A Strong Piece Since Big Ben

Who does Kwame Brown remind you of an ex-Pistons? A strong center, although an undersized center listed as 6-foot-9 weighing 240 lbs, he's also one of the underated defensive player, who actually became NBA Defensive Player of the years 2001-02, 2002-03, 2004-05 and 2005-06. Formely known as Big Ben -- Ben Wallace. The difference??? Kwame Brown is listed as 6-foot-11 weighing 270 lbs. In a sense, Kwame must be stronger than Big Ben....You think??? Oh by the way, Kwame is only 26. This will give you an idea how strong he is by just giving a little shove to a 6-foot-8 weighing 235 lbs Boris Diaw (almost the size of Big Ben).

Is Kwame Bad Boy Enough?

News in the trade market is that Kwame Brown is departing Memphis and heading to Detroit. The bad news??? There isn't really, the only possible bad news it could bring is the rotation of the front court meaning the development growth of Amir Johnson, Cheik Samb and even Jason Maxiell. I'm not worried about that, I trust Michael Curry enough to manage that scenario. The good news??? Nobody will be traded for him as what everyone is expecting. This deal did not come as a sign-in-trade deal instead Kwame will be signing a two year deal worth $8 million. Not bad, considering few players in the market got more than their Mid-Level Exception. Is he the answer to finally get over the hump of Eastern Conference Finals? Maybe not, but I have a good feeling about this. Lets reminds ourselves that Joe would never acquire anyone without the desire to win even in the verge of making sacrifices. Just imagine how Wallace (6 foot 11, 230 pounds) and Kwame (6 foot 11, 270 pounds) would be like in the court under Michael Curry's guidance --INTERIOR DEFENSE.

Pistons Has The High Cards Now

So far, these are the movement that occured this summer.

July 19: Nets acquire Keyon Dooling
July 19: Warriors add Ronny Turiaf
July 18: Clips sign Azubuike to offer sheet
July 17: Bucks sign Lue, Malik Allen
July 16: Celtics sign Patrick O'Bryant
July 15: Clippers acquire Camby
July 15: Magic sign Anthony Johnson
July 13: Wizards re-sign Gilbert Arenas
July 11: Spurs sign Roger Mason
July 11: Nets agree with Najera, Hayes
July 11: Mavs re-sign Antoine Wright
July 10: Brent Barry signs with Rockets
July 10: Corey Maggette joins Warriors
July 10: Magic sign Mickael Pietrus
July 10: Clippers sign Baron Davis
July 9: Sixers add Elton Brand
July 9: Grizzlies ink Marc Gasol
July 9: Kings re-sign Udrih
July 9: Raptors re-sign Jose Calderon
July 9: Mavs sign Diop, re-sign Barea
July 9: Wolves acquire Carney, Booth
July 9: Raptors obtain Jermaine O'Neal
July 9: Heat sign James Jones
July 9: Blazers, Pacers make a deal
July 9: Knicks sign Chris Duhon
July 9: Hornets extend Chris Paul
June 30: Wizards extend Jamison
June 26: Wolves & Grizz swap picks, vets
June 26: Bucks acquire Richard Jefferson

Pistons Move? ZERO. Majority of the Pistons fans are like "What about Detroit, who are we getting?" But more importantly, "When, when when!!!?" Pistons fans are starting to get impatient after all the moves that the other teams made. Part of it is because of the statement that Joe Dumars made during Flip Saunder's termination. After reading Keith's analysis of Joe's perspective, I'm delighted that Joe is actually looking into the market really carefully and making sure he makes a deal that would make the Pistons better. Better than what was accomplish for the past few years and that's multiple appearances in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Take a look at this from Dumars’ perspective. He has a 59-win team with plenty of room for internal growth, thanks to the recent shrewd drafting of Rodney Stuckey, Arron Afflalo, Jason Maxiell, Amir Johnson and Cheikh Samb at spots well below what their current market value would dictate. He has a new coach with a steely aura that could go a long way toward dispelling the emotional inertia that’s settled in among his veterans. He’s in the Eastern Conference, significantly improved but still not as top-heavy as the West, where winning 50 games doesn’t guarantee a playoff berth.

Now think about life if you’re sitting in the GM’s chair in places like Houston, Phoenix, Denver, Dallas, Utah or a handful of other Western franchises. The Lakers are adding 7-footer Andrew Bynum to the reigning conference champions, San Antonio remains a colossus and New Orleans just added valuable vet James Posey to a young core headlined by Chris Paul.

A lot of teams on the other side of the Mississippi figure to be gripped by the fear that standing pat is a sure way of ceding ground. They might not have great confidence that a trade will put them over the top, but many of them are going to be willing to roll the dice for a deal that could propel them in either direction over inactivity that locks them into second-tier status.

That gives Dumars the high ground as he goes hunting a trade. He’s not looking to fleece anyone’s pockets. He has value to offer in exchange for value. But he goes to market knowing his sense of urgency is at least matched and probably exceeded by that of his potential trade partners.

In addition, Joe has the upper hand around the trade market. When it comes to quality players, Pistons' have more than one......Not 2, not 3, but four quality players that are on the trade table. Three all-stars and one US Olympic Basketball Team member. I can't think of any team who would be in the trading block with this much value. It's almost the same as playing poker and having 4 high cards, whether they're aces or kings. Let's see which team goes first on proposing a deal to Joe. All we need to do is wait and see who's gonna' fold.

The Ball Is In Houston's Court

The latest on Tmac is that he would be happy either way. Staying with the Rockets would mean continue on working hard for a win with Yao and the cast. Moving to Detroit would mean, getting traded with Billups and Prince and still compete for the title with Hamilton, Wallace, Maxiell and Stuckey. I don't see any reason how Dumars would refuse this trade. That said, it's all in Houston's hand to pull the trigger. We'll see what happens.

Tmac Wants To Win With Pistons

Have we finally come to the conclusion whether the rumor on Tracy McGrady being traded to the Detroit Pistons is true? Nope, but we are half way there, except it's not guaranteed yet. Halfway There? After Tmac met with Daryl Morey, General Manager of Rockets, Tmac stated that he's happy being with the Houston Rockets. Although he did express that he wants to win. Later today, ESPN Stephen Smith had a brief conversation with Tmac and revealed that he wouldn't mind being in Detroit because he has all the faith in the world in Joe Dumars. Who better to play for other than an executive who has the passion to win a title like him. Not Guaranteed Yet? Morey reported to the media today that he did have a conversation with the Detroit Pistons. He did turn down Pistons' offer except he wouldn't mention exactly what Pistons were offering. "Whatever they offered, we said no" Wow! You can't reveal something like that then cover your @$$ as if you're trying to keep it on a down low. Not to mention trying to sound like you have the upper hand by rejecting any type of offer. Well whether that's true or not, it doesn't matter because we all know that Tmac wants to be in Detroit. Speaking of the rockets, it doesn't take rocket science to figure out that Pistons would welcome Tmac with open arms but it would be interesting how Joe and the Pistons would respond to all of these.

Pistons' Rookie Outmatch Lakers

The Detroit Pistons first game in the Summer League, against the Los Angeles Lakers wasn't a surprise coming out with a win 84-73. Rodney Stuckey and his sidekick Aaron Afflalo showed new head coach Michael Curry that they are ready for the next season. Stuckey put in 21 points with 4 assist while Afflalo had 15 points. Stuckey is expected to have a major role while Afflalo is expected to be in the regular rotation.

A Look Around The League

Free Agent Market Sells Out
July 9th is the first day for the Free Agents to be able to sign with the team of their choice....The result? Big names in the Free Agents Class of 2008-2009 has given the media an idea which team they're heading....Read More

Stuckey Is All Grown Up
If you think The Summer League, 2007-2008 Season and the Eastern Conference finals is more than enough for Stuckey to be known, think again. US Basketball Olympics are eyeing on him as well....Read More

Left Over In The Market
After names of Brand, Davis, Magette, O'Neal etc. there are only few worth players mentioning in the headlines. Josh Smith would be my first vote in the number one spot left in the market. I would love to have him in Detroit but its a long shot for them. ...Read More

Not In A Hurry
As the (Free Agent) Market begins to run out of fish for sale, Dumars is not in a hurry to add additional role players in his roster. Besides, have we forgotten what said to the media? He's not interested with team's second or third best player. A perfect example of that is the billups-melo talks. With that in mind, Joe is waiting for this free market to close or/and how it will affect other teams who did not make a move. Remember, there are still teams that needs tweaking or/and needs a big change if they really want to make a run for the playoffs or/and the title....Read More

Reviving The Passion For A Title
Joe's vision of his Pistons team to show up next season, whether its the same core or not.

Pistons' Look Under Curry Next Year

How will the Detroit Pistons operate under new head coach Michael Curry? Close to a month ago, when he was announced as the new head coach, my gut feeling that his coaching style would be something like this:

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 didn't get to see the entire press conference when he was introduce to the public......But after seeing it so far I'm glad I was right about my gut feeling and offcourse my wishful thinking of him as a coach that emphasize on defense. I'm more thrilled and excited for the Detroit Pistons style of play. He stated: Rebound, Scoring in the Paint, Post Up and defense are things that wins championship. These were all elaborated in the video forward to 1:35.

A Look Around The League

Baron Davis To Clippers
Despite of Golden State Warriors offer of over 17 million Davis opt out of his contract and gave a verbal agreement to the Los Angeles Clippers of signing a deal.........read more

Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce & Celtics are Pacquiao's big fans
What a big surprise! After another winning moment by Manny Pacquiao, he had few unexpected guest in the locker room........read more or watch video

Jarvis Hayes to Phoenix Suns?
After Terry Porter (fomer Pistons Coach Assistant) move to the Suns as a Head Coach, Detroit Pistons small forward reserve Jarvis Hayes might be moving next to the valley. I have a hunch that the team environment in Phoenix is similar to Detroit but definitely not the weather......read more

Mix Emotion of the Bay Area about Baron Davis
Anger, sadness, denial, acceptance......read more