Glenn
12-31-2007, 01:34 PM
:langlois:
Monday, December 31, 2007
Tony (Bloomfield Hills): Just got back from Chicago and the big news there was the Scott Skiles firing. It seems that Ben Wallace was instrumental in the “player coup.” How can a guy go from being a vital cog in a smooth-running machine to a locker-room cancer in such a short time?
Langlois: From what I know, Tony, it sounds like a lot of Bulls players had tuned out Skiles. I think he’s a terrific coach, but like most coaches these days, there’s a statute of limitations on how long any voice resonates among a basketball team. There is such interaction between coach and players in basketball the way the game has evolved – every possession involves a coach’s commands and, thus, begs his scrutiny – that a basketball coach wears out his welcome faster than any other sport. It’s why the rare coach with tenure – Utah’s Jerry Sloan the shining example – is nearly a relic these days.
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Kevin (Bloomfield Hills): When is the trade deadline this season? I’m not much on proposing trades, but since Miami is in the market for a backup center and a guard, how about Flip Murray and Primoz Brezec to the Heat for Alexander Johnson? That would clear up a roster spot for No. 84.
Langlois: The trade deadline is Feb. 22. It might be too late for Miami to make a run by then. Your trade simply won’t work under salary-cap parameters. Murray and Brezec make around $4.5 million combined and Johnson is under $700,000. Not a match. Also, I just wouldn’t expect Webber to be coming back. The Pistons are quite happy with Amir Johnson and Brezec as the fourth and fifth bigs. You have to ask yourself this: Would Webber really be happy coming back when he might be looking at the same number of DNP-CDs as Brezec or Johnson sometimes get? And would the Pistons risk their harmonious locker room by bringing in an ex-superstar who would suddenly be nothing but a spot reserve?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oriel (Panama): I’m excited about how the team is playing and winning, but I’m concerned about Amir Johnson’s playing time.
Langlois: Nice to have such worries, isn’t it, Oriel? Yeah, the Pistons would love to give Amir Johnson more playing time, but the reality is that Jason Maxiell has locked up the No. 3 big man role and Antonio McDyess has been terrific playing 30 minutes as a starter. Where are the minutes going to materialize? On nights the Pistons play athletic teams that play small, Amir will be the No. 4 big man. On other nights, that will be Primoz Brezec. The good news is that as well as Rasheed Wallace, McDyess and Maxiell are playing, it’s giving the Pistons plenty of chances to play Johnson in blowout wins – and the more exposure he gets there, the more comfortable they’ll be with him in other situations. Chances are he’ll get his shot again if nagging injuries hit.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hameed: Do you think the Pistons will make any more trades, sign free agents or anything like that before the trade deadline?
Langlois: Joe Dumars never stops looking for ways to improve the roster, Hameed, so I wouldn’t rule anything out. The Pistons do have unusual depth right now. If he sees a way to package two or three players for someone who would obviously improve their chances to win a title this year without crippling their chances to compete for future titles, then, sure, he would consider that. But there’s absolutely nothing concrete on the radar screen now.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jerry (Canton): How well do you think the Pistons would match up with San Antonio, Dallas or Phoenix in a seven-game series?
Langlois: I’d take the Pistons over Dallas and Phoenix. San Antonio would be a toss-up. But there’s a long way to go until June.
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Clifford (Detroit): In 2004, the Pistons were the best defensive team in the league. What teams do you have ahead of the Pistons defensively this season?
Langlois: Boston is pretty clearly the best defensive team statistically so far, Clifford. The Celtics led the league in points allowed (86.25), point differential (13.9) and opponent field-goal percentage (.412) going into Saturday’s games. The Pistons were second in every category. San Antonio ranked third in both points allowed and differential, but the Spurs – surprisingly, because they’ll always be mentioned by NBA coaches as among the league’s top defensive teams – rank only 20th in field-goal percentage at .455. I don’t think Boston’s ranking is a fluke, either, although I wouldn’t be surprised if their gaps shrink over the next few weeks as their schedule stiffens a little bit.
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David (Detroit): What do you think the Pistons are going to do with Flip Murray? I predict he will be gone at the All-Star break or shortly after.
Langlois: It wouldn’t surprise me if something happened by the trade deadline, David. With Rodney Stuckey back and Arron Afflalo having won Flip Saunders’ confidence with his staunch defense and mistake-free play at the other end and Lindsey Hunter ready in a pinch, there’s no role left for him here. You’d think there would be a market for a player who has Murray’s one-on-one offensive skills. But there aren’t many teams looking to take on contracts right now and the Pistons would only take back someone who has an expiring deal to match Murray’s – unless something too good to pass on came along.
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Mike: Will any team be willing to offer a second-round pick for Flip Murray? I’ve been a huge Chris Webber fan, but I think the Pistons should not sign him, though a quality big man would be nice to add. Any thoughts on draft picks in the late first round and early second with the pick the Pistons get from Minnesota?
Langlois: As the trade deadline draws closer in late February, the market defines itself. It all depends on the needs of teams in the playoff mix. Much like last season, it appears there will be many teams – especially in the Eastern Conference – still believing that they’re one hot week or one key acquisition away from surging in the standings. In that case, someone might look around and decide a quality veteran guard who can score and handle both backcourt positions – read: Flip Murray – would be an attractive pickup on the cheap because of his favorable contract.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Travis (Chicago): It seems the backups we’ve had for Prince in the past few years – Maurice Evans, Carlos Delfino and now Jarvis Hayes – have struggled to find their rhythm. With Hayes being a free agent, are the Pistons in a Catch-22 with him? If he performs well, he’ll get more money elsewhere; if he doesn’t, the Pistons might not want to sign him.
Langlois: What you describe is pretty much the situation with every player on the last year of his contract. It’s just too soon to say what the future holds for Hayes and the Pistons. I know this much: The Pistons are really happy with him and he with them. He’s been a great fit in the locker room and his coaches and teammates have shown nothing but confidence in him since he got here. Now, that would be threatened if his shooting slump continues, but he’s shown signs recently – and his 13-point quarter Friday night was certainly the best one yet – that it won’t last. I don’t sense Hayes’ self-confidence is nearly as fragile as Delfino’s seemed to be.
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Brandon (Orion Township): Do you think Flip should play Brezec more often? He only plays in the fourth quarter.
Langlois: Who should Flip sit to let Brezec play? I think Brezec is a terrific No. 4 or No. 5 big man. I think he could be an adequate No. 3 big man and you could get away with using him as a starter, even. But there’s no way I’d advocate sitting Wallace, McDyess or Maxiell to open more minutes for Brezec at this point, Brandon.
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Kris (Kalamazoo): A few months ago you answered a Mailbag question I had asking why I should different about this year’s group given the recent playoff letdowns. Well, I have to say this year has more than made me a believer. My question is do you think Walter Herrmann has a chance to become part of the rotation?
Langlois: Herrmann’s a pretty intriguing guy. I’m really puzzled as to why they weren’t giving him minutes in Charlotte because he really played pretty well over the final few months of last season when given the chance to start. That move he had the other night to score his first points as a Piston was borderline Dr. J stuff – a one-dribble baseline drive and an up-and-under move while cupping the ball in his right hand. That was an eye-opener, because Herrmann’s strength is as a perimeter shooter. It’s hard to see him cracking the rotation as it stands, though, unless Hayes gives him the opening somehow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tony (Houghton): Last year, the third quarter was when the Pistons seemed to lose games. This year, it seems it’s when they are pulling away. Is it just me or are they doing something different?
Langlois: It’s not just you, Tony, but there’s no tangible reason, either. The only thing I would suggest is that it’s another indication of the greater purpose the team has adopted, which is a reflection of the tone set last June when Joe Dumars flatly declared that complacency would no longer be tolerated and jobs were on the line.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alex (Philippines): Going into the season, we were told Amir Johnson would be in the rotation, which he hasn’t been so far. Where is he on the depth chart now? Is he behind Brezec? And with Hayes in a slump, any chance Herrmann gets a shot at playing time?
Langlois: Johnson and Brezec’s minutes are going to depend partly on performance and largely on the opposition – Johnson more likely to play against athletic power forwards and Brezec against traditional post players. Herrmann has to make great use of limited opportunity in order to force his way into the rotation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kartik: It’s obvious Amir Johnson is not ready right now and will not be a significant contributor this year. I don’t see him getting minutes as long as Rasheed, Antonio and Maxiell are there. How about a trade of Amir, Flip and Walter Herrmann for Mike Miller?
Langlois: I don’t think it’s obvious that Amir Johnson isn’t capable of contributing this year. He has a way to go, especially on the defensive end, but he does so many eye-opening things and is still so young – he won’t be 21 until May – that the Pistons would have to be getting something really significant back in trade. Miller’s a talented player, but doesn’t really address a particular need.
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Trevor (Woodhaven): Since the 2000-01 season, only three of the 14 No. 1 seeds have advanced to the NBA Finals and only one has won a championship. Of the 14 No. 2 seeds, nine have made the Finals and five have been NBA champions. Don’t the numbers seem to suggest it’s advantageous to let Boston run away with the East?
Langlois: Fascinating numbers, Trevor. I’ll take your word for their accuracy. But I wouldn’t make too much of it. I think the Pistons will make every reasonable effort to win as many games as possible. If that’s good enough to get them the No. 1 seed and home-court advantage against Boston, so be it. If it’s not, I don’t think the Pistons will be fazed at the prospect of playing the Celtics without home-court advantage, either.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve: Rip said recently that his role had changed since last season. What did he mean by that?
Langlois: Hmmm. I didn’t hear him say that, so I’m not sure of the context. Maybe it’s changed in subtle ways, but it sure hasn’t changed fundamentally. He said before the season started that he wanted to stay in attack mode more often this season, which doesn’t necessarily mean what it might appear to – he’s just looking to attack openings when they present themselves and to move even more relentlessly without the ball to wear his man down.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Tony (Bloomfield Hills): Just got back from Chicago and the big news there was the Scott Skiles firing. It seems that Ben Wallace was instrumental in the “player coup.” How can a guy go from being a vital cog in a smooth-running machine to a locker-room cancer in such a short time?
Langlois: From what I know, Tony, it sounds like a lot of Bulls players had tuned out Skiles. I think he’s a terrific coach, but like most coaches these days, there’s a statute of limitations on how long any voice resonates among a basketball team. There is such interaction between coach and players in basketball the way the game has evolved – every possession involves a coach’s commands and, thus, begs his scrutiny – that a basketball coach wears out his welcome faster than any other sport. It’s why the rare coach with tenure – Utah’s Jerry Sloan the shining example – is nearly a relic these days.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kevin (Bloomfield Hills): When is the trade deadline this season? I’m not much on proposing trades, but since Miami is in the market for a backup center and a guard, how about Flip Murray and Primoz Brezec to the Heat for Alexander Johnson? That would clear up a roster spot for No. 84.
Langlois: The trade deadline is Feb. 22. It might be too late for Miami to make a run by then. Your trade simply won’t work under salary-cap parameters. Murray and Brezec make around $4.5 million combined and Johnson is under $700,000. Not a match. Also, I just wouldn’t expect Webber to be coming back. The Pistons are quite happy with Amir Johnson and Brezec as the fourth and fifth bigs. You have to ask yourself this: Would Webber really be happy coming back when he might be looking at the same number of DNP-CDs as Brezec or Johnson sometimes get? And would the Pistons risk their harmonious locker room by bringing in an ex-superstar who would suddenly be nothing but a spot reserve?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oriel (Panama): I’m excited about how the team is playing and winning, but I’m concerned about Amir Johnson’s playing time.
Langlois: Nice to have such worries, isn’t it, Oriel? Yeah, the Pistons would love to give Amir Johnson more playing time, but the reality is that Jason Maxiell has locked up the No. 3 big man role and Antonio McDyess has been terrific playing 30 minutes as a starter. Where are the minutes going to materialize? On nights the Pistons play athletic teams that play small, Amir will be the No. 4 big man. On other nights, that will be Primoz Brezec. The good news is that as well as Rasheed Wallace, McDyess and Maxiell are playing, it’s giving the Pistons plenty of chances to play Johnson in blowout wins – and the more exposure he gets there, the more comfortable they’ll be with him in other situations. Chances are he’ll get his shot again if nagging injuries hit.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hameed: Do you think the Pistons will make any more trades, sign free agents or anything like that before the trade deadline?
Langlois: Joe Dumars never stops looking for ways to improve the roster, Hameed, so I wouldn’t rule anything out. The Pistons do have unusual depth right now. If he sees a way to package two or three players for someone who would obviously improve their chances to win a title this year without crippling their chances to compete for future titles, then, sure, he would consider that. But there’s absolutely nothing concrete on the radar screen now.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jerry (Canton): How well do you think the Pistons would match up with San Antonio, Dallas or Phoenix in a seven-game series?
Langlois: I’d take the Pistons over Dallas and Phoenix. San Antonio would be a toss-up. But there’s a long way to go until June.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clifford (Detroit): In 2004, the Pistons were the best defensive team in the league. What teams do you have ahead of the Pistons defensively this season?
Langlois: Boston is pretty clearly the best defensive team statistically so far, Clifford. The Celtics led the league in points allowed (86.25), point differential (13.9) and opponent field-goal percentage (.412) going into Saturday’s games. The Pistons were second in every category. San Antonio ranked third in both points allowed and differential, but the Spurs – surprisingly, because they’ll always be mentioned by NBA coaches as among the league’s top defensive teams – rank only 20th in field-goal percentage at .455. I don’t think Boston’s ranking is a fluke, either, although I wouldn’t be surprised if their gaps shrink over the next few weeks as their schedule stiffens a little bit.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
David (Detroit): What do you think the Pistons are going to do with Flip Murray? I predict he will be gone at the All-Star break or shortly after.
Langlois: It wouldn’t surprise me if something happened by the trade deadline, David. With Rodney Stuckey back and Arron Afflalo having won Flip Saunders’ confidence with his staunch defense and mistake-free play at the other end and Lindsey Hunter ready in a pinch, there’s no role left for him here. You’d think there would be a market for a player who has Murray’s one-on-one offensive skills. But there aren’t many teams looking to take on contracts right now and the Pistons would only take back someone who has an expiring deal to match Murray’s – unless something too good to pass on came along.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mike: Will any team be willing to offer a second-round pick for Flip Murray? I’ve been a huge Chris Webber fan, but I think the Pistons should not sign him, though a quality big man would be nice to add. Any thoughts on draft picks in the late first round and early second with the pick the Pistons get from Minnesota?
Langlois: As the trade deadline draws closer in late February, the market defines itself. It all depends on the needs of teams in the playoff mix. Much like last season, it appears there will be many teams – especially in the Eastern Conference – still believing that they’re one hot week or one key acquisition away from surging in the standings. In that case, someone might look around and decide a quality veteran guard who can score and handle both backcourt positions – read: Flip Murray – would be an attractive pickup on the cheap because of his favorable contract.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Travis (Chicago): It seems the backups we’ve had for Prince in the past few years – Maurice Evans, Carlos Delfino and now Jarvis Hayes – have struggled to find their rhythm. With Hayes being a free agent, are the Pistons in a Catch-22 with him? If he performs well, he’ll get more money elsewhere; if he doesn’t, the Pistons might not want to sign him.
Langlois: What you describe is pretty much the situation with every player on the last year of his contract. It’s just too soon to say what the future holds for Hayes and the Pistons. I know this much: The Pistons are really happy with him and he with them. He’s been a great fit in the locker room and his coaches and teammates have shown nothing but confidence in him since he got here. Now, that would be threatened if his shooting slump continues, but he’s shown signs recently – and his 13-point quarter Friday night was certainly the best one yet – that it won’t last. I don’t sense Hayes’ self-confidence is nearly as fragile as Delfino’s seemed to be.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brandon (Orion Township): Do you think Flip should play Brezec more often? He only plays in the fourth quarter.
Langlois: Who should Flip sit to let Brezec play? I think Brezec is a terrific No. 4 or No. 5 big man. I think he could be an adequate No. 3 big man and you could get away with using him as a starter, even. But there’s no way I’d advocate sitting Wallace, McDyess or Maxiell to open more minutes for Brezec at this point, Brandon.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kris (Kalamazoo): A few months ago you answered a Mailbag question I had asking why I should different about this year’s group given the recent playoff letdowns. Well, I have to say this year has more than made me a believer. My question is do you think Walter Herrmann has a chance to become part of the rotation?
Langlois: Herrmann’s a pretty intriguing guy. I’m really puzzled as to why they weren’t giving him minutes in Charlotte because he really played pretty well over the final few months of last season when given the chance to start. That move he had the other night to score his first points as a Piston was borderline Dr. J stuff – a one-dribble baseline drive and an up-and-under move while cupping the ball in his right hand. That was an eye-opener, because Herrmann’s strength is as a perimeter shooter. It’s hard to see him cracking the rotation as it stands, though, unless Hayes gives him the opening somehow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tony (Houghton): Last year, the third quarter was when the Pistons seemed to lose games. This year, it seems it’s when they are pulling away. Is it just me or are they doing something different?
Langlois: It’s not just you, Tony, but there’s no tangible reason, either. The only thing I would suggest is that it’s another indication of the greater purpose the team has adopted, which is a reflection of the tone set last June when Joe Dumars flatly declared that complacency would no longer be tolerated and jobs were on the line.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alex (Philippines): Going into the season, we were told Amir Johnson would be in the rotation, which he hasn’t been so far. Where is he on the depth chart now? Is he behind Brezec? And with Hayes in a slump, any chance Herrmann gets a shot at playing time?
Langlois: Johnson and Brezec’s minutes are going to depend partly on performance and largely on the opposition – Johnson more likely to play against athletic power forwards and Brezec against traditional post players. Herrmann has to make great use of limited opportunity in order to force his way into the rotation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kartik: It’s obvious Amir Johnson is not ready right now and will not be a significant contributor this year. I don’t see him getting minutes as long as Rasheed, Antonio and Maxiell are there. How about a trade of Amir, Flip and Walter Herrmann for Mike Miller?
Langlois: I don’t think it’s obvious that Amir Johnson isn’t capable of contributing this year. He has a way to go, especially on the defensive end, but he does so many eye-opening things and is still so young – he won’t be 21 until May – that the Pistons would have to be getting something really significant back in trade. Miller’s a talented player, but doesn’t really address a particular need.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trevor (Woodhaven): Since the 2000-01 season, only three of the 14 No. 1 seeds have advanced to the NBA Finals and only one has won a championship. Of the 14 No. 2 seeds, nine have made the Finals and five have been NBA champions. Don’t the numbers seem to suggest it’s advantageous to let Boston run away with the East?
Langlois: Fascinating numbers, Trevor. I’ll take your word for their accuracy. But I wouldn’t make too much of it. I think the Pistons will make every reasonable effort to win as many games as possible. If that’s good enough to get them the No. 1 seed and home-court advantage against Boston, so be it. If it’s not, I don’t think the Pistons will be fazed at the prospect of playing the Celtics without home-court advantage, either.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve: Rip said recently that his role had changed since last season. What did he mean by that?
Langlois: Hmmm. I didn’t hear him say that, so I’m not sure of the context. Maybe it’s changed in subtle ways, but it sure hasn’t changed fundamentally. He said before the season started that he wanted to stay in attack mode more often this season, which doesn’t necessarily mean what it might appear to – he’s just looking to attack openings when they present themselves and to move even more relentlessly without the ball to wear his man down.