever shackled him or knocked him into a scoring funk. Kobe? He looks a little lost offensively against the Celtics. It's true. Same for the 2004 Finals against Tayshaun Prince, another lanky defensive player with a good reach. Just remember to mention this on his NBA tombstone some day.

Backcourt Brotherhood....Is it the end?

Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton have shared part of their lives more than just team mates. Brotherhood. Arguably, Rip and Chaunce are the best tandem backcourt in the league, they practically could read each others mind whether its on or off the court. That's what six straight conference finals together would do to you not to mention getting a ring together. More importantly, evolving together. When Chauncey and Rip came to Detroit, they were not recognize by many, until they won the 2004 NBA Championship. Although in Pistons land, it is a tradition to evolve and to have one of the best tandem backcourt in the league and this tradition started with Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars. Today, one of the big questions is whether we'll see Rip and Chaunce again (2008-2009 season) wearing the same jersey. Believe me, Joe Dumars is smart enough not to get these two together, unless they're wearing Pistons jersey. Don't get me wrong, Joe has the heart and accomodation for everyone in Pistons, if you want out, you're out (Ben Wallace), but for Rip and Chauncey to be in the same team would be a nightmare for any opposing backcourt matchups. Personally, it would sting to see these two gets separated but if the cost is another shot to win a championship then pulling the trade trigger wouldn't hurt that much. Regardless whether this will be the end for the two savvy guards, the Pistons are ready to pass the baton to Rodney Stuckey.

The "Maybes" of Pistons Trade

Executive around the league has talked about the current possibilities of Pistons' option in players trade. Remember, CURRENT is the word.....Tomorrow, next week, more doors might just open up not to mention after the NBA Finals and the days coming before the Draft night. Also, Joe Dumars is not looking for a role player nor the second best player from any team. He's looking for an impact player, the best player, or should I say the star from a team.

A visibly emotional Joe Dumars said last week that changes were coming in Detroit after another painful loss in the Eastern Conference finals. Despite the Pistons' regular-season success, Dumars was no longer happy with the direction his franchise was heading. Dumars isn't a man of many words. When he speaks, people listen. His team got the message and so did everyone else in the league -- he was putting the core of his team on the market.
He wants to rebuild his team while still competing for championships. In particular, Dumars is looking to receive impact players while making the Pistons younger.
For the past week, his phone has been ringing off the hook. Most teams covet what the Pistons have -- seasoned veterans who put their team over personal agendas and know how to win.
Dumars knows that, too, and he's driving a hard bargain.
"I will say this. We're not talking to teams about their second- and third-best player," Dumars said on Tuesday. "My point has been, 'Look, if I'm going to put these guys on the market, then don't waste your time talking about guys you don't like.' That's where it is now. Nothing is imminent. But I've talked to at least 10 teams."
He's sitting in a pretty good position. The Pistons have a number of assets that they can put together in trades.
Chauncey Billups is an elite point guard whose contract, while long, is pretty reasonable at $10 million per year. Richard Hamilton is a 20 ppg scorer who has two years and $23 million left on his deal. Tayshaun Prince is a rangy defender who can guard multiple positions on the floor. He has three years, $30 million left on his deal. Rasheed Wallace may be an enigma, but he's in the last year of his contract and could still be valuable for a playoff team.
The only player off limits is rookie Rodney Stuckey, who's being groomed to take over for Billups or Hamilton at guard.
So exactly what kind of deal might Dumars be able to pull off?
I spoke with a few executives around the league to get an idea of what Detroit's opportunities are. Here are a few scenarios that could make sense for both Dumars and his trading partners:

1. Denver's Carmelo Anthony, Chucky Atkins and No. 20 pick for Billups and Prince
This deal has already been rumored for a while. Nothing is imminent, in part because Anthony and Billups are base-year-compensation players. They can't be traded for each other until after July 1, when they lose that designation.
This move isn't as farfetched as it seems. The Nuggets are struggling and need some balance on their team. They're desperate for a point guard to run the team, especially one who can shoot. And they probably can't move Allen Iverson, Kenyon Martin or Nene, which appears to limit their two tradable assets to Marcus Camby and Anthony.
Anthony would give the Pistons a go-to scorer. He has struggled to keep his nose clean in the league, but there's no denying his talent. Playing with a more disciplined, structured team like the Pistons could be just what Anthony needs. Detroit would miss Billups' leadership, but Stuckey should be able to come in and hold down the fort.
But are the Nuggets getting enough for Carmelo? It's debatable. A backcourt of Billups and Iverson would be formidable. Prince is a glue guy who would add some defense. And Billups could help set an example in the locker room. But unless the Nuggets were to get great years from Martin and Nene, would they have enough to win in the West?
Another factor also speaks against the Nuggets pulling the trigger. Billups turns 32 in September. Anthony just turned 24. History says that, in the long run, the Pistons would win this trade.
But if the Nuggets decide they want to cut ties with Anthony and still compete for a championship, this may be the best option they're going to get.

2. Utah's Carlos Boozer, Ronnie Brewer, Jarron Collins and Morris Almond for Hamilton, Prince and Arron Afflalo
As a contender without the right pieces to get over the top, the Jazz are in a similar boat as the Pistons. Could this swap help both teams?
Utah would get two veteran wing players to shore up its two weakest positions on the floor. The Jazz would lose an All-Star in Boozer, but the move would allow them to shift Andrei Kirilenko back to the 4, where he thrived before Boozer joined the team -- and they have Paul Millsap to back him up. Also, Boozer has an early termination option after the upcoming season. I think the Jazz are concerned that he'll bolt Utah for a bigger market.
Detroit would be giving up two key wings but getting back a low-post scorer and rebounder in Boozer, something the team has needed the past few years. Stuckey would step in as the starting 2 guard. Brewer would give the Pistons a long defender who can play both the 2 and 3, and Almond showed a lot of promise in the D-League last year. The Jazz would still need to find someone to play the 3, but they have trade bait like Jason Maxiell or Antonio McDyess to make that happen.
This is a trade that would shake up the core of both teams while allowing them to compete for an NBA championship next year.

3. Dallas' Josh Howard for Tayshaun Prince or Richard Hamilton
Howard is a talented player, but he appeared to wear out his welcome in Dallas this spring with revelations, during the playoffs, that he smokes pot in the summer.
With the Mavericks desperately trying to compete for a title next season as their roster ages, adding a playoff veteran like Prince or Hamilton makes a lot of sense. Prince is a better fit in terms of position, but the Mavs could really use another scorer like Hamilton as well.
For the Pistons? They win either way. Howard can both defend and put up numbers offensively. If they were to swap Hamilton for Howard, the Pistons could find plenty of deals for Prince to bring them back something else they needed.

4. Charlotte's Gerald Wallace, Adam Morrison, Sean May and No. 9 pick for Rasheed Wallace and Tayshaun Prince
Larry Brown has a history of stepping into messy teams and immediately posting impressive results. But he'll struggle to do that in Charlotte unless he gets a few proven winners to put alongside some of the Bobcats' younger players.
This deal would reunite Brown with two of his favorite players from his run with the Pistons. Put Raymond Felton, Jason Richardson and a re-signed Emeka Okafor on the floor with Prince and Rasheed Wallace and you're looking at a playoff team in the East. The deal also would give the Bobcats some future cap flexibility should they want to make more additions down the road.
The Pistons would lose two core players but add an excellent scorer and defender in Wallace. At No. 9, a number of interesting big men could be available, including Kevin Love, Brook Lopez, Darrell Arthur, Marreese Speights and Kosta Koufos. As for Morrison and May? They both look like draft busts right now … but their contracts expire at the end of the season.

5. New Jersey's Richard Jefferson, Nenad Krstic (via sign-and-trade) and No. 10 pick for Rasheed Wallace and Tayshaun Prince
This is a deal that the Nets, especially, would be motivated to do. But it would have to wait until free agents could sign their deals in mid-July.
The Nets are trying to find ways to clear cap space for the summer of 2010 to be in the running for LeBron James. This deal would help them achieve that goal. While Prince and Jefferson both have four more years on their contracts, Prince makes roughly $4 million less a year than Jefferson. In the meantime, Wallace and Prince would keep the team competitive in the East.
The Pistons would get another big-time scorer in Jefferson. And Krstic looked like a potential All-Star big man before he tore his ACL about 18 months ago. He is finally getting back to 100 percent, and the Pistons could probably get him at a reasonable number to shore up their front line. With the 10th pick in the draft, the team would have to take whomever the Nets selected. But considering that all signs point to New Jersey going big here, it would likely be another big body who could help.

6. Houston's Tracy McGrady and No. 25 pick for Rip Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace
This is the least favorable option for the Pistons, but worth noting.
The Rockets flirted with moving McGrady at the trade deadline, but they couldn't find a deal that worked for them. Would the Pistons be able to help them out?
McGrady, like Anthony, is a go-to scorer, and at 29 years old, he still has some gas left in the tank. He averaged 27 ppg in the Rockets' last playoff series with Utah.
The key advantage for the Pistons? They would get some important, long-term cap relief down the road -- enough to make a run at a max free agent.
But there's a significant downside here. McGrady has never led a team deep into the playoffs. He also has a history of back problems and has missed significant portions of several seasons.
This deal would be a no-brainer for the Rockets, who would seriously upgrade their guard position and, with Wallace, would put the perfect complement next to Yao Ming.

Trade Talk Has Begun

After Michael Curry has been introduced to the media as Detroit Pistons new Head Coach, Dumars reminded the media that everybodys (still) in play.

From www.nba.com/pistons

“I knew the phone was going to start ringing and I knew following that the rumors would start,” he said. “I’ll say this – we’re not talking to teams about their second- or third-best player. If I’m going to put these types of guys on the market, then don’t waste your time talking to me about guys you don’t like. Nothing is imminent. … They know we’re open.”

Dumars said he’s talked to about 10 teams since smoking out interested trade partners last week with his “everyone is in play” proclamation and the rumors – as Dumars knew they would – have been flying ever since. Carmelo Anthony is one of the hot topic in the trade rumor by sending Chauncey Billups back in his native town in exchange for Melo.

No Stranger

There you have it. As predicted, Michael Curry will be the new head coach of the Detroit Pistons for the next couple of years. Curry has done a tremendous job in developing the Pistons' bench also known as the Zoo Crew, prior to that, an executive in the league. But are these the only reason how he got the job given the fact that he only has 1 year of experience as an assistant coach? Curry sees the vision that Dumars wants to have for his team; a defensive caliber team that will bring home a championship. I'm thrilled and excited on Curry's style of play on rebuilding the Pistons because from this point on, I expect him to demand defensive intensity both from the starters and the bench. I also expect that (other than Rodney Stuckey) at least 1 or 2 of his bench player will emerge early in the season, Amir Johnson or/and Aaron Afflalo. And most of all, he demands respect, so any Pistons player better have his eyes and ears towards him when he commands which is what the veterans needs.

Head Coach Status

As Joe Dumars mentioned a few days ago, the Head Coach position will be filled sooner vs. later "We will act on it quickly". In that regard, Joe has already sat with Assistant Coach Michael Curry but obviously hasn't made a decision whether he will be the next Head Coach. Also, Pistons asked Atlanta's permission to interview Mike Woodson who is currently the Head Coach of the Hawks....who? Yeah, the team who became pesky for the Boston Celtics that made the series all the way to game 7. Woodson led the Hawks to compete with the Boston Celtics in the first round playoff of this year. Although, they loss in the series, it was a great run especially after many predicted that they were going to get swept. Woodson was also the main Assistant Head Coach in the Detroit Pistons' during the Larry Brown era in 2004 when the the Pistons won the championship. Many of the veteran players in Detroit have a great respect for him. As for my prediction of other candidates such as Bill Laimbeer and Avery Johnson, no news or rumor yet that's floating around.

Dance Partner?

A few days ago, Joe Dumars addressed the media that he will make significant changes in his roster with the exception of not just giving away his core players, but getting something valuable back. However, he mentioned, in order to do that, you gotta' have a dance partner. Here are some of the potential dance partner.

A. Phoenix - The Suns could be in the cost-cuttingmode. Sheed's expiring contract would be veryinteresting to them. It's not out of the question thatthey might field offers for Amare Stoudemire.
B. Dallas - The Mavs need to shake things up, too.Plus, they just hired Rick Carlisle, who has deepadmiration for the Pistons' regulars. Would the Mavsbe willing to move Dirk Nowitzki? It's worth a try.
C. Charlotte - Larry Brown's there. LB loves Sheed.The Bobcats have a center whom they might not wantlong-term (Emeka Okafor) and a shooting guard fromthis area with a big contract (Jason Richardson). Itmakes sense on a lot of levels.
D. Los Angeles Clippers - Elton Brand is coming off awashout year (Achilles) but he's still one of thepremier low-post scorers in the league. And they'rethe Clippers, who are known to do silly things.
E. Houston - It might take Rip, Tay and Sheed to getthe Rockets to think about giving up T-Mac. If theRockets throw in Shane Battier, that would really makeit interesting. Plus, I'd like to see Shane come home.

The Front Man Has Spoken

Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars has spoken. The bottom line? Very unhappy about the result for the past 3 years and seems very determined and motivated on making some changes this summer.

I have no interest in completely ripping the team down, but would I look to make significant changes? Yeah, you're damn right I will, I'm telling you I will.

This is a big indication that Joe will be willing to give up 1 or 2 players from the main core of the Pistons, meaning Wallace, Billups, Prince and Hamilton. Although, Billups has the longest contract of all of them, Wallace has only one year left which makes him the easier player to be traded which lead to a question; Who will be traded along with Wallace?

Im not gonna' listen to any excuses this year. I'm equally disappointed for 3 straight years.

Enough is enough. Who wouldn't agree with Joe. After all the excuses of not getting to the NBA finals due to endless excuses year after year, Fans and apparently Joe has seen enough. When you've made it to the Conference Finals three straight years, and show up without a sense of urgency, you know something has to change.

Make no mistake, everybodys in play.

Not only change in the roster will occur, but anyone could be a possible trade. However, I highly doubt that few of the young players will be traded such as Stuckey, Maxiell, Afflalo, Johnson and Samb. While the rest, better be on the look out.

The last 10 minutes of Game 6, that's the microcosm of the last 3 years...I've seen enough...

Joe's analogy of the meltdown during the last 10 minutes of game 6 (when Pistons were up by 10 points) couldn't be explained better than he did. The sense of urgency was completely not there and so as the last couple of years after the opportunities of being in the Eastern Conference Finals for threee straight years.

Its not just Flip (Saunders), everybody's in play, everybodys accountable.

As I mentioned to a lot of fans (and non-Pistons fans) for the past years is not just Flip's fault. Pistons is built to become successful as a team and it has been, including a title in 2004. This simply means that when a failure occurs, they failed as a team, everyone is accountable.

This team became too content and did not show up with a sense of urgency to get it done.

There isn't any better way on how Joe can emphasize the urgency of getting it done. It's plain and simple get it done and show up with a sense of urgency. Not getting it done for the past 3 years in the Eastern Conference Finals is an evident with a lack of urgency. Speficially, after winning Game 2 against the Boston and lose Game 3 at home is a prime example of not having a sense of urgency, especially on how the game turned out.

The reason why I haven't gotten a phone call about players trade because for the past 5 years, I said nobodys in play, but after I leave here today (after press-conference), people will know were in play now.

Joe mentioned that he did get 4 phone call regarding the coaching opening in the team right after the media announced Flip Saunders departure. With that in mind, you better believe his phone started ringing right after he left the press conference regarding players bargaining.

The change has begun, with Flip Saunders being the first in line, its only the beginning. In the next week or so, we will soon find out who's going to lead this team, and eventually, who will be in the team.

The End of Saunders Era

As expected by many, Flip Saunders will no longer continue with the Detroit Pistons as a head coach. After Joe Dumars meeting with Bill Davidson, owner of the Detroit Pistons, they came up to the conclusion that its time for a new voice to lead the team, "Decisions like this are difficult to make, especially with the success we have had throughout the last three regular-seasons. However, at this time, I feel it is necessary to make a change. I thank Flip for his hard work and dedication, but it is time for a new voice to lead our team.”
Despite of Flip Saunders success for accomplishing three conference finals appearances, its possible that part of the reason of his exit is the conflict between him and the players' chemistry. It is fair to say that Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals was an example when Pistons were up by 10 points early in the fourth quarter and had a major meltdown. Eventually loss the game and the series. Who will be the next Head Coach.....? We'll see.

On The Spotlight

Speculations says that Rasheed Wallace will be traded. Does this mean he's responsible for the meltdown of the Eastern Conference Finals? Furthermore, is he the plague that's causing the Detroit Pistons from winning another championship? Relax. Nothing is settle unless you hear it from Joe Dumars. Wallace was a big part of the 2004 NBA Championship. He was the missing fuel that kept the Pistons going on all cylinders along with Hamilton, Billups, Big Ben and Tayshaun Prince. Because of his ability to score in the paint and shoot in midrange and even behind the arc along with his defensive skills he becomes one of the most talented players in the NBA. How can you trade a player with this kind of talent? Maybe that's not the right question to ask whether he'll be in the Pistons line-up or not based on his talent. The question is, whether he still has what it takes to meet Joe Dumars' requirement; the 3 skill-set that he looks for before bringing a player into his wings. Talent, Character and Winning. Obviously, there is no question about Wallace' talent however his character has been questioned for so many times which may have affected the last requirment; Winning. Character doesn't necessarily mean that you get along with your teamates it just simply means that you have the integrity and courage to face adversity and to withstand it. So, the right question to ask: Does he have the same character that he had when he came to Detroit and help win a championship?

Top Runner Pistons Coach

There are no indication (yet) that Flip Saunders is going to lose his job as Detroit Pistons Head Coach. For the sake of conversation, if that happens, here are the top runner coach for the Detroit Pistons.

Chuck Daly
Credibility: NBA Hall of Famer, Lead the Detroit Pistons to 2 Championship, Olympic Gold Medal winner of Dream Team
Plus: Known for his defensive coaching and inventor of the Jordan Rules
Minus: Given the timeframe how the NBA has changed so much in officiating, he's defensive coaching scheme during the Bad Boys may come as a problem.
Possibility: Given the fact he is retired, it's considered from very slim to none.

Bill Laimbeer
Credibility: Won 2 NBA Championship with the Detroit Pistons as a player and another 2 as a coach with the Detroit Shock in WNBA.
Plus: Known for his defensive mindset as a player during the Bad Boys era. With experience to win a championship as a player and as a coach is a big plus.
Minus: Transitioning from WNBA to NBA as a coach may come as a challenge.
Possibility: Given the fact he had an interview with Isiah Thomas for the New York Knicks it is a possibility that Joe Dumars would consider him as one of the candidates which he had in the past.

Michael Curry

Credibility: Current Assistant Coach of the Detroit Pistons

Plus: Familiarity with the current roster/system of the Detroit Pistons. Head Trainer of the Zoo Crew

Minus: No Head Coach experience

Possibility: Just a stamp from Joe Dumars