We hardly knew ya.
In perhaps the least significant trade of all time, the Red Wings sent Ville Leino to the Flyers for a 5th round pick and defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen. If he clears waivers, Tollefsen will spend the rest of the year in the minors.
Since the entire league knew the Wings needed to part with Leino due to Franzen's return, I'm surprised Holland found anybody willing to part with a draft pick. A fifth rounder might not mean much, but the Wings European scouts tend to find steals in the late rounds.
As for Leino, he fell swiftly from grace. After such a promising surge late last season, Leino's output dropped significantly. He actually scored more goals (5) in just 13 games last season than his 42 games this year (4). Somehow, he managed only 3 assists to boot. I would've expected his plus/minus to be lower than the -10 with that dreadful offensive production, so maybe his defense improved. Either way, the dude is gone. Fare well in Philly, Leino.
Speaking of plus/minus, Stuart and Ericsson now sport a -15 and -16, respectively. Stuart is a -6 the last two games alone. For some reason, Stuart's play improves dramatically when paired with Kronwall. Ericsson is best paired with Lidstrom or Lilja. Together, though, Stuart and Ericsson lose 3-goal leads, as was on display this weekend.
In a stark example of effectiveness, Stuart and Ericsson were a combined -6 for the game, while Lidstrom and Rafalski were a +6. I've watched the Wings all season, and I can honestly say the disparity in talent is not nearly so severe. There's just something with that pairing that does not work, and Babcock should split them up.
Lilja spent the past two games with the Griffins, and his return to the big league is imminent. Lilja used to be a favorite whipping-boy of Red Wing fans, now they can't wait to get him back (see the comments). He was usually good for a bone-headed turnover each game. Yet, we discovered that the bone-headed turnovers continued despite Lilja's absence. I have no doubt that when he returns he will step right into a top-6 role. No healthy scratches for Lilja. Assuming a healthy Kronwall, we're looking at Lidstrom/Rafalski, Kronwall/Stuart, Lilja/Ericsson from this point out.
I still believe the playoffs are a long-shot, but it's possible the Olympics may give this team a shot in the arm. It will be rest for the grinders, and a surge of adrenaline for the stars.
Super Bowl Ads
I'm not a huge fan of the Super Bowl, but I do love the ads. This was my favorite from last night (I'm a softie... and the music was perfect):
And for Golden Girls fans... I'm looking at you Mrs. Nofrownmotown... this one's for you:
Monday, February 8, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
FanPulse
Folks,
As you all know, I've never advertised on this blog. It's not a hardened rule, but I simply want this place to be an honest exchange of ideas. On this rare occasion, I'm going to break from my rule because there's a new iPhone app that may appeal specifically to fans of this blog.
The app is FanPulse. What sets FanPulse apart from other real-time sports update apps is that it also allows user interaction and will even link to nofrownmotown.com.
Here's the FanPulse pitch:
• Get scores and breaking news sent straight to your iPhone
• Check-in to games to chat and trash-talk with friends who are also watching
• An app that delivers not just scores, but unique commentary from nofrownmotown
Many nofrownmotown readers are former metro-Detroiters who now live all around the world. So the appeal of real-time updates is key. When I travel around, I try to keep up with scores with my rinky-dink LG piece-o-crap, and it sucks. Mobile-web is a joke. And you can forget about commentary, but FanPulse changes that.
As a startup, FanPulse is wisely offering promotions for the first folks to download it. The first 2,000 downloads will be entered into a raffle to win one of twenty $50 iTunes gift cards.
That's it, promotion over, and I promise not to shove products down your throat.
Now back to our regularly schedule winter of discontent.
As you all know, I've never advertised on this blog. It's not a hardened rule, but I simply want this place to be an honest exchange of ideas. On this rare occasion, I'm going to break from my rule because there's a new iPhone app that may appeal specifically to fans of this blog.
The app is FanPulse. What sets FanPulse apart from other real-time sports update apps is that it also allows user interaction and will even link to nofrownmotown.com.Here's the FanPulse pitch:
• Get scores and breaking news sent straight to your iPhone
• Check-in to games to chat and trash-talk with friends who are also watching
• An app that delivers not just scores, but unique commentary from nofrownmotown
Many nofrownmotown readers are former metro-Detroiters who now live all around the world. So the appeal of real-time updates is key. When I travel around, I try to keep up with scores with my rinky-dink LG piece-o-crap, and it sucks. Mobile-web is a joke. And you can forget about commentary, but FanPulse changes that.
As a startup, FanPulse is wisely offering promotions for the first folks to download it. The first 2,000 downloads will be entered into a raffle to win one of twenty $50 iTunes gift cards.
That's it, promotion over, and I promise not to shove products down your throat.
Now back to our regularly schedule winter of discontent.
Lionized
For the second time in a week, the Pacers routed the Pistons. Make no mistake, the Pacers are a lottery-bound team, with barely a better record. Yet, the Pistons make them look like the Lakers.
The Pistons stayed competitive for all of 8 minutes last night. In fact, they looked quite good initially. The starters forced a handful of turnovers, and Big Ben was a monster on the boards. After falling behind 12-7, Indiana called a timeout, and they heated up from 3pt range. They finished the half up 15, while shooting 50%. The Pistons shot a dreadful 35%. The rout continued in the decisive 3rd quarter, and Indiana continued their hot shooting, and the Pistons essentially threw in the towel.
I can blame the Piston's 2nd unit for getting clobbered in the 2nd quarter, but the starters were listless in the 3rd. This deep in the season, the Pistons seem to cave when the opponents catch fire. They put up a bit of a fight then give in - just like the Lions. On the bench, there was little passion or anger... just 13 guys accepting another loss. They've been Lionized.
Coach Kuester should shoulder some of the blame. His players were not ready. It's not his fault that Rip, Tay, Gordon, and Bynum were out most of the year. And he should receive some credit for unearthing the talents of Jonas Jerebko. Yet, Kuester seemingly has no control over this squad. The head coach needs to find a way to motivate the players, and this squad was as motivated as a Harvard-bound senior with a week left of high school.
I'd hate for the Pistons to fire yet another coach, but Dumars needs to at least consider it. Are there any superior candidates available? Is there some psychologist/tactician hybrid that can motivate these clowns?
No doubt the old guard are a proud bunch. Prince, Hamilton, and Big Ben won't enjoy the embarrassment of these blow-outs. Yet, they shoulder much of the responsibility. Roy Hibbert was a shocking +29 against Big Ben. Hamilton and Stuckey - after dishing out 16 combined assists against the Nets - combined for all of ZERO against the Pacers. And it couldn't have been swarming defense. It was a combination of missed shots (39% shooting for the team) and poor movement.
This team is playing out the string, but they still charge fans to go to the games, so play with a little heart, okay? Give us some hope for the future. The only positive out of last night's game was another DNP-CD for Chris Wilcox. Despite the rout, Austin Daye still only managed 13 minutes. Shouldn't he be one of the first off the bench, especially with Charlie V unavailable? These are the little things that will bring the fans back.
Sigh. They take the court again tonight against the Nets. Should be a ratings monster!
The Pistons stayed competitive for all of 8 minutes last night. In fact, they looked quite good initially. The starters forced a handful of turnovers, and Big Ben was a monster on the boards. After falling behind 12-7, Indiana called a timeout, and they heated up from 3pt range. They finished the half up 15, while shooting 50%. The Pistons shot a dreadful 35%. The rout continued in the decisive 3rd quarter, and Indiana continued their hot shooting, and the Pistons essentially threw in the towel.
I can blame the Piston's 2nd unit for getting clobbered in the 2nd quarter, but the starters were listless in the 3rd. This deep in the season, the Pistons seem to cave when the opponents catch fire. They put up a bit of a fight then give in - just like the Lions. On the bench, there was little passion or anger... just 13 guys accepting another loss. They've been Lionized.
Coach Kuester should shoulder some of the blame. His players were not ready. It's not his fault that Rip, Tay, Gordon, and Bynum were out most of the year. And he should receive some credit for unearthing the talents of Jonas Jerebko. Yet, Kuester seemingly has no control over this squad. The head coach needs to find a way to motivate the players, and this squad was as motivated as a Harvard-bound senior with a week left of high school.
I'd hate for the Pistons to fire yet another coach, but Dumars needs to at least consider it. Are there any superior candidates available? Is there some psychologist/tactician hybrid that can motivate these clowns?
No doubt the old guard are a proud bunch. Prince, Hamilton, and Big Ben won't enjoy the embarrassment of these blow-outs. Yet, they shoulder much of the responsibility. Roy Hibbert was a shocking +29 against Big Ben. Hamilton and Stuckey - after dishing out 16 combined assists against the Nets - combined for all of ZERO against the Pacers. And it couldn't have been swarming defense. It was a combination of missed shots (39% shooting for the team) and poor movement.
This team is playing out the string, but they still charge fans to go to the games, so play with a little heart, okay? Give us some hope for the future. The only positive out of last night's game was another DNP-CD for Chris Wilcox. Despite the rout, Austin Daye still only managed 13 minutes. Shouldn't he be one of the first off the bench, especially with Charlie V unavailable? These are the little things that will bring the fans back.
Sigh. They take the court again tonight against the Nets. Should be a ratings monster!
Friday, February 5, 2010
The $80million man
How much is Verlander worth? Most people understand the economics of modern sports. In an economically-depressed town like Detroit, an $80million contract will still raise some eyebrows. This is a town with a 30% unemployment rate! So, when an athlete inks a multi-million, unfathomable deal, the disparity of the haves vs have-nots hits home.
When they announced Verlander's deal, there were a lot of bitter callers. It's only natural - people venting their frustrations and calling out a society that would pay $80million to a guy for throwing a baseball. Yet, that's not the whole story. Baseball is Verlander's profession, and he happens to be in the top 0.01% of that profession. If any of us are the top 0.01% - regardless of our profession - we're likely to be millionaires. We could be the top writer, the top IT guy, or the top scientist. Even the top nurses make six figures. So, it's about being elite. Verlander is elite, and now he's paid appropriately.
From a fan perspective, the signing of Verlander was crucial. After a summer of ditching popular talent, Dombrowski made a firm commitment to the team's best player. It's small consolation, but, to put things in perspective, consider fans of the Cleveland Indians. They had to watch the team sell off Cy Young winners CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee over the past two years. How would a fan believe that team had any desire to challenge for a title? At the very least, Dombrowski wants to stay competitive. Gone is Curtis Granderson. Gone is Edwin Jackson. But the top pitcher and hitter (Cabrera) remain. They also replaced Jackson with a comparable righty in Scherzer, and they inked a competent closer in Valverde, so the pitching may not miss a beat. The loss of Lyon does sting, but perhaps the heterochromic eyes of Scherzer may put American League batters off balance! Pretty funky, isn't it?
As for Cabrera, I haven't brought him up since the end of the season, and for good reason. The young man wisely stepped out of the limelight. After his very-public arrest and poor showing in the weekend series against the White Sox, Cabrera did deliver some clutch hits in the one-game playoff. That eased some of the tensions, but the announcement that he spent the offseason in alcohol counseling demonstrated his sincerity to change. He did not make a big show of it (like some big name golfer) nor did he draw any attention at all. He simply made the change.
Personally, I don't care if the guy stays on or off the wagon. I just hope he has it under control. He's only 25, and, with the fan base behind him, he could rip the cover off the ball this year.
So, all is not lost in Tigerville. The Curtis Granderson trade will sting for years to come, but the recent signings show a continued commitment to at least remain relevant. And, hey, if they ink Johnny Damon, they might find the fans buying season tickets once again.
When I look back now, the pennant race of 2009 was quite a thrill. The Tigers were a maddening team, but they produced their fair share of incredible moments. For a glimpse of summer, check out this cell phone-shot video of a Clete Thomas walk-off hit. The roar of the crowd is palpable.
When they announced Verlander's deal, there were a lot of bitter callers. It's only natural - people venting their frustrations and calling out a society that would pay $80million to a guy for throwing a baseball. Yet, that's not the whole story. Baseball is Verlander's profession, and he happens to be in the top 0.01% of that profession. If any of us are the top 0.01% - regardless of our profession - we're likely to be millionaires. We could be the top writer, the top IT guy, or the top scientist. Even the top nurses make six figures. So, it's about being elite. Verlander is elite, and now he's paid appropriately.
From a fan perspective, the signing of Verlander was crucial. After a summer of ditching popular talent, Dombrowski made a firm commitment to the team's best player. It's small consolation, but, to put things in perspective, consider fans of the Cleveland Indians. They had to watch the team sell off Cy Young winners CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee over the past two years. How would a fan believe that team had any desire to challenge for a title? At the very least, Dombrowski wants to stay competitive. Gone is Curtis Granderson. Gone is Edwin Jackson. But the top pitcher and hitter (Cabrera) remain. They also replaced Jackson with a comparable righty in Scherzer, and they inked a competent closer in Valverde, so the pitching may not miss a beat. The loss of Lyon does sting, but perhaps the heterochromic eyes of Scherzer may put American League batters off balance! Pretty funky, isn't it?
As for Cabrera, I haven't brought him up since the end of the season, and for good reason. The young man wisely stepped out of the limelight. After his very-public arrest and poor showing in the weekend series against the White Sox, Cabrera did deliver some clutch hits in the one-game playoff. That eased some of the tensions, but the announcement that he spent the offseason in alcohol counseling demonstrated his sincerity to change. He did not make a big show of it (like some big name golfer) nor did he draw any attention at all. He simply made the change.
Personally, I don't care if the guy stays on or off the wagon. I just hope he has it under control. He's only 25, and, with the fan base behind him, he could rip the cover off the ball this year.
So, all is not lost in Tigerville. The Curtis Granderson trade will sting for years to come, but the recent signings show a continued commitment to at least remain relevant. And, hey, if they ink Johnny Damon, they might find the fans buying season tickets once again.
When I look back now, the pennant race of 2009 was quite a thrill. The Tigers were a maddening team, but they produced their fair share of incredible moments. For a glimpse of summer, check out this cell phone-shot video of a Clete Thomas walk-off hit. The roar of the crowd is palpable.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Brett Fav-ruh
Brett Favre is a controversial figure. Even in Detroit - where he would normally be viewed as a hated enemy - Favre has countless supporters. I never understood it.
For 18 straight seasons, the guy has killed the Lions. He's peppered the Lion defense for a whopping 57 touchdowns and 8,700 yards - his highest total against any team. That doesn't include playoff games where my lasting image is watching Favre launch a 40-yard bomb to an in explicably wide open Sterling Sharpe in the final minute. For a trip down nightmare lane, enjoy:
Despite the pain, many Detroiters still love the dude. Lions fans need to latch onto a winner, I suppose. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em? Yet, what about the fans of the Vikings. Favre was as much a thorn in their side. Somehow the Viking fans embraced the hated rival. Does winning cure all ills? I posed the Favre question to my good friend in Minnesota. He gave me permission to print his response. So, without any further adieu, guest blogger, Stulio, aka "S7J4":
I just had a sudden, new appreciation for Brett Favre. What, you say?! The season's over, he's non-committal again, and you've got new appreciation? Well, let me explain.
I just got up out of my chair and had sudden shots of pain throughout my body. It's winter in Minnesota, and, with the cold and ice, comes the challenges of exercizing in the elements. Warm and clean streets are nowhere to be found, and, in their place, we get strained muscles from slipping and bruises from falling. What does Favre have to do with any of that? The guy is 40, gets beat to hell, and still manages to get us within one play of the Super Bowl. He's got five years on me, not to mention 300 pound lineman body slamming him, and he keeps getting up and making great plays. I can't tell you the last time we had a QB in Minnesota with those qualities.
You can find his toying with the media distasteful, his inability to make up his mind annoying, and even his random bursts of "what was he thinking" plays frustrating, but dammit, the guy just plays. And plays well. Wait -- he doesn't just play well, he's one of the best.
Look, I'm of the school that finds the decline of player loyalty saddening. I'm tired of the "it's a business" excuse, er line. But Favre didn't end up in Minnesota because he was seeking the best deal. If Green Bay felt he was the one, he would have gotten his. But, that's not the way it worked out.
So, I for one am happy Favre's a Viking. I hope he comes back next year. I'm willing to put up with his baggage. Because not only is he a perfect fit for this team, but I don't have to look at any of the stiffs that have lined up under center for the past 10 years. (Save your Culpepper arguments... good, not great.) I want the Vikings to win more than I care if he played for the Packers or if he toys with people. And anyway, is it really that bad? How is he worse than the prima donna wide recievers? Or Bryant McKinney? Or the muscle heads in baseball...I'm looking at you Big Mac...liar.
Bring 'em back I say.
For 18 straight seasons, the guy has killed the Lions. He's peppered the Lion defense for a whopping 57 touchdowns and 8,700 yards - his highest total against any team. That doesn't include playoff games where my lasting image is watching Favre launch a 40-yard bomb to an in explicably wide open Sterling Sharpe in the final minute. For a trip down nightmare lane, enjoy:
Despite the pain, many Detroiters still love the dude. Lions fans need to latch onto a winner, I suppose. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em? Yet, what about the fans of the Vikings. Favre was as much a thorn in their side. Somehow the Viking fans embraced the hated rival. Does winning cure all ills? I posed the Favre question to my good friend in Minnesota. He gave me permission to print his response. So, without any further adieu, guest blogger, Stulio, aka "S7J4":
I just had a sudden, new appreciation for Brett Favre. What, you say?! The season's over, he's non-committal again, and you've got new appreciation? Well, let me explain.
I just got up out of my chair and had sudden shots of pain throughout my body. It's winter in Minnesota, and, with the cold and ice, comes the challenges of exercizing in the elements. Warm and clean streets are nowhere to be found, and, in their place, we get strained muscles from slipping and bruises from falling. What does Favre have to do with any of that? The guy is 40, gets beat to hell, and still manages to get us within one play of the Super Bowl. He's got five years on me, not to mention 300 pound lineman body slamming him, and he keeps getting up and making great plays. I can't tell you the last time we had a QB in Minnesota with those qualities.
You can find his toying with the media distasteful, his inability to make up his mind annoying, and even his random bursts of "what was he thinking" plays frustrating, but dammit, the guy just plays. And plays well. Wait -- he doesn't just play well, he's one of the best.
Look, I'm of the school that finds the decline of player loyalty saddening. I'm tired of the "it's a business" excuse, er line. But Favre didn't end up in Minnesota because he was seeking the best deal. If Green Bay felt he was the one, he would have gotten his. But, that's not the way it worked out.
So, I for one am happy Favre's a Viking. I hope he comes back next year. I'm willing to put up with his baggage. Because not only is he a perfect fit for this team, but I don't have to look at any of the stiffs that have lined up under center for the past 10 years. (Save your Culpepper arguments... good, not great.) I want the Vikings to win more than I care if he played for the Packers or if he toys with people. And anyway, is it really that bad? How is he worse than the prima donna wide recievers? Or Bryant McKinney? Or the muscle heads in baseball...I'm looking at you Big Mac...liar.
Bring 'em back I say.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Holy Crap, They Won!
Even when the Pistons were only down 3 points to the worst team in the league, I had no faith. It was quite sad. Mrs. Nofrownmotown didn't understand. She said, "It's still a one possession game." I responded, "They never recover, not even from a 3 point deficit."
I was wrong. In many ways, it was like watching a Lions game, except the Nets were the Lions. The Nets found a way to lose. Despite having the best player (Devin Harris - Harris is, ahem, doing the "defending" in that pic) and the best big man with the grizzliest beard (Brook Lopez), the Pistons made all the right plays in the clutch. Down four at the 2:22 mark, the Pistons scored the next eight points, with an awesome alley--oop to Prince to cap off the barrage. For a few fleeting moments the Larry Brown-era Pistons resurfaced.
I feel odd putting up highlights for a game between two teams with a combined .210 win percentage, but, in case you're a diehard like me, highlights are here.
I missed much of the first half, actually forgetting the game was on. I was also distracted by my alma mater's thorough dismantling of the University of Michigan basketball team. Sorry UM fans... I like John Bielin, but it doesn't seem like the team has it this year. So as I watched Drew Crawford nail yet another baseline three, Mrs. Nofrownmotown shouted from the other room, "Do you know the Pistons are on?" Uh... whoops. When I flipped to the Pistons, they were down seven. That's exactly when the tide turned.
The Pistons quickly turned the deficit into a four point lead, and it was neck-and-neck the rest of the way. The most effective lineup featured Stuckey, Hamilton, Prince, Maxiell, and Wallace. That same lineup (with the exception of Jerebko for Maxiell) fared well against the Magic the previous game, so perhaps Kuester may have found a winning combination. It shouldn't be a major surprise considering those players have years of experience playing together.
It was a joy to watch Hamilton explode for 20 points in the 2nd half, hitting shot-after-shot from midrange. Prince chipped in with 15 and 8 boards. And little Will Bynum - finally healthy after an eternity on the sidelines - hit his first 5 shots! Gordon and Villanueva played limited minutes as they recover from lingering injuries.
Patrick Hayes pointed on mLive that the Stuckey/Hamilton backcourt combined for 15 assists and only one turnover. That's a significant development. As I mentioned many times before, the Pistons backcourt of Stuckey, Hamilton, Bynum, and Gordon should be an advantage, not a detriment. It appears they're finally clicking, albeit against inferior competition, but I'll take it.
Kuester, like Carlisle, LB, Flip, and Curry before him, is relying more and more on the veterans. Austin Daye - at best the future of the franchise, at worst a decent NBA shooter - received a DNP-CD. So did Chris Wilcox, so I guess it wasn't all bad. Once Prince shakes all the rust (and he's close), Kuester will have to find some minutes for Daye. Put the kid in the 2nd quarter for a ten minute stint. He'll only improve with NBA game experience. Ideally, Daye would get regular minutes that would lead to on-court chemistry with the second-unit teammates. Now that Bynum is back, Daye should be playing with a Bynum/Gordon backcourt. That's some decent offensive firepower.
So the win against the Nets proves that the Pistons are not the worst in the league. In the past few games, the Pistons exhibited some pride. When they play hard, they're fun to watch. With Wilcox out of the rotation, perhaps they'll at least compete every night (yes, I'm pinning it all on Wilcox and his matador defense). Next up is Indiana - who thoroughly dominated the Pistons last time. Should be interesting to see if the Pistons have actually turned a corner.
I was wrong. In many ways, it was like watching a Lions game, except the Nets were the Lions. The Nets found a way to lose. Despite having the best player (Devin Harris - Harris is, ahem, doing the "defending" in that pic) and the best big man with the grizzliest beard (Brook Lopez), the Pistons made all the right plays in the clutch. Down four at the 2:22 mark, the Pistons scored the next eight points, with an awesome alley--oop to Prince to cap off the barrage. For a few fleeting moments the Larry Brown-era Pistons resurfaced.
I feel odd putting up highlights for a game between two teams with a combined .210 win percentage, but, in case you're a diehard like me, highlights are here.
I missed much of the first half, actually forgetting the game was on. I was also distracted by my alma mater's thorough dismantling of the University of Michigan basketball team. Sorry UM fans... I like John Bielin, but it doesn't seem like the team has it this year. So as I watched Drew Crawford nail yet another baseline three, Mrs. Nofrownmotown shouted from the other room, "Do you know the Pistons are on?" Uh... whoops. When I flipped to the Pistons, they were down seven. That's exactly when the tide turned.
The Pistons quickly turned the deficit into a four point lead, and it was neck-and-neck the rest of the way. The most effective lineup featured Stuckey, Hamilton, Prince, Maxiell, and Wallace. That same lineup (with the exception of Jerebko for Maxiell) fared well against the Magic the previous game, so perhaps Kuester may have found a winning combination. It shouldn't be a major surprise considering those players have years of experience playing together.
It was a joy to watch Hamilton explode for 20 points in the 2nd half, hitting shot-after-shot from midrange. Prince chipped in with 15 and 8 boards. And little Will Bynum - finally healthy after an eternity on the sidelines - hit his first 5 shots! Gordon and Villanueva played limited minutes as they recover from lingering injuries.
Patrick Hayes pointed on mLive that the Stuckey/Hamilton backcourt combined for 15 assists and only one turnover. That's a significant development. As I mentioned many times before, the Pistons backcourt of Stuckey, Hamilton, Bynum, and Gordon should be an advantage, not a detriment. It appears they're finally clicking, albeit against inferior competition, but I'll take it.
Kuester, like Carlisle, LB, Flip, and Curry before him, is relying more and more on the veterans. Austin Daye - at best the future of the franchise, at worst a decent NBA shooter - received a DNP-CD. So did Chris Wilcox, so I guess it wasn't all bad. Once Prince shakes all the rust (and he's close), Kuester will have to find some minutes for Daye. Put the kid in the 2nd quarter for a ten minute stint. He'll only improve with NBA game experience. Ideally, Daye would get regular minutes that would lead to on-court chemistry with the second-unit teammates. Now that Bynum is back, Daye should be playing with a Bynum/Gordon backcourt. That's some decent offensive firepower.
So the win against the Nets proves that the Pistons are not the worst in the league. In the past few games, the Pistons exhibited some pride. When they play hard, they're fun to watch. With Wilcox out of the rotation, perhaps they'll at least compete every night (yes, I'm pinning it all on Wilcox and his matador defense). Next up is Indiana - who thoroughly dominated the Pistons last time. Should be interesting to see if the Pistons have actually turned a corner.
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Chemistry Issue
As the Pistons lost their fifth in a row last night (19th of 23), I couldn't help but think it was a minor victory. They didn't get blown out. How far has this team fallen that their fan base is content to see them simply stay within 10 points of the opposition?
There was a stretch last night when the Bad Boys resurfaced. In the 3rd quarter, with Stuckey, Rip, Tay, Jerebko, and Big Ben on the court, the Pistons dominated the Magic, turning a 3pt deficit into a 7pt lead. And it wasn't like they did it with red-hot shooting. In fact, they shot quite poorly, but they crashed the boards, getting second-chance points, and they played such great defense that Orlando rarely got a shot. I'm convinced that, if Kuester let that group finish the game, the Pistons win. Unfortunately, he had to sub in Gordon, Atkins, and Maxiell, and it all went to hell. The subs killed the momentum, and it again brings up the issue of chemistry.
We all saw how much the Iverson trade ruined chemistry last season. This season, chemistry further came into question as the Pistons seemingly played their best hoops when Hamilton and Prince were sidelined with injuries. Shouldn't those two talented, experienced players be the unquestioned leaders of the team? Why has the lingering injury to Will Bynum hurt them infinitely more? (Healthy Bynum: .454 win percentage, Injured Bynum: .285 win percentage)
It all comes down to chemistry and coaching. Let's compare this squad to the 01-02 squad.
In 2001, the Pistons were coming off a 32-win season, with a new, untested coach, Rick Carlisle. With Cliff Robinson, Jerry Stackhouse and a squad of cast-offs, the Pistons won 50 games. Let's compare the rosters:
Point guard - Chucky Atkins vs Rodney Stuckey
Defensively, there's not much comparison. Stuckey's superior size allows him the freedom to cover the best point guards in the league. Yet, offensively, Chucky had a respectable season in 01-02. He shot a significantly better percentage (46% vs 40%), and he turned it over less. Yet, Stuckey commands so much more attention from the opposition's defense. He's usually matched up with the best defender and is the focal point of the Pistons offense. He also has higher numbers for rebounds, assists, and free-throw attempts.
Advantage: 09-10 Pistons (Stuckey)
Shooting guard - Jerry Stackhouse vs Rip Hamilton
This is an interesting one considering they were traded for each other. For their careers, I'd have to take Hamilton. He can't create his shot like Stack, but he's one of the most consistent scorers I've ever seen. He'll rarely put up 30, but he'll give you 20 pts on close to 50% shooting every single night. This season, unfortunately, the injuries really cut into his production, while Stackhouse in 01-02 was at the peak of his game. Stack shot a low percentage, but he was the sole offensive threat and averaged over 21 pts and 5 assists per game. I predict, though, that Hamilton's numbers will improve as he returns to full health.
Advantage: Push
Small forward - Michael Curry vs Tayshaun Prince/Jerebko
Not much of a comparison here. Michael Curry was in the starting lineup as a defensive specialist, and he was fairly effective at not embarrassing himself. Statistically, he didn't fare well, averaging less than a steal per game and a shockingly low 2.0 boards/game. Tayshaun, meanwhile, for all his injuries and poor play, is still much more effective than Curry. Jerebko, who spent most of the season as the starting SF, also brings much more to the table. This one isn't even close.
Advantage: Big edge to 09-10 (Prince/Jerebko)
Power forward - Cliff Robinson vs Chris Wilcox/Jerebko/Maxiell
Not much debate about this one. Cliff Robinson was a former All-star who excelled at one-thing - winning. The dude spent his first 13 seasons in the NBA without missing the playoffs. He came to Detroit and partnered well with Big Ben as defensive stoppers. Uncle Cliffy didn't clear many rebounds or shoot a high percentage, but he seemed to make the right plays in the clutch. The current roster has nobody that comes close to Uncle Cliffy.
Advantage: Big edge to 01-02 (Robinson)
Center - Big Ben vs Big Ben
Ben is still a force in the middle, and he's re-won the hearts of every Detroiter. Unfortunately, he's eight years older. The numbers aren't quite what they once were.
Advantage: 01-02 (Big Ben)
Bench - Corliss, Jon Barry, Rebraca vs Ben Gordon, Charlie V, Will Bynum, Maxiell, Daye
From a talent perspective, the current Pistons absolutely destroy the 01-02 bench. Nobody on that old squad could match the shot-making ability of BG and CV. And a healthy Will Bynum is the spark plug that every team would want. Yet, in terms of effectiveness, the 09-10 version falls short. Whether it's injuries or inconsistent minutes or passion, the 09-10 bench rarely gets the job done. Every 6th game, Charlie V will light up the scoreboard. But Corliss brought it every night and earned the 6th Man of the Year award. Jon Barry drained 3s at a 47% clip and was second on the team in steals. (For comparison sake, the best 3pt percentage on the current roster is Austin Daye at 31%. Ouch.) Rebraca provided key depth on the front-court and could put up 15/8 per game as a starter.
Advantage: 01-02
Coach - Carlisle vs Kuester
Carlisle instilled a defensive-first mindset, unleashing the unique skills of Ben Wallace. Kuester tried to do the same but failed. Perhaps the injuries derailed his season, but injuries can't explain his bizarre rotation decisions. Chris Wilcox began the year as the 13th man, then somehow became a starter. Kwame started the year as a starter, now he's the 13th man. Jerebko has been one of the only consistent contributors to the team but was banished to the bench when Tayshaun returned. Now Jerebko is back. Austin Daye, an offensively-talented rookie on an offensively-challenged team, somehow has no role. The coach's job is to put players in a position to succeed. Carlisle defined each player's role, based on their strengths. They all delivered. Kuester seems to be unsure what each player's strengths are. The result? Chaos on the court and one of the worst records in the league.
Advantage: 01-02 (Carlisle)
Conclusion: The starters were relatively evenly matched, and this year's bench has the talent to match 01-02. Yet, the coaching made all the difference. Stackhouse was the scorer, Ben was the enforcer, Chucky was the ball-handler, and Corliss got the ball in the waning minutes. The current players could all succeed on other teams in other systems. Together, though, they're a mess. Stuckey should be the scorer, but he butts heads with Rip and (now) Ben Gordon. Ben is still effective as an enforcer, but nobody other than Jerebko has any interest defending the post. With such a bizarre, ever-changing rotation, the players have no set role on offense. As a result, their 2nd worst in the league in scoring. Defined roles, accentuating strengths - those were the trademarks to Carlisle's success. Kuester should take note. Or he'll join the long list of coaching casualties.
There was a stretch last night when the Bad Boys resurfaced. In the 3rd quarter, with Stuckey, Rip, Tay, Jerebko, and Big Ben on the court, the Pistons dominated the Magic, turning a 3pt deficit into a 7pt lead. And it wasn't like they did it with red-hot shooting. In fact, they shot quite poorly, but they crashed the boards, getting second-chance points, and they played such great defense that Orlando rarely got a shot. I'm convinced that, if Kuester let that group finish the game, the Pistons win. Unfortunately, he had to sub in Gordon, Atkins, and Maxiell, and it all went to hell. The subs killed the momentum, and it again brings up the issue of chemistry.
We all saw how much the Iverson trade ruined chemistry last season. This season, chemistry further came into question as the Pistons seemingly played their best hoops when Hamilton and Prince were sidelined with injuries. Shouldn't those two talented, experienced players be the unquestioned leaders of the team? Why has the lingering injury to Will Bynum hurt them infinitely more? (Healthy Bynum: .454 win percentage, Injured Bynum: .285 win percentage)
It all comes down to chemistry and coaching. Let's compare this squad to the 01-02 squad.
In 2001, the Pistons were coming off a 32-win season, with a new, untested coach, Rick Carlisle. With Cliff Robinson, Jerry Stackhouse and a squad of cast-offs, the Pistons won 50 games. Let's compare the rosters:
Point guard - Chucky Atkins vs Rodney Stuckey
Defensively, there's not much comparison. Stuckey's superior size allows him the freedom to cover the best point guards in the league. Yet, offensively, Chucky had a respectable season in 01-02. He shot a significantly better percentage (46% vs 40%), and he turned it over less. Yet, Stuckey commands so much more attention from the opposition's defense. He's usually matched up with the best defender and is the focal point of the Pistons offense. He also has higher numbers for rebounds, assists, and free-throw attempts.
Advantage: 09-10 Pistons (Stuckey)
Shooting guard - Jerry Stackhouse vs Rip Hamilton
This is an interesting one considering they were traded for each other. For their careers, I'd have to take Hamilton. He can't create his shot like Stack, but he's one of the most consistent scorers I've ever seen. He'll rarely put up 30, but he'll give you 20 pts on close to 50% shooting every single night. This season, unfortunately, the injuries really cut into his production, while Stackhouse in 01-02 was at the peak of his game. Stack shot a low percentage, but he was the sole offensive threat and averaged over 21 pts and 5 assists per game. I predict, though, that Hamilton's numbers will improve as he returns to full health.
Advantage: Push
Small forward - Michael Curry vs Tayshaun Prince/Jerebko
Not much of a comparison here. Michael Curry was in the starting lineup as a defensive specialist, and he was fairly effective at not embarrassing himself. Statistically, he didn't fare well, averaging less than a steal per game and a shockingly low 2.0 boards/game. Tayshaun, meanwhile, for all his injuries and poor play, is still much more effective than Curry. Jerebko, who spent most of the season as the starting SF, also brings much more to the table. This one isn't even close.
Advantage: Big edge to 09-10 (Prince/Jerebko)
Power forward - Cliff Robinson vs Chris Wilcox/Jerebko/Maxiell
Not much debate about this one. Cliff Robinson was a former All-star who excelled at one-thing - winning. The dude spent his first 13 seasons in the NBA without missing the playoffs. He came to Detroit and partnered well with Big Ben as defensive stoppers. Uncle Cliffy didn't clear many rebounds or shoot a high percentage, but he seemed to make the right plays in the clutch. The current roster has nobody that comes close to Uncle Cliffy.
Advantage: Big edge to 01-02 (Robinson)
Center - Big Ben vs Big Ben
Ben is still a force in the middle, and he's re-won the hearts of every Detroiter. Unfortunately, he's eight years older. The numbers aren't quite what they once were.
Advantage: 01-02 (Big Ben)
Bench - Corliss, Jon Barry, Rebraca vs Ben Gordon, Charlie V, Will Bynum, Maxiell, Daye
From a talent perspective, the current Pistons absolutely destroy the 01-02 bench. Nobody on that old squad could match the shot-making ability of BG and CV. And a healthy Will Bynum is the spark plug that every team would want. Yet, in terms of effectiveness, the 09-10 version falls short. Whether it's injuries or inconsistent minutes or passion, the 09-10 bench rarely gets the job done. Every 6th game, Charlie V will light up the scoreboard. But Corliss brought it every night and earned the 6th Man of the Year award. Jon Barry drained 3s at a 47% clip and was second on the team in steals. (For comparison sake, the best 3pt percentage on the current roster is Austin Daye at 31%. Ouch.) Rebraca provided key depth on the front-court and could put up 15/8 per game as a starter.
Advantage: 01-02
Coach - Carlisle vs Kuester
Carlisle instilled a defensive-first mindset, unleashing the unique skills of Ben Wallace. Kuester tried to do the same but failed. Perhaps the injuries derailed his season, but injuries can't explain his bizarre rotation decisions. Chris Wilcox began the year as the 13th man, then somehow became a starter. Kwame started the year as a starter, now he's the 13th man. Jerebko has been one of the only consistent contributors to the team but was banished to the bench when Tayshaun returned. Now Jerebko is back. Austin Daye, an offensively-talented rookie on an offensively-challenged team, somehow has no role. The coach's job is to put players in a position to succeed. Carlisle defined each player's role, based on their strengths. They all delivered. Kuester seems to be unsure what each player's strengths are. The result? Chaos on the court and one of the worst records in the league.
Advantage: 01-02 (Carlisle)
Conclusion: The starters were relatively evenly matched, and this year's bench has the talent to match 01-02. Yet, the coaching made all the difference. Stackhouse was the scorer, Ben was the enforcer, Chucky was the ball-handler, and Corliss got the ball in the waning minutes. The current players could all succeed on other teams in other systems. Together, though, they're a mess. Stuckey should be the scorer, but he butts heads with Rip and (now) Ben Gordon. Ben is still effective as an enforcer, but nobody other than Jerebko has any interest defending the post. With such a bizarre, ever-changing rotation, the players have no set role on offense. As a result, their 2nd worst in the league in scoring. Defined roles, accentuating strengths - those were the trademarks to Carlisle's success. Kuester should take note. Or he'll join the long list of coaching casualties.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)