Glenn
09-25-2007, 10:05 AM
Rookies expected to make impact
by A. Sherrod Blakely
Tuesday September 25, 2007, 8:10 AM
AUBURN HILLS -- When the Detroit Pistons open training camp next week, you can bet Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo will be partaking in the early morning rite of passage most NBA rookies go through -- getting doughnuts and coffee for the veterans.
But Detroit's two first-round picks in last June's NBA draft are expected to provide more than Boston Creme and jelly-filled pastries.
They were drafted not only because of their talent, but also with the expectation that they could contribute immediately to a veteran team that's in need of an infusion of youthful talent.
"I spoke about going forward and not being stagnant and not being complacent," said Joe Dumars, Detroit's president of basketball operations. "I think when you add a couple young men like this, what it does is it lets your entire organization, your city, your fans, your media, it lets everybody know that complacency and the status quo will not be tolerated. We will continue to bring in young guys like this who are mature and mentally and physically ready to step on the floor and compete."
Stuckey, drafted by the Pistons with the No. 15 overall pick, understands that unlike previous Detroit first-round picks, he will be counted on to make an immediate impact.
"He (Dumars) is not looking for a guy to sit on the bench for a couple years," Stuckey said. "He's looking for a guy to come in and help right away. I think I can be that."
Stuckey will get first crack at being the backup to point guard Chauncey Billups, who turned 31 years old on Tuesday. (happy b-day Chauncey!!) The 6-foot-5 Stuckey will have to beat out Lindsey Hunter and Flip Murray for the job. That shouldn't be too difficult considering Hunter has agreed to a reduced role as a player (and will spend more time helping coach the team's young players like Stuckey); while Murray is likely to be traded.
"Whatever they need me to do, I'm willing to do it," Stuckey said.
Afflalo, a four-year standout at UCLA, brings a similar mindset to the court.
During the summer months in Los Angeles, the Compton, Calif. native recalls pick-up games with NBA players such as Billups and fellow Compton, Calif. native, Tayshaun Prince.
"Those guys are extremely great players, and great competitors," said Afflalo, who is expected to play behind Prince and Richard Hamilton. (Hayes?)
"Even in a setting such as an open run in a gym, those guys continue to compete and play to win, and play with heart. I'm the same way.
Whenever I step on the floor, whether I'm in the park or an open gym or playing here for the Pistons, I'm going to put my heart into it. I think anybody can appreciate that."
Detroit will have two other rookies - Sammy Mejia from Depaul, and Senegalese big man Cheick Samb - in camp as well.
While they will serve as Detroit's youngest players in camp, they represent just a part of the Pistons' youth movement.
After bouncing in and out of the rotation a year ago, third-year forward Jason Maxiell is expected to get consistent minutes this season. He's expected to come off the bench, but there's a chance the 6-foot-7 forward might be in the starting lineup.
Another third-year player, Amir Johnson, is also expected to get more playing time this season.
"We gotta keep bringing in young blood," Dumars said. "It's one thing that's clear to me. Young blood, new blood, athleticism, all that stuff ... it's time for that influx to start having an impact on this team going forward."
by A. Sherrod Blakely
Tuesday September 25, 2007, 8:10 AM
AUBURN HILLS -- When the Detroit Pistons open training camp next week, you can bet Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo will be partaking in the early morning rite of passage most NBA rookies go through -- getting doughnuts and coffee for the veterans.
But Detroit's two first-round picks in last June's NBA draft are expected to provide more than Boston Creme and jelly-filled pastries.
They were drafted not only because of their talent, but also with the expectation that they could contribute immediately to a veteran team that's in need of an infusion of youthful talent.
"I spoke about going forward and not being stagnant and not being complacent," said Joe Dumars, Detroit's president of basketball operations. "I think when you add a couple young men like this, what it does is it lets your entire organization, your city, your fans, your media, it lets everybody know that complacency and the status quo will not be tolerated. We will continue to bring in young guys like this who are mature and mentally and physically ready to step on the floor and compete."
Stuckey, drafted by the Pistons with the No. 15 overall pick, understands that unlike previous Detroit first-round picks, he will be counted on to make an immediate impact.
"He (Dumars) is not looking for a guy to sit on the bench for a couple years," Stuckey said. "He's looking for a guy to come in and help right away. I think I can be that."
Stuckey will get first crack at being the backup to point guard Chauncey Billups, who turned 31 years old on Tuesday. (happy b-day Chauncey!!) The 6-foot-5 Stuckey will have to beat out Lindsey Hunter and Flip Murray for the job. That shouldn't be too difficult considering Hunter has agreed to a reduced role as a player (and will spend more time helping coach the team's young players like Stuckey); while Murray is likely to be traded.
"Whatever they need me to do, I'm willing to do it," Stuckey said.
Afflalo, a four-year standout at UCLA, brings a similar mindset to the court.
During the summer months in Los Angeles, the Compton, Calif. native recalls pick-up games with NBA players such as Billups and fellow Compton, Calif. native, Tayshaun Prince.
"Those guys are extremely great players, and great competitors," said Afflalo, who is expected to play behind Prince and Richard Hamilton. (Hayes?)
"Even in a setting such as an open run in a gym, those guys continue to compete and play to win, and play with heart. I'm the same way.
Whenever I step on the floor, whether I'm in the park or an open gym or playing here for the Pistons, I'm going to put my heart into it. I think anybody can appreciate that."
Detroit will have two other rookies - Sammy Mejia from Depaul, and Senegalese big man Cheick Samb - in camp as well.
While they will serve as Detroit's youngest players in camp, they represent just a part of the Pistons' youth movement.
After bouncing in and out of the rotation a year ago, third-year forward Jason Maxiell is expected to get consistent minutes this season. He's expected to come off the bench, but there's a chance the 6-foot-7 forward might be in the starting lineup.
Another third-year player, Amir Johnson, is also expected to get more playing time this season.
"We gotta keep bringing in young blood," Dumars said. "It's one thing that's clear to me. Young blood, new blood, athleticism, all that stuff ... it's time for that influx to start having an impact on this team going forward."