Maybe I should leave the photoshopping to Tony.psd.
One could easily argue that the Detroit Pistons had one of the busiest offseasons. They're making more moves than Ford Motors! Actually, I take that back...I shouldn't make jokes about the dying American car industry...
With two of the most expensive free agents added to the Pistons roster this year, are they going to be able to break into the top 5 in the East?
Jump for some more thoughts.
Offseason Additions
VIA DRAFT
Austin Daye (No. 15)
DaJuan Summers (No. 35)
Jonas Jerebko (No. 39)
VIA FREE AGENCY
Ben Gordon (from Bulls)
Charlie Villanueva (from Bucks)
Ben Wallace (from Suns)
Chris Wilcox (from Knicks)
Offseason Subtractions
VIA FREE AGENCY
Rasheed Wallace (to Celtics)
VIA TRADE
Arron Afflalo (to Nuggets)
Amir Johnson (to Bucks)
Walter Sharpe (to Nuggets)
RENOUNCED
Allen Iverson
Antonio McDyess (to Spurs)
Walter Herrmann
WAIVED
Fabricio Oberto
Woooooowwwww. That's some crazy ish for Joe Dumars to be pulling in a city that can barely take care of its own people. I know, I shouldn't rag on Detroit and its financial problems, but I feel a sort of connection to the city now - more on that later.
Rewinding 2k8-2k9 Season: 39-43
For some odd reason, Joe Dumars thought practice wasn't important so he traded Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson.
It unfortunately did not answer much.
A.I. never really found his role on the Pistons, ended up becoming the 6th man, developed "back problems' at the end of the season and rarely played. The Pistons ended their season as the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference and had a quick 1st round exit to the Cavaliers.
Projecting 2k9-2k10 Season: 41-41
Q: What happens when you sign Ben Gordon for 5 years at $55 million and Charlie V. for 5 years at $35 million?
A: You don't win very much.
Don't get me wrong, Ben Gordon was huge in the Bulls-Celtics series. He's a great shooter and can turn on his Pistons (get it?) at any given point. Awesome offensive power and the man you want for that last minute three.
But that's about it. As Warriors fans, we know all about volume shooters (see: Jamal Crawford) and know the problems with running your team through that. $11 mil a year? That's a lot to dedicate to a one-dimensional player. Again, we know all about that as Warriors fans (see: Corey Maggette.)
As for Charlie Villanueva, as much as I love following him on Twitter, I don't like following his game on the court. He's got talent, but not enough to justify that new contract. He's basically another Al Harrington, so ask yourself, would you pay big Al $7 mil a year?
My review about Joe Dumars this offseason?
R Dizzle's Predictions
- The Detroit Pistons end up 8th Place in the Eastern Conference
- Get swept by the Cavaliers (again?!?)
- Eric Gordon averages 25 points and 5 assists
- Joe Dumars publicly admits trading Chauncey Billups was a mistake
For more on the Pistons check out Motown String Music.
