Detroit Pistons Thread 2008-09

[Khalid80]

Pistons pick up option on standout reserve Bynum

"AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- Will Bynum had the Detroit Pistons pick up his team option for next season after emerging as a reliable scoring threat off the bench.

The Pistons announced the decision on Wednesday.

The 6-foot Bynum appeared in 57 games last season, averaging 7.2 points, 1.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists. He scored a career-high 32 against Charlotte earlier this month, including a franchise-record 26 points in the fourth quarter.

The Pistons signed Bynum in July after he played for Maccabi Tel Aviv of the Israeli League.

The former Georgia Tech star played 15 games for the Golden State Warriors during 2005-06, but spent most of the season in the NBA Development League".

[Khalid80]

Pistons' Dumars hopes to make splash this summer

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- If Joe Dumars has any regrets about the way the Detroit Pistons fell apart this season, they're too few to mention.

The Detroit Pistons president of basketball operations had a news conference Wednesday to reflect on how his team collapsed after trading Chauncey Billups and to look ahead to what he hopes is a promising future.

"It was just a season of inevitable change and inevitable pain," Dumars said. "Although it was a tough year, we also knew it was a necessary process if you're trying to position yourself to remain relevant."

Dumars dealt Billups in November to Denver because Dumars didn't think the Pistons would do anything more than win about 50 games and a playoff series or two.

That doesn't do it for him.

Dumars also made the move to create playing time for second-year pro Rodney Stuckey and salary cap space to reshape the franchise this summer.

It turned out to be a bad move in the short term because Allen Iverson was a bad fit and the Pistons played like strangers.

Now, it's up to Dumars to make the unpopular trade pan out for the Pistons in the future.

With about $20 million to spend and four draft picks, Dumars hopes to make a splash in free agency or on the trading market.

"I'm not just looking for a couple complementary players," he said.

Dumars wants an impact player, or two, who makes plays in the fourth quarters of big games.

Chicago Bulls guard Ben Gordon, who is eligible to be a free agent, seems to fit the description.

But if the Pistons signed Gordon away from another Central Division team, they might have to trade shooting guard Richard Hamilton to make room for him.

Dumars didn't address what players he might want to add or which ones he might want to trade away, but insisted none of his players are untouchable.

"I have to keep all options open and on the table," he said.

As expected, Dumars confirmed Michael Curry will be back on the bench for a second season after a rough rookie year as a head coach.

The Pistons will have the 15th pick in the NBA draft and three selections in the second round, which coupled with a lot of salary cap space, should keep Dumars busy.

"It makes you a prime candidate to start business before July 1," he said.

The Pistons have gone to work this time of year for the previous seven years, advancing to at least the Eastern Conference finals in the previous six seasons and winning an NBA title.

The Magic Johnson-led Los Angeles Lakers are the only franchise to play in six straight conference finals since 1970-71, when teams had to win two series to advance that far.

"The run we've had here has been a great run," Dumars said. "In the business of pro sports, it's inevitable that you have to make some tough decisions."

[Dtown]

*puts a bag over his head and waits for the Cavs to finish off this season*

[Dtown]

woo we made the playoffs....god how far have my expectations sunk...

On the bright side we are still very much alive for a chance at the 6th seed and a date with the Magic aka the Pistons' bitch.

[andrijafcb]

I like them,they are very good,espcially their defence.

[Khalid80]

Davidson's wife to succeed him as Pistons' owner

"AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- The wife of Bill Davidson is expected to succeed her husband as owner of the Detroit Pistons.

Pistons president Tom Wilson said Saturday that Karen Davidson will fill the ownership role following the death of the longtime owner Friday at 86.

Davidson was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in September. He also owned the WNBA's Detroit Shock and Palace Sports & Entertainment.

Davidson was chairman and president of Guardian Industries Corp., a major manufacturer of glass products. The Auburn Hills company says its leadership will follow a transition plan established more than 10 years ago".

[Khalid80]

Pistons owner Bill Davidson passes away at the age of 85, one of the best owners in sports. My heart goes out to his family, he will be missed.

http://www.wxyz.com/news/story/Bill-...hnvY0Dxow.cspx

RIP Bill Davidson He was such a great figure!
Other than what he did for the Pistons franchise since he became the owner in 1974, he was always known as a philanthropist and has given away more than $80 million from his own money to various organizations and charitable institutions, which comes to show u how great of a person he was.

[Dtown]

Pistons owner Bill Davidson passes away at the age of 85, one of the best owners in sports. My heart goes out to his family, he will be missed.

http://www.wxyz.com/news/story/Bill-Davidson-1923-2009/l64NHnfeSUa2vhnvY0Dxow.cspx

[Khalid80]

RIP with a beard

I was checking the daily stats on the NBA website and I saw this pic of Hamilton .

How long has he had his beard like this (is this a recent photo?)

[Dtown]

I hope they do, because I love Iverson. I really do. He's the player that I hate to love. I disliked him for a long time because I thought he represented a kind of selfish basketball style, but he tries so hard. He really does. I think Detroit is going to do something with him. He's too good for that team to flounder.

I kind of feel bad for Iverson the Pistons are clearly playing better without him right now and he's injured at least out 2 weeks. So when he does get back and will be coming off the bench, if things go south again he'll immediately catch the blame for it. He just hasn't been able to fit in, hopefully running the 2nd unit will be the solution.

[mvblair]

...Whether it lasts is anyone's guess.

I hope they do, because I love Iverson. I really do. He's the player that I hate to love. I disliked him for a long time because I thought he represented a kind of selfish basketball style, but he tries so hard. He really does. I think Detroit is going to do something with him. He's too good for that team to flounder.

[Dtown]

4 game win streak, big game tonight against the Hawks. Best thing to say about the Pistons is they look like the Pistons again. Whether it lasts is anyone's guess.

[Dtown]

Nice win over the Garnettless Celtics. It might not seem like much, but it's a good way to build momentum. Back to .500

[Blackie]

[QUOTE=mvblair;247432]Beating Orlando is pretty good. I still think the Pistons can salvage their season and go deep into the Play-Offs. For all his flash, Iverson is a very bright player. He'll be able to make "the benching" work and come out strong.



AI off the bench with sf,pf, and two centers. Basically have the whole offense revolve around AI driving to the basket. In this way he could draw the foul, dish it off for the assist if double teamed, or take the shot. At this point in the season he needs to be shooting that is what he does like it or not.

With the bigger presence on the floor you have a higher chance of rebound with the drive from AI. Pick and roll off the screen play I believe will work better as well. You have the back door pass with sf or to the open man moving towards the basket.

[Dtown]

I can't blame Curry, if you handed him a Billups led Pistons they'd probably be up there with Boston, Cleveland, and Orlando. They never had a full training camp, and they keep dealing with injuries. The only thing that's clear is that Rip and AI are terrible together on the court, and he's had to mix and match to fix it. I hope this lineup will work, and who knows, Detroit might become that team no one wants in the first round.