NLL Insider - Team by Team: Detroit Pistons by proid, updated on Tuesday, October 14 2008, 06:08 pm EST
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2007-2008
Finish: 48-34
What went well
The Detroit Pistons have been the definition of a middle-of-the-road team for a long time here in the NLL. They either just barely miss the playoffs or get in and then blow it in the first round. Longtime GM Dert must really have a hatred for the Sixers, who have taken them out in the first round of the playoffs three out of the last four years.
If one follows the movements of GM Dert, they would notice he does not do business like the typical NLL GM. In the past, he has done very little trading and he has an odd affinity for certain mediocre players (Luke Jackson and Rafael Araujo, to name two). His teams have always been an odd mix of stars and garbage. No one will ever forget the “Magic of Jon Barry” campaign he rolled out a few years back. Now, it seems Rashad McCants is his new favorite.
But this past season was different for the Pistons. It began with GM Dert cleaning house, tightening the belt to acquire some serious talent. A number of big names swam through Detroit before the season began. The Pistons acquired stars and then traded them. When the dust finally settled, they ended up with big men Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur. Others that passed through included Andrew Bynum and Antoine Walker with his bloated contract. The Pistons also gave up rookies Luis Scola, Juan Navarro and Thaddeus Young. For a town used to little activity, this period was a whirlwind.
As usual, the Pistons played solid, but unremarkable ball. Seven weeks into the season, Dert sent off star Tayshaun Prince, Jason Kapono and Luther Head to the Sonics for Jason Richardson, Darrick Martin and Gerald Green. Adding Richardson to the potent Boozer, Okur and Gerald Wallace starting lineup looked like a killer move.
What went worse
Unfortunately, there was a big hole in the Pistons plan. With all the talent upfront, they had no real floor general to direct them. Marcus Williams and Jordan Farmar were just not good enough. Even though the Pistons finished in the sixth seed, the Sixers wiped them out 4-1 in the first round.
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The Star
Jason Richardson, GF -
Though he is ridiculously overpaid, Richardson delivered the goods for Detroit. He didn’t miss any games this season for injuries and blended well into Dert’s system of basketball. Though his scoring was relatively low (14ppg- he shared the ball), Richardson should be an integral part of Pistons’ ball for some time.
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Carlos Boozer, PF-
Boozer exploded with the Pistons and now he’s looking to get paid again. He averaged an astonishing 33ppg and 10.5 rebounds. That points average is up almost 20 from last season. But Boozer has already let Detroit officials know that he was playing for the contract. He will probably walk away from his success in Detroit and sign with whoever can pay before next season begins. |
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The Goat
Nene- FC
Poor Nene, this guy never gets a break. Though it may be heartless to give a guy with testicular cancer the goat honor, this illness was just one in a series of injuries that have kept this guy off the court in Detroit. He played in just 13 games last season. Though Dert expects him back next season, history shows something else may strike this poor guy before opening tip.
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Looking to the future
The Pistons have some big changes coming. It is very likely that both Okur and Boozer will fly the coop. The team has about $17 million to offer free agents. If this re-sign Wallace (who seems like he wants to come back), that will cut down that figure even more. One of the biggest problems is Richardson’s ridiculous salary (thanks old SEA GM!). The Pistons could also conceivably waive Richardson and double their FA coffer. Without Okur, Boozer, J-Rich and Wallace, they will then have $25 million to start the team fresh.
Right now, Nick Collison is really the only other guy on the roster capable of starting. I know Dert loves McCants, but he is really worth 6th man status at this point in his career. Picking up a legit point guard could also be a good move. Also, the Pistons did not make any selections in this year’s draft. It will be interesting to see what happens in Motown.
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