Scouting

Lately I've felt like an NBA scout. In between daddy day-care and writing I've been scouring the interwebs to help make the Detroit Pistons a better team in 09-10. Here's a couple of theories.

1. The Pistons have made their Free Agent splash and are done signing impact players.

It's possible that Joe D. really will hearken back to the Bad Boy days when he Isaiah and Vinnie Johnson were running things on the perimeter. Stuckey and Rip starting and Will and Ben G. coming off the bench does sound dynamic and pretty much all the guards are interchangeable so there's a lot of flexibility in the back court. But it's the front court that is woefully thin. Barring the Pistons signing another big Kwame and Max would have to split time at center (Kwame playing against the Dwight Howard's and Shaq's and Max playing against smaller line ups)and the rookies would have to play a lot of minutes (not necessarily a bad thing if they can produce). And where does Arron Afflalo fit in? Are the Pistons really picking up Deron Washington? Isn't he another G/F that adds to the logjam in the back court? I can't help but think that Joe isn't quite done. I can't imagine that he would start the season with Kwame and Max as his centers. He seems to be biding his time, waiting for the right deal with the right player. But how long can he afford to wait?

2. The Pistons are going to trade Rip and/or Arron and/or Walter Sharpe for a decent post player.

I was sold on the Rip Hamilton for Carlos Boozer trade when the Pistons picked up Gordon, but there are pros and cons to consider.

Pro. Detroit needs a low post presence and Boozer seems to fit the bill. Also, there isn't enough time in a game for Detroit to play all their guards substantial minutes.

Con. Boozer seems to get hurt a lot and there are nagging character questions. Not to mention we just signed a PF so Boozer would probably have to play the 5.

Pro. Boozer's contract comes off the books after this year giving Detroit financial flexibility in 2010. Rip has four years left on his deal.

Con. Boozer is reportedly not much of a defender while Rip is very good in stretches. Also, Rip has championship experience while Boozer has only "I came off the bench in the Olympics" experience which the Pistons already have with Tay.

So, as you can see, it's three Cons to two Pros against the trade. Arron and Walter on the other hand I could very easily see getting shipped for a serviceable big. Which is a little sad because AA is one of Detroit's best on-ball defenders. And he can guard three positions.

So we wait. But while we wait here's three keys to success for next season.

1. Stuckey

Flat out Stuckey. Does he have a consistent jumper? Has his defense improved? OK, let's stop right there. If Stuckey can consistently hit that mid-range jumper, mix in a respectable three point percentage (over 30% is doable) and play pressure defense then Detroit will have a much better year. The guy is fearless going to the rack, he's big, he's strong, he's got a good attitude. His point guard skills will come with experience, ask Billups.

2. The Rooks

Can any of these guys make an impact his season? From what I hear Jerebko is the most ready and at reportedly 6'10" 231 lbs. he can play either forward spot. He has been described as tough and versatile, sounds good. Summers and Daye are intriguing. Daye is skilled but physically lacking, Summers looks like he's ready physically and apparently is a shooter. But how is his rebounding? Does he have a post game at 6'8" 240? Ideally all three of these guys (and a greatly improved Deron Washington) will be able to contribute right away.

3. Coach K

I like him. I watched his induction and he seemed like a stand-up guy who knew what he was talking about. He's got experience. He's been on some pretty good teams ('04 Pistons World Champions) and he seems like a good fit. There is definitely going to be some pressure because he's in Detroit and Pistons fans think if you don't win the Central and at least make the ECF then you better refund your salary and get out of town. But what can I say, the bar has been set pretty high. Anyway, good luck Coach. We'll be praying for you.

THE NEWS OF THE DAY

-Gave my first charge ever at a wedding this weekend. Used Ephesians 5. The wedding was outside, it was hot and I was sweating on my notes. And on my face. I did not marry the couple of course because there is no "power vested in me" so to speak.

-Stop watching Charlie the Unicorn, it will rot your brain. "We're on a bridge Charlie!"

-The saying, "You only live once" is tricky.

-It is sometimes hard for me to discuss/debate topics because a)sometimes the topic while "biblical" in concept has no real bearing on how I live my life and therefore is relgated to the unenviable position of "nice to know things that are biblical in concept but have no real bearing on my life" i.e. the validity of slavery as a biblical concept or myriad other subjects. I have never had a servant/slave and I never will. While I appreciate that Jesus never spoke against slavery as a practice I can see how "loving my neighbor as myself" would probably prohibit me from keeping slaves and b)if the subject being debated does have actual "liveable" worth I usually already have taken a position on the subject. If anyone would care to know my position I would be happy to explain it to them and have them decide the validity of my stance. I would be happy to answer any questions they may have regarding said stance and the reason I subscribe/hold/endorse said position. Intellectual/verbal fencing (while sometimes an exciting spectator's sport) has too much potential to become emotional bloodletting sprinkled with veiled (or obvious) personal attacks. I'd rather spend my time reconnecting with loved ones, interacting with them, hopefully building them up/encouraging them and maybe, just maybe, letting down my guard and really sharing my heart with the few people in this world I trust. But I'm getting ahead of myself here.

-Everywhere you live will have its good points and bad point so just go where God leads. Stop trying to figure everything out, no one can.

-People fill their lives hoping to find that one thing, that one thing that's gonna be the answer. If people are honest that is what everyone is looking for and it gets depressing for those who think they found it and it turns out that what they found just wasn't it. It's Christ, and that's easy to write and so much harder for people( particularly people with a lot of things) to accept. And christians, we want crutches.

-It' hard for me to write fiction with an outline.

-Also, get off Rodney Stuckey, haters. He came from a small college program, he began playing with the most established starting five in the NBA and he's still learning. Chauncey Billups wasn't a great point guard when the Piston's signed him. Stuckey is obviously talented so step off.

-Nighty night