2011 NBA Offseason: Detroit Pistons
Draft Grades, Offseason Needs, Free Agents
Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, David Kay and Peter Christian of the The Sports Bank. Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: wpc112@gmail.com
Detroit Pistons (Last Year: 30-52)
2011 NBA Draft Team Grade:
I don't love Brandon Knight, but he was a solid value at No. 8 especially since the big guys Detroit reportedly coveted were off the board. I will say this though, Knight gives Detroit a potential franchise point guard which could make Rodney Stuckey expendable. Kyle Singler is a solid, solid pick at No. 33 and provides some depth at the three figuring free agent Tayshaun Prince will not be back. Vernon Macklin is a big body, but I wouldn't expect to see him make the final 15-man roster. (Team Grade: Makes sense)
Live 2011 NBA Draft Grades:
8. Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky
Pistons wanted a big like Tristan or Biyombo to put alongside Greg Monroe, but end Brandon Knight’s slide. It is a solid value and gives them a point guard of the future since I am not sure restricted free agent Rodney Stuckey is the guy. (Pick Grade: Makes sense)
33. Kyle Singler, F, Duke
The Pistons are likely losing their glue guy, Tayshaun Prince to free agency so adding a great team player like Kyle Singler in the second round is a great value. Kyle Singler knows how to win and will bust his butt at every practice which will automatically make a struggling team better. (Pick Grade: LOVE IT!)
52. Vernon Macklin, PF, Florida
The Pistons didn't grab size with their first two picks, so they chose to do so here. The only problem is that there are not a whole lot of quality big guys late in the draft, and Macklin is physical but not much more than that. (Pick Grade: Meh)
*** 2011 NBA Offseason Needs and Free Agents listed below this comment box. ***
2010-11 Season Summary:
You know what is not a good sign for your team? When the veterans stage a walkout on their head coach. That is what happened this past season for Detroit and first-year head coach John Kuester after he benched long-time Piston Richard Hamilton. As a result, inner turmoil tore through the team as they suffered through another miserable season.
Hamilton, Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva ate up almost half of Detroit's salary cap but failed to live up to their value. Hamilton posted his lowest scoring total since his rookie season while Gordon and Villanueva both averaged around 11 points per game which is a career low for both players. With all three guys under contract for two more years, their inability to carry their weight has put the Pistons and general manager Joe Dumars in a rough spot.
With Jonas Jerebko missing the entire season due to an Achilles injury, Austin Daye failing to capitalize on his opportunity in his second season, and the point guard situation still in limbo despite Rodney Stuckey leading the team in scoring; Detroit struggled to find consistency with their lineup, having at least 11 players start double-digit games.
There were some positives amid the madness. Tayshaun Prince continued on with his steady career and was the only Piston to start every game he played in. Greg Monroe showed improvement during the season averaging around 13 points and 9.5 rebounds per game over the final month and a half of the season, and became an integral part of the Pistons while also giving them a low-post scoring option. Tracy McGrady revived his career in Detroit as he was able to stay healthy and prove he still has some gas left in the tank.
2011-12 Projected Depth Chart:
C: Greg Monroe/Ben Wallace/Jason Maxiell/Vernon Macklin
PF: Jonas Jerebko/Charlie Villanueva
SF: Tayshaun Prince/Austin Daye/Kyle Singler
SG: Ben Gordon
PG: #Rodney Stuckey/Will Bynum/Brandon Knight
NBA Free Agents:
PF-Chris Wilcox (UFA)
SF-DaJuan Summers (UFA)
#PG-Rodney Stuckey (RFA)
Offseason Transactions:
Pistons re-sign SF Tayshaun Prince to 4-year, $27 million contract.
Pistons re-sign F Jonas Jerebko to 4-year, $16 million contract.
Pistons release SG Richard Hamilton.
2011-12 Team Salary: Approximately $58.2 million
NBA Offseason Needs:
1. Unity: It is an interesting debate as to whether John Kuester or the players are to blame for the mutiny that occurred this past season. Whichever side you take, all indications are pointing toward Kuester returning for his second season despite the team walking out on him in practice and laughing at him after he got ejected from a game.
Whoever ends up being the head coach for next season needs to build a unity with this roster. More segregation and disrespect for authority will only set this franchise back, and Joe Dumars needs to hope Kuester can find a common ground with his players and that the veterans on the roster can better adapt to his coaching. If not, Kuester will likely get the boot and a more player-friendly coach will need to be brought in since it would be too difficult for the Pistons to undergo a major roster change.
2. Small Forward: One would assume that unrestricted free agent Tayshaun Prince will be moving on with his career after eight seasons in Detroit. The Pistons do not seem to be moving in the right direction as a team, and Prince should be sought after by several title contending teams this offseason. The Pistons will need to pursue a replacement since Austin Daye does not seem ready to assume the starting role.
3. Another Big: While Greg Monroe seems to have a bright future ahead of him, Detroit is still lacking a lot of size inside. Chris Wilcox is a free agent, Ben Wallace is likely entering his final year as a pro, and Jason Maxiell is an undersized, overpaid role player. Jonas Jerebko's return should improve the play at power forward, but the Pistons could still use a defensive presence in the middle especially since opponents shot 48.6 percent versus them which is the highest percentage allowed by any team in the league.
4. Point Guard: The jury is still out on whether or not Rodney Stuckey is the long-term solution at the point. Like most, I have always been of the mindset that he is more of a combo guard than true floor leader. Plus, he is also a restricted free agent this offseason and Detroit might have to let him walk rather than pony up a long-term extension to keep him around. Will Bynum is a solid backup but should not be getting major minutes. If Stuckey returns for one more season, this will not be an immediate need, but the Pistons should be on the look out for an upgrade if the opportunity arises.
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 23
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
![]()
© 1999-2011 Walter Cherepinsky : all rights reserved
Privacy Policy
2 5 9
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: wpc112@gmail.com
Detroit Pistons (Last Year: 30-52)
2011 NBA Draft Team Grade:
I don't love Brandon Knight, but he was a solid value at No. 8 especially since the big guys Detroit reportedly coveted were off the board. I will say this though, Knight gives Detroit a potential franchise point guard which could make Rodney Stuckey expendable. Kyle Singler is a solid, solid pick at No. 33 and provides some depth at the three figuring free agent Tayshaun Prince will not be back. Vernon Macklin is a big body, but I wouldn't expect to see him make the final 15-man roster. (Team Grade: Makes sense)
Live 2011 NBA Draft Grades:
8. Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky
Pistons wanted a big like Tristan or Biyombo to put alongside Greg Monroe, but end Brandon Knight’s slide. It is a solid value and gives them a point guard of the future since I am not sure restricted free agent Rodney Stuckey is the guy. (Pick Grade: Makes sense)
33. Kyle Singler, F, Duke
The Pistons are likely losing their glue guy, Tayshaun Prince to free agency so adding a great team player like Kyle Singler in the second round is a great value. Kyle Singler knows how to win and will bust his butt at every practice which will automatically make a struggling team better. (Pick Grade: LOVE IT!)
52. Vernon Macklin, PF, Florida
The Pistons didn't grab size with their first two picks, so they chose to do so here. The only problem is that there are not a whole lot of quality big guys late in the draft, and Macklin is physical but not much more than that. (Pick Grade: Meh)
*** 2011 NBA Offseason Needs and Free Agents listed below this comment box. ***
|
CYnthia
12-03-2012
11:07 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.106
(total posts: 1)
 6
 6
The following NBA teams need to be ccteraotnd:Orlando MagicLA ClippersNew Jersey NetsToronto RaptorsMemphis GrizzliesCharlotte BobcatsThat would take it down to 24 teams, so you'd have four divisions of six. I think that's perfect.
fag
10-30-2012
12:17 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.169
(total posts: 2)
6
6
fag
Bill
10-30-2012
12:16 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.169
(total posts: 2)
12
6
Im a gay fa g
Bill
07-01-2012
06:53 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.119
(total posts: 2)
10
62
Poor Chris.
He must live in that craphole.
Chris
06-29-2012
08:35 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx8.23
(total posts: 1)
31
8
Bill........shut up.
Bill
06-29-2012
07:55 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.119
(total posts: 2)
51
366
This franchise should just fold.
Monroe and Knight will leave ASAP. Besides, who would want to play in that craphole of a city?
HiMyNameIs
06-29-2012
05:24 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.140
(total posts: 1)
8
9
Why does everyone act like if Drummond doesnt reach his full potential he will be a complete bust? Just off his size strength wing span and athletisizm he will stick around in the league for years to come. His floor is probably somewhere around DeAndrea Jordan not Kwama Brown(and even Browns managed to stick around the league for along time) The kid should be going into his freshman season as he finished high school in 3 yrs, if he had stayed the course im bettin he'd be a top3 pick next yr
DaBone Wash DC
06-26-2012
09:54 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx5.34
(total posts: 1)
8
21
How in the heck does drafting a 6'3"' SG make up for not getting a big man in the 1st round? Did I miss something?
Jay
06-11-2012
01:55 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx6.17
(total posts: 1)
11
25
I think Sullinger would be a nice addition to this team.
Natedogreat ggibbyuvycyj15
06-10-2012
10:25 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.195
(total posts: 1)
12
27
If Sumars were smart he would take Moultrie in a heart beat. big, long, strong with a great shot. then in the second take henry sims of GT and either Will Buford or Jared Cunningham. Either tose two or trade both and Daye for a late first rounder like Indiana and draft Royce White, then trade Prince for another late pick like GS and draft a shooting guard like Evan Fournier or Draymond as bench help like Harden is for OKC.
gregory bishop
06-06-2012
11:55 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.117
(total posts: 1)
14
29
Tyler Zeller @ # 9 in the draft provides some stability to the interior. Best scenario = Houston wants Zeller and will trade up for him. Detroit already has Houston's second round pick[#44} this year. Could they get both of Houston's first rounders in a trade if they gave back H's second rounder or Detroit's second pick[#39]? If so take Evan fournier with that #16 pick for when Villanueva and Gordon drop off the roster.
Tim
06-01-2012
04:58 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx6.77
(total posts: 2)
16
13
Trade Charlie V to the Bucks for Beno Udrih and Jon Brockman, makes sense cap wise and once Charlie V moves teams he'll magically become amazing because thats what happens in Detroit
Tim
06-01-2012
04:51 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx6.77
(total posts: 2)
417
302
take Henson or Zeller with the 1st round pick, Jae Crowder with the first second who would fill the slasher need and get rid of Charlie V no matter what, Gordon is atleast still serviceable
Dryer Sheet
05-29-2012
11:40 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.140
(total posts: 1)
12
13
mE, you're clearly not a Jazz fan are you? Why would anyone give up anything of significance for 3 terrible players/contracts?
mE
05-23-2012
06:08 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx4.71
(total posts: 2)
32
58
Proposed Trade:
Detroit trades - Charlie Villanoodle, Ben Gordon, Austin Daye and 1st round pick to Utah for: Derrick Favors and Raja Bell Ok... |
2010-11 Season Summary:
You know what is not a good sign for your team? When the veterans stage a walkout on their head coach. That is what happened this past season for Detroit and first-year head coach John Kuester after he benched long-time Piston Richard Hamilton. As a result, inner turmoil tore through the team as they suffered through another miserable season.
Hamilton, Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva ate up almost half of Detroit's salary cap but failed to live up to their value. Hamilton posted his lowest scoring total since his rookie season while Gordon and Villanueva both averaged around 11 points per game which is a career low for both players. With all three guys under contract for two more years, their inability to carry their weight has put the Pistons and general manager Joe Dumars in a rough spot.
With Jonas Jerebko missing the entire season due to an Achilles injury, Austin Daye failing to capitalize on his opportunity in his second season, and the point guard situation still in limbo despite Rodney Stuckey leading the team in scoring; Detroit struggled to find consistency with their lineup, having at least 11 players start double-digit games.
There were some positives amid the madness. Tayshaun Prince continued on with his steady career and was the only Piston to start every game he played in. Greg Monroe showed improvement during the season averaging around 13 points and 9.5 rebounds per game over the final month and a half of the season, and became an integral part of the Pistons while also giving them a low-post scoring option. Tracy McGrady revived his career in Detroit as he was able to stay healthy and prove he still has some gas left in the tank.
2011-12 Projected Depth Chart:
C: Greg Monroe/Ben Wallace/Jason Maxiell/Vernon Macklin
PF: Jonas Jerebko/Charlie Villanueva
SF: Tayshaun Prince/Austin Daye/Kyle Singler
SG: Ben Gordon
PG: #Rodney Stuckey/Will Bynum/Brandon Knight
NBA Free Agents:
PF-Chris Wilcox (UFA)
SF-DaJuan Summers (UFA)
#PG-Rodney Stuckey (RFA)
Offseason Transactions:
Pistons re-sign SF Tayshaun Prince to 4-year, $27 million contract.
Pistons re-sign F Jonas Jerebko to 4-year, $16 million contract.
Pistons release SG Richard Hamilton.
2011-12 Team Salary: Approximately $58.2 million
NBA Offseason Needs:
1. Unity: It is an interesting debate as to whether John Kuester or the players are to blame for the mutiny that occurred this past season. Whichever side you take, all indications are pointing toward Kuester returning for his second season despite the team walking out on him in practice and laughing at him after he got ejected from a game.
Whoever ends up being the head coach for next season needs to build a unity with this roster. More segregation and disrespect for authority will only set this franchise back, and Joe Dumars needs to hope Kuester can find a common ground with his players and that the veterans on the roster can better adapt to his coaching. If not, Kuester will likely get the boot and a more player-friendly coach will need to be brought in since it would be too difficult for the Pistons to undergo a major roster change.
2. Small Forward: One would assume that unrestricted free agent Tayshaun Prince will be moving on with his career after eight seasons in Detroit. The Pistons do not seem to be moving in the right direction as a team, and Prince should be sought after by several title contending teams this offseason. The Pistons will need to pursue a replacement since Austin Daye does not seem ready to assume the starting role.
3. Another Big: While Greg Monroe seems to have a bright future ahead of him, Detroit is still lacking a lot of size inside. Chris Wilcox is a free agent, Ben Wallace is likely entering his final year as a pro, and Jason Maxiell is an undersized, overpaid role player. Jonas Jerebko's return should improve the play at power forward, but the Pistons could still use a defensive presence in the middle especially since opponents shot 48.6 percent versus them which is the highest percentage allowed by any team in the league.
4. Point Guard: The jury is still out on whether or not Rodney Stuckey is the long-term solution at the point. Like most, I have always been of the mindset that he is more of a combo guard than true floor leader. Plus, he is also a restricted free agent this offseason and Detroit might have to let him walk rather than pony up a long-term extension to keep him around. Will Bynum is a solid backup but should not be getting major minutes. If Stuckey returns for one more season, this will not be an immediate need, but the Pistons should be on the look out for an upgrade if the opportunity arises.
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 23
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
© 1999-2011 Walter Cherepinsky : all rights reserved
Privacy Policy
2 5 9
Leave a comment