Glenn
01-03-2008, 03:12 PM
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Matthew: I’ve read some sites that say the Pistons get Minnesota’s second-round pick this year and others that say they can defer it until next year. Could you clear this up?
Langlois: I’ve been told repeatedly that the Pistons get that pick this season, Matthew. That’s the pick the Pistons got for shipping Ronald Dupree to the Timberwolves after the 2005 season. Dupree spent one year with Minnesota, his contract expired and then he came back to the Pistons. That second-rounder should be the 31st pick in the draft, too, and it’s supposed to be another deep talent pool – so the Pistons could get someone comparable to Arron Afflalo if things fall right for them.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harsh (Rochester): How will Flip Saunders and Joe Dumars ensure a stronger mind-set for the playoffs this year than the Pistons have had in the past few seasons?
Langlois: The only way they can, Harsh – by staying vigilant throughout the regular season to keep the “complacency” that Joe Dumars identified when last season ended at bay. There’s no question Pistons veterans have attacked the regular season differently this year than last.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tim: I’ve noticed that the Bulls could be shopping Ben Wallace. Is it reasonable to consider taking him back at a discount price?
Langlois: That’s as close to a “no-chance” deal as exists, Tim. Not because there are hard feelings on either side, either. It’s strictly a business deal – Ben Wallace makes way too much money given his level of production, which is exactly why the Bulls would be looking to move him. He has two years and the rest of this one still coming. No one wants to assume almost $40 million in salary for a guy shooting 33 percent and scoring 4.5 points a game who is no longer a dominant rebounder or defender.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christian (Grosse Pointe): I read on Yahoo! that Ben Wallace may soon be traded from the Bulls. Is there any chance the Pistons could get him? Maybe sending Flip Murray, Antonio McDyess and a second-round pick that we got in the Delfino deal would work for both Chicago and us. I know Ben wouldn't mind, but would Joe welcome him back?
Langlois: The Pistons would not consider that deal, Christian. McDyess has been a far more productive player than Wallace this year and he’ll make half as much over the next two seasons.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T.J. (Sparta): With the young talent in Jason Maxiell, Rodney Stuckey, Arron Afflalo, Amir Johnson and Cheikh Samb coupled with the scouting and drafting ability of Joe dumars, it would seem the Pistons are set for the future. Provided these guys stay with the team and satisfy expectations, will the Pistons still be an elite team after the current starters pass the torch?
Langlois: If all five of those guys meet expectations, then the Pistons have a very solid core going forward, T.J. But it’s important to keep adding assets and looking for ways to improve the roster, of course. One reason the Pistons are so good this year is because all those young guys are coming off the bench and contributing. If they move into starters’ roles, they’ll need their own cast of young players and veterans supporting them off the bench.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ali (East Lansing): The Pistons have been playing well in the regular season again, but they’ve failed in the playoffs the last two seasons. Do you think when they had four players sent to the All-Star game, they kind of relaxed and felt it was good enough?
Langlois: It’s a lot more complicated than that, Ali. Two years ago they got beat by a very good Miami team with Dwyane Wade playing at an unbelievably high level and Shaquille O’Neal still close to his prime. Last year is tougher to explain. Joe Dumars spoke openly about complacency. I think an equally big factor is the failings of the Pistons’ bench last year. That’s why I like this team’s chances much better.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nick (Oxford, England): When LeBron scored 40-plus in the conference finals against our best defender, Tayshaun Prince – do you think if Prince bulked up he would not be so overwhelmed when they meet?
Langlois: On balance, Prince does about as well as anyone containing James. Nobody was going to shackle him that night. It’s the best individual performance I’ve ever seen. Prince is what he is. He’s never going to become a muscleman, but he’s wiry enough to hold his own against most mortals. Nobody in the NBA has the necessary size, strength and quickness to keep LeBron in check forever.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tobias (Voehringen, Germany): Can you tell me why the Pistons, the second-best team in the league, don’t draw as many headlines as the other top teams? Boston, Orlando, San Antonio and Dallas all get more attention. What’s up?
Langlois: The NBA is star-driven, Tobias, and while the Pistons pride themselves on having a bunch of very good players who sacrifice statistics for the greater good, they don’t have anyone with the magnetic appeal of Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James or that ilk. That’s OK. They feed off of that.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mac (San Diego): Longtime Pistons fan who just discovered Mailbag. I was kicking something around with friends the other night. Dwyane Wade is a free agent after 2009. Could you see him taking less money to play for Detroit?
Langlois: If there are teams far enough under the salary cap to offer a maximum contract, every one of them would offer it to Wade. Miami, because of the way the collective bargaining agreement is structured, will still be able to offer more years at a higher rate. It’s possible, though unlikely, that Wade will leave Miami. But I’d be stunned if he came to Detroit. For whatever reason, he’s been pretty outspoken about his dislike for the Pistons. It would be a stretch for him to join the team. I’d make it 90-10 that he stays in Miami.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve (Toledo): Minutes are not always equal. True, the starters are playing fewer minutes but the minutes they are playing take much more energy. My question is, will the starters be any more rested this year than last given they are playing harder in the minutes they actually are on the court?
Langlois: I don’t know that I’m buying your premise, Steve. But, yeah, I think they’ll be a much fresher team down the stretch if their minutes stay in the low 30s.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allie (Las Vegas): My friend who lives in Michigan heard on the radio that the reason Amir hasn’t played is because he’s dogging it in practice. Is there any truth to that?
Langlois: No. He isn’t a rotation fixture yet because he’s got three terrific big men playing ahead of him. But the Pistons love Amir’s enthusiasm for the game. There’s never been a hint of him dogging it. When the Pistons had Amir Johnson in for a predraft workout in 2005, the first thing that struck them about him – as he was out dunking at 8 o’clock in the morning – was that here was a kid who loved playing basketball. Nothing’s changed on that front.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ziga (Slovenia): Who do you think is the most versatile player in the NBA? I would put Tayshaun Prince right behind Andrei Kirilenko and Kevin Garnett.
Langlois: Those are three good ones, Ziga. Jason Kidd, besides his terrific playmaking, is a great rebounder and defender, though his knee injuries have taken a toll. Kobe Bryant is more than a great scorer. Those are the ones that come to mind.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clifford (Detroit): The Pistons arguably have the best starting five in the NBA. Do you see all five starters making it to the NBA Hall of Fame?
Langlois: Wow – that’s a pretty heavy thought to digest. I’d say they all have some work to do, Clifford. It would certainly help their case if the Pistons won another NBA title or two. Antonio McDyess was headed that way before knee injuries robbed him essentially of three seasons. Chauncey Billups has a Finals MVP award on his mantel. A few more All-Star appearances and four or five more years of high production would boost his and Rip Hamilton’s chances. Tayshaun Prince won’t have the numbers, so he’ll need championships and All-Star appearances. Rasheed Wallace might lose the PR campaign and doesn’t put up big numbers, though I wouldn’t argue with anyone who suggested he’d be a worthy inductee.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee (Oklahoma): What do you think about going back to the old system of drafting players by means of a territorial draft? If they had a territorial draft every fourth year, it would not only change pro basketball but affect colleges, as well, since players might stick around longer to get drafted by the NBA team of their choice.
Langlois: The territorial draft makes sense for fledgling leagues trying to play off of a built-in familiarity. But the NBA is past that and, besides, there’s very little built-in familiarity anymore because the best players only stay in college a year. When Zach Randolph stayed at Michigan State one season, I don’t think the Pistons would have gotten any great bounce by holding his rights. Sure, the Cleveland Cavaliers would have loved to have gotten Greg Oden, but territorial drafts aren’t going to do much for franchises in cities without a great pool of basketball talent. Milwaukee, Minnesota, Toronto, Portland, Sacramento and several other franchises would put up great resistance to the idea of a territorial draft. And who would hold rights to players from Europe, Asia, Africa and South America?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kenstop (Dudley, England): I noticed that Rasheed Wallace has been taking lots of 3-point attempts this season. Don’t you think he should focus on post-ups more?
Langlois: Of his 340 attempts through Wednesday’s win at Washington, 35 percent (118) have been 3-pointers, Kenstop. Compare that to two years ago when 41 percent of his attempts were triples. I think the coaches are perfectly comfortable with that ratio. He’s shooting 42 percent overall but 36 percent from beyond the arc, so you could make the case that he’s a more efficient scorer outside the arc than inside the paint – but I wouldn’t suggest he should take more triples, either. It’s important to get something out of him inside, too, to keep defenses honest.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Josh (Livonia): Aside from Jason Maxiell, who would you say will emerge as their most important role players by the time March rolls around?
Langlois: Their depth has been one of the two or three most impressive things about the Pistons so far this season, Josh, along with their game-in focus and their unselfishness. So they all have important roles. But Rodney Stuckey’s contributions will increase. Jarvis Hayes is important for the scorer’s mentality he provides. Arron Afflalo strong defense and steady play has been impressive, as well.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joe (Traverse City): Where are Alex Acker and Sammy Mejia? Do the Pistons still own their rights?
Langlois: Mejia’s in Fort Wayne, playing for the Pistons’ Development League affiliate, but they do not own his rights. He could sign with any NBA team right now if they pursue him. And that could happen. Mejia is the current D-League Player of the Week after a week in which he had a 41-point game and averaged 31.7 points and 7.6 rebounds. If no NBA team signs Mejia this season, then I would expect the Pistons to sign him to their summer roster again and bring him to camp unless he gets a better offer elsewhere. Acker is playing professionally in Spain this season. The Pistons still hold his NBA rights. It remains to be seen if they bring him over this summer and invite him to training camp.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spencer: How good is Walter Herrmann and what could he do for the Pistons?
Langlois: Good enough that he started for Charlotte late last season and was very impressive. It’s a mystery to me why he wasn’t getting many minutes with the Bobcats this year. To work his way into the rotation in Detroit, though, he’ll probably have to beat out Jarvis Hayes. And Hayes has been on a tear since Herrmann became active four games ago.
Matthew: I’ve read some sites that say the Pistons get Minnesota’s second-round pick this year and others that say they can defer it until next year. Could you clear this up?
Langlois: I’ve been told repeatedly that the Pistons get that pick this season, Matthew. That’s the pick the Pistons got for shipping Ronald Dupree to the Timberwolves after the 2005 season. Dupree spent one year with Minnesota, his contract expired and then he came back to the Pistons. That second-rounder should be the 31st pick in the draft, too, and it’s supposed to be another deep talent pool – so the Pistons could get someone comparable to Arron Afflalo if things fall right for them.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harsh (Rochester): How will Flip Saunders and Joe Dumars ensure a stronger mind-set for the playoffs this year than the Pistons have had in the past few seasons?
Langlois: The only way they can, Harsh – by staying vigilant throughout the regular season to keep the “complacency” that Joe Dumars identified when last season ended at bay. There’s no question Pistons veterans have attacked the regular season differently this year than last.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tim: I’ve noticed that the Bulls could be shopping Ben Wallace. Is it reasonable to consider taking him back at a discount price?
Langlois: That’s as close to a “no-chance” deal as exists, Tim. Not because there are hard feelings on either side, either. It’s strictly a business deal – Ben Wallace makes way too much money given his level of production, which is exactly why the Bulls would be looking to move him. He has two years and the rest of this one still coming. No one wants to assume almost $40 million in salary for a guy shooting 33 percent and scoring 4.5 points a game who is no longer a dominant rebounder or defender.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christian (Grosse Pointe): I read on Yahoo! that Ben Wallace may soon be traded from the Bulls. Is there any chance the Pistons could get him? Maybe sending Flip Murray, Antonio McDyess and a second-round pick that we got in the Delfino deal would work for both Chicago and us. I know Ben wouldn't mind, but would Joe welcome him back?
Langlois: The Pistons would not consider that deal, Christian. McDyess has been a far more productive player than Wallace this year and he’ll make half as much over the next two seasons.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T.J. (Sparta): With the young talent in Jason Maxiell, Rodney Stuckey, Arron Afflalo, Amir Johnson and Cheikh Samb coupled with the scouting and drafting ability of Joe dumars, it would seem the Pistons are set for the future. Provided these guys stay with the team and satisfy expectations, will the Pistons still be an elite team after the current starters pass the torch?
Langlois: If all five of those guys meet expectations, then the Pistons have a very solid core going forward, T.J. But it’s important to keep adding assets and looking for ways to improve the roster, of course. One reason the Pistons are so good this year is because all those young guys are coming off the bench and contributing. If they move into starters’ roles, they’ll need their own cast of young players and veterans supporting them off the bench.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ali (East Lansing): The Pistons have been playing well in the regular season again, but they’ve failed in the playoffs the last two seasons. Do you think when they had four players sent to the All-Star game, they kind of relaxed and felt it was good enough?
Langlois: It’s a lot more complicated than that, Ali. Two years ago they got beat by a very good Miami team with Dwyane Wade playing at an unbelievably high level and Shaquille O’Neal still close to his prime. Last year is tougher to explain. Joe Dumars spoke openly about complacency. I think an equally big factor is the failings of the Pistons’ bench last year. That’s why I like this team’s chances much better.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nick (Oxford, England): When LeBron scored 40-plus in the conference finals against our best defender, Tayshaun Prince – do you think if Prince bulked up he would not be so overwhelmed when they meet?
Langlois: On balance, Prince does about as well as anyone containing James. Nobody was going to shackle him that night. It’s the best individual performance I’ve ever seen. Prince is what he is. He’s never going to become a muscleman, but he’s wiry enough to hold his own against most mortals. Nobody in the NBA has the necessary size, strength and quickness to keep LeBron in check forever.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tobias (Voehringen, Germany): Can you tell me why the Pistons, the second-best team in the league, don’t draw as many headlines as the other top teams? Boston, Orlando, San Antonio and Dallas all get more attention. What’s up?
Langlois: The NBA is star-driven, Tobias, and while the Pistons pride themselves on having a bunch of very good players who sacrifice statistics for the greater good, they don’t have anyone with the magnetic appeal of Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James or that ilk. That’s OK. They feed off of that.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mac (San Diego): Longtime Pistons fan who just discovered Mailbag. I was kicking something around with friends the other night. Dwyane Wade is a free agent after 2009. Could you see him taking less money to play for Detroit?
Langlois: If there are teams far enough under the salary cap to offer a maximum contract, every one of them would offer it to Wade. Miami, because of the way the collective bargaining agreement is structured, will still be able to offer more years at a higher rate. It’s possible, though unlikely, that Wade will leave Miami. But I’d be stunned if he came to Detroit. For whatever reason, he’s been pretty outspoken about his dislike for the Pistons. It would be a stretch for him to join the team. I’d make it 90-10 that he stays in Miami.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve (Toledo): Minutes are not always equal. True, the starters are playing fewer minutes but the minutes they are playing take much more energy. My question is, will the starters be any more rested this year than last given they are playing harder in the minutes they actually are on the court?
Langlois: I don’t know that I’m buying your premise, Steve. But, yeah, I think they’ll be a much fresher team down the stretch if their minutes stay in the low 30s.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allie (Las Vegas): My friend who lives in Michigan heard on the radio that the reason Amir hasn’t played is because he’s dogging it in practice. Is there any truth to that?
Langlois: No. He isn’t a rotation fixture yet because he’s got three terrific big men playing ahead of him. But the Pistons love Amir’s enthusiasm for the game. There’s never been a hint of him dogging it. When the Pistons had Amir Johnson in for a predraft workout in 2005, the first thing that struck them about him – as he was out dunking at 8 o’clock in the morning – was that here was a kid who loved playing basketball. Nothing’s changed on that front.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ziga (Slovenia): Who do you think is the most versatile player in the NBA? I would put Tayshaun Prince right behind Andrei Kirilenko and Kevin Garnett.
Langlois: Those are three good ones, Ziga. Jason Kidd, besides his terrific playmaking, is a great rebounder and defender, though his knee injuries have taken a toll. Kobe Bryant is more than a great scorer. Those are the ones that come to mind.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clifford (Detroit): The Pistons arguably have the best starting five in the NBA. Do you see all five starters making it to the NBA Hall of Fame?
Langlois: Wow – that’s a pretty heavy thought to digest. I’d say they all have some work to do, Clifford. It would certainly help their case if the Pistons won another NBA title or two. Antonio McDyess was headed that way before knee injuries robbed him essentially of three seasons. Chauncey Billups has a Finals MVP award on his mantel. A few more All-Star appearances and four or five more years of high production would boost his and Rip Hamilton’s chances. Tayshaun Prince won’t have the numbers, so he’ll need championships and All-Star appearances. Rasheed Wallace might lose the PR campaign and doesn’t put up big numbers, though I wouldn’t argue with anyone who suggested he’d be a worthy inductee.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee (Oklahoma): What do you think about going back to the old system of drafting players by means of a territorial draft? If they had a territorial draft every fourth year, it would not only change pro basketball but affect colleges, as well, since players might stick around longer to get drafted by the NBA team of their choice.
Langlois: The territorial draft makes sense for fledgling leagues trying to play off of a built-in familiarity. But the NBA is past that and, besides, there’s very little built-in familiarity anymore because the best players only stay in college a year. When Zach Randolph stayed at Michigan State one season, I don’t think the Pistons would have gotten any great bounce by holding his rights. Sure, the Cleveland Cavaliers would have loved to have gotten Greg Oden, but territorial drafts aren’t going to do much for franchises in cities without a great pool of basketball talent. Milwaukee, Minnesota, Toronto, Portland, Sacramento and several other franchises would put up great resistance to the idea of a territorial draft. And who would hold rights to players from Europe, Asia, Africa and South America?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kenstop (Dudley, England): I noticed that Rasheed Wallace has been taking lots of 3-point attempts this season. Don’t you think he should focus on post-ups more?
Langlois: Of his 340 attempts through Wednesday’s win at Washington, 35 percent (118) have been 3-pointers, Kenstop. Compare that to two years ago when 41 percent of his attempts were triples. I think the coaches are perfectly comfortable with that ratio. He’s shooting 42 percent overall but 36 percent from beyond the arc, so you could make the case that he’s a more efficient scorer outside the arc than inside the paint – but I wouldn’t suggest he should take more triples, either. It’s important to get something out of him inside, too, to keep defenses honest.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Josh (Livonia): Aside from Jason Maxiell, who would you say will emerge as their most important role players by the time March rolls around?
Langlois: Their depth has been one of the two or three most impressive things about the Pistons so far this season, Josh, along with their game-in focus and their unselfishness. So they all have important roles. But Rodney Stuckey’s contributions will increase. Jarvis Hayes is important for the scorer’s mentality he provides. Arron Afflalo strong defense and steady play has been impressive, as well.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joe (Traverse City): Where are Alex Acker and Sammy Mejia? Do the Pistons still own their rights?
Langlois: Mejia’s in Fort Wayne, playing for the Pistons’ Development League affiliate, but they do not own his rights. He could sign with any NBA team right now if they pursue him. And that could happen. Mejia is the current D-League Player of the Week after a week in which he had a 41-point game and averaged 31.7 points and 7.6 rebounds. If no NBA team signs Mejia this season, then I would expect the Pistons to sign him to their summer roster again and bring him to camp unless he gets a better offer elsewhere. Acker is playing professionally in Spain this season. The Pistons still hold his NBA rights. It remains to be seen if they bring him over this summer and invite him to training camp.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spencer: How good is Walter Herrmann and what could he do for the Pistons?
Langlois: Good enough that he started for Charlotte late last season and was very impressive. It’s a mystery to me why he wasn’t getting many minutes with the Bobcats this year. To work his way into the rotation in Detroit, though, he’ll probably have to beat out Jarvis Hayes. And Hayes has been on a tear since Herrmann became active four games ago.