Glenn
01-21-2008, 01:33 PM
Monday, January 21, 2008
T.J. (Sparta): The bench is really in a funk lately. Jarvis Hayes is in a serious slump. What can the Pistons do to bring the bench – so strong to start the season – back from the depths of the lifeless?
Langlois: Ultimately, it’s up to the players themselves to pull themselves from their slumps. Hayes is just not shooting it very well. He has to be mindful of taking good shots with his feet set. Rodney Stuckey just looks tentative. Most rookies hit that stage where everything they’re learning overwhelms their instincts. He has to play through it. In the meantime, the plan to shorten the rotation might be scuttled so other players – Arron Afflalo, Walter Herrmann, Amir Johnson – get the opportunity to provide a spark.
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Nick (Oxford, England): This might be looking too far ahead, but what moves do you think will be made in the 2008 off-season if the playoffs are disappointing, especially with all the big names scheduled to hit free agency?
Langlois: You’re right, Nick – too early. Naturally, how the Pistons perform in the playoffs will be an important factor. I don’t anticipate major moves this summer, but the Nazr Mohammed trade cleared enough salary so Joe Dumars will have room under the tax threshhold to sign a free agent to the mid-level exception if he sees the right fit. The summer after that will be a busy one with Rasheed Wallace’s contract expiring and Rip Hamilton holding the right to opt out of his contract.
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Treva (Toledo): I have two issues. The first one is the rotation. The Pistons have two proven scoring veterans in street clothes in Flip Murray and Lindsey Hunter. I’m tired of hearing about the development of Rodney Stuckey. We are trying to win games here. And will somebody please tell Rasheed to start playing in the low post?
Langlois: Within reason, the Pistons are going to give Stuckey the rope he needs to find a comfort zone. No question, Wallace hasn’t had many real good games lately aside from a terrific performance in the win at San Antonio. But his 3-point shooting is a critical part of the offense. I thought he’s had a pretty nice balance between outside and inside shots this season. The 3-pointers just haven’t been falling much lately.
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Ron: Send Flip Murray and Primoz Brezec to Golden State for Mickael Pietrus, then sign Chris Webber to fill the open roster spot and let Pietrus and Jarvis Hayes battle for playing time.
Langlois: Not sure if Golden State would have much interest in that one. Don Nelson’s system places a premium on perimeter shooters. That’s not Murray’s strong suit. Brezec is an above-average shooter for his position, but he’d never see the court in Nelson’s running game.
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Alec (Detroit): With the bench struggling so much lately, is it time to try giving Walter Herrmann a larger role? He’s shown flashes of ability. Maybe with consistent minutes he could help us out. Also maybe the competition would help Jarvis Hayes straighten out his shot. What do you think?
Langlois: Well, he’s been playing, so that’s a larger role already. Flip Saunders sees Herrmann as more of a four than a three because of his defense and also because his perimeter shooting ability at that position can create mismatches for big men not especially adept at guarding on the perimeter.
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Preston (Muskegon): How many times is Rodney Stuckey going to drive to the hoop and miss while players like Flip Murray and Arron Afflalo who are more productive sit? The Pistons must be crazy not to sign Chris Webber with the way teams dribble into the paint consistently against them. Damn them for not paying Ben Wallace what he wanted – they almost deserve all these problems.
Langlois: Preston, it’s time to come in from the ledge right now. Look, Stuckey’s spinning his wheels right now, but when he gets in gear he’ll have a passing speed that will give the Pistons a different dimension. They need him and they’re going to live with his growing pains. I’m not sure how Webber addresses whatever problems you see with dribble penetration. He was never known as a defensive intimidator even before his knee injury robbed him of his explosion. And regarding Ben Wallace, if you think the Pistons would be better off today had they laid out $60 million for him, that’s lunacy. When the Bulls beat the Pistons the other night, did you notice Wallace wasn’t on the floor during the last 15 minutes of the game?
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Danielle (Macomb): Why was Cheikh Samb recalled from the Development League? And do you think Flip Saunders is going to give him any playing time?
Langlois: Samb played two games in the D-League, getting his two front teeth dislodged in the second. The Pistons brought him back to Detroit at that point, just before the holidays, to have their dentist do the work on him. They plan to send him back to Fort Wayne at some point where the Mad Ants have a heavier game schedule and the Pistons don’t have much practice time available. No, he probably won’t see much, if any, time with the Pistons this year, but that was never the plan. He recently returned to Senegal to work out some logistical problems with his visa.
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Jackson (Seattle): Please help me settle an eternal argument between my friend and me. I say Rasheed is a top five power forward. We both agree he’s behind Garnett, Duncan, Nowitzki and Boozer. He says, at minimum, Stoudemire and Bosh are better as well. I say they’re more athletic, but not better overall players. (For the sake of argument, Howard is a center.) Also, I think Rasheed is an underrated defender even though I’ve heard Duncan quoted as saying no one plays better defense on him.
Langlois: It’s a loaded position, Jackson, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The way basketball has evolved, there’s really very little difference between center and power forward anymore because there are very few traditional, back-to-the-basket centers around anymore. I’d say Duncan, despite his contempt for the title, is more a center than power forward these days. I’m not going to settle your argument, I guess, because there are so many variables you can use to measure. If it helps, when the Pistons played San Antonio recently, the TNT studio crew was debating Wallace’s impact. Both Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith said Rasheed was one of the top three players in the league “when he wants to be.” Rasheed is a considerably better defender than Nowitzki, Boozer and Stoudemire and right up there with Garnett and Duncan as an elite frontcourt defender. He’s also a better passer than most big men, has better shooting range than all of them except Nowitzki and plays with his back to the basket better than most.
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Matt (Grand Rapids): In using the ESPN Trade Machine, trading Flip Murray to Orlando for J.J. Redick would work. What do you think?
Langlois: It would be a low-risk deal, for certain. Like a lot of people, I’m skeptical of Redick’s ability to have a significant impact in the NBA despite his indisputable shooting touch and range simply because of his lack of athleticism. But part of me says any kid who was that successful at a high Division I level in college knows how to compete and will figure out how to be successful at the next step up the ladder. What troubles me a little is that Orlando has a very weak backcourt and Redick hasn’t been able to crack the rotation there. He’s also failed to impress two respected coaches, Brian Hill and Stan Van Gundy. So that would fuel my skepticism, too. But, as I said, not a whole lot to lose, considering Murray isn’t playing.
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Boaz (Tel Aviv): When Chauncey Billups is doubled, the offense seems to stop. I know Stuckey’s part of the answer, but I don’t think a strong veteran team should place all its hopes on a guy who’s just a rookie, talented though he might be.
Langlois: Cleveland had some success doing it in the playoffs last year, though it’s effect on the series has been overblown. It was actually more effective earlier in the series when the Pistons were up 2-0 than later, when the Pistons began countering it better. Boston used it to some effect, as well, in the second meeting between the two teams. On balance, if teams plan to use a steady diet of that against the Pistons, my hunch is Billups, Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince will make them pay.
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Ronald (Grosse Pointe): Is there any chance of the Pistons trading Tayshaun Prince? Maybe for Lamar Odom or Corey Maggette? What about trading Flip Murray for maybe Earl Watson or Luke Ridnour?
Langlois: I’d be careful about trading Prince. If you’re reacting to his recent shooting struggles and low point totals, remember that his most enduring characteristics are first-rate defense at a crucial position – most other teams’ small forwards are among their first two or three scoring – and being a terrific offensive facilitator because of his size and ballhandling ability. As for Flip Murray, those trades wouldn’t work – both Watson and Ridnour make about three times as much and I’m not sure the Pistons would be interested in them, even if the trade were workable, because they both have multiple years remaining on their deals and that would hamper Joe Dumars’ summer free-agent shopping. Why would he do that to acquire what would be a third-string point guard?
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Harsh (Rochester Hills): Some teams are starting to turn their seasons around. I’m worried about the Bulls and Cavs now as well as the Celtics. Don’t we have three or four legitimate teams in the East now?
Langlois: At the time I got your e-mail, Harsh, the Bulls were 15-22 and the No. 11 playoff seed. It might not even take a .500 record to sneak into the last playoff spot or two in the East, so I wouldn’t rule them out yet. But I see nothing in Chicago to make me think that team has a shot to do any damage in the playoffs this year – unless the Bulls pull off a major trade that shakes up what certainly appears to be very bad chemistry. Cleveland is another story. LeBron James is a one-man wrecking ball whose offense, coupled with Cleveland’s very capable defense, will be enough to make the Cavs a tough out for anybody. That said, I’d still be surprised if the East came down to something other than Detroit-Boston.
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Ziga (Slovenia): If the Pistons were to add another shooter, could it be Voshon Lenard? Is he retired or still playing?
Langlois: Voshon hasn’t played since the 2005-06 season, Ziga. All three of the Detroit Southwestern High class of 1991 kids who made it to the NBA – Lenard, Jalen Rose and Howard Eisley – are out of the league. One of the greatest teams in Michigan high school history, coached by Perry Watson. There was another terrific player on that team, Garland Mance, one of the all-time tough guys.
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Jerry (Walled Lake): With Flip shortening the bench and Stuckey getting more minutes, do you think the Pistons will send Arron Afflalo to the D-League?
Langlois: No chance, Jerry. Even if he’s not playing much, they want him available here in case of foul trouble or injury or when they need a defensive stopper in the backcourt. Afflalo’s pretty polished already. It’s not like he needs to go to the D-League to work on his ballhandling or something like that. The way for him to improve now is to go at NBA players in practice every day.
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Ryan (Perry): Every so often, the idea of a Rasheed Wallace-Amare Stoudemire trade is brought up in the media. Although the loss of Rasheed’s superior defense would probably cost us the shot at a championship this year, I don’t see how Joe Dumars could possibly pass this up. Amare has a decade of basketball ahead of him while Rasheed has maybe a few good years left. What are your thoughts?
Langlois: That’s a very intriguing idea, Ryan, but you’re right about one thing: I don’t think it would help the Pistons win a title this year, and I’m not sure it would be wise to do anything to hinder this year’s shot at a title when it’s a very realistic possibility. You’re also correct to suggest Stoudemire’s defense would be a serious downgrade from Wallace’s. What you don’t say is that I wonder how much, if anything, he would add offensively. Stoudemire gets many of his points in the open court or through Steve Nash’s magical deliveries. The Pistons play at a much different tempo. Not sure Stoudemire would adapt very well to a deliberate, half-court offense. He is, however, eight years younger – and that’s what would make it somewhat tempting. If it didn’t work out here for him, he would have tremendous trade value.
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Timothy (Sparta): What’s up with Jason Maxiell lately? He hasn’t been nearly as dominant as early in the season. Are teams learning how to play him now?
Langlois: The only dip in Maxiell’s production came on the recent road trip when the Pistons played four games in five nights. Maxiell said his body felt lifeless through that stretch. Through the first 41 games – the halfway point of the season – the Pistons have played 18 at home and 23 on the road. Remember, Maxiell is playing far more minutes this year. Given the level of energy he expends, that’s been a big adjustment for him. But he looked very lively when the Pistons got back from their road trip and he’d had a day’s rest in his own bed. It has nothing to do with how other teams are playing him and everything to do with how he’s being used and his adjustment to an expanded role.
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Tony (Suffolk, Va.): How long do you see this group of Pistons staying together? And what do you see as a growing concern in the future?
Langlois: Rasheed Wallace’s contract is up after the 2009 season and Rip Hamilton can (and, if history is our guide, probably will) opt out of his contract then, as well. Joe Dumars will have tough choices to make that summer. With Wallace, it might come down to how ready Amir Johnson and Cheikh Samb are to assume greater roles. Antonio McDyess has three years left on his contract and Jason Maxiell, presumably, won’t be going anywhere. As for Hamilton, the Pistons aren’t going to let him get away for nothing, but if Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo meet expectations, it’s conceivable Dumars would deal from strength with his crowded backcourt to address other needs. There are no obvious overriding concerns for the Pistons because of the presence of the young core Dumars has assembled behind the veterans.
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Henry (Southfield): If the Pistons are going to a three-guard rotation like the Bad Boys of old, Stuckey has got to step up his game. I don’t see him as a great playmaker or shooter at this time. Arron Afflalo should stay in the rotation because of his fight, hustle and heart.
Langlois: The thinking is that with increased exposure, Stuckey’s ability will be drawn out, Henry. Trust me, your opinion of Stuckey will change the more you see him. The kid oozes with basketball ability. The Pistons love Afflalo and see him as a big part of their future, but they need Stuckey to provide what he has to offer to maximize their postseason chances.
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Mike: How much money will be the Pistons’ be under the salary cap after this season assuming they do not add any long-term contracts to their roster? What is a realistic contract addition assuming the Pistons also have a slot for their No. 1 pick in 2008?
Langlois: The Pistons will not be under the salary cap, but – thanks to the Nazr Mohammed trade – will go into the summer significantly below the luxury-tax threshhold, about $10.5 million below it, in fact. What that trade essentially meant is that the Pistons will now have the ability to sign a veteran free agent using their mid-level exception, where the starting salary will be roughly $6 million. Because so many teams were facing tax consequences last summer, very few free agents got such deals. Only one – Darko Milicic – signed a free-agent deal with a higher annual average salary than the MLE. (Milicic signed a three-year deal for about $21 million.) So the Pistons should be able to sign a very attractive free agent over the summer – not a star, but someone who would have the ability to start for most teams.
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Tom (Flint): What are the chances that Stuckey and Afflalo will get to play in the Rookie-Sophomore game during the All-Star break?
Langlois: Tough to say, Tom. The players are selected based on the votes of assistant coaches around the NBA – one ballot per team. Because so many teams haven’t even played against Stuckey, it might be tough for him to muster enough votes. Afflalo hasn’t had significant minutes in many games. The ballots are due in NBA offices by Jan. 28.
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David (Grand Rapids): Can you imagine how dominant the Pistons would be if they’d drafted Carmelo Anthony in 2003? I think they’d have at least three championships by now. I think Joe Dumars is one of the best GMs in basketball, but it seems like he’s better at finding the diamond in the rough than raw talent.
Langlois: Everybody saw Carmelo Anthony’s raw talent – and the majority of GMs saw an even higher ceiling in a 7-foot-1 Serbian 17-year-old with a soft shooting touch and a massive frame. Darko Milicic didn’t work out. The Pistons turned him into the draft pick that became Rodney Stuckey. Every franchise has a What If Team – the players they could have had but passed on – that would have yielded championships. The Pistons are far more fortunate than most to have had great success despite the few draft moves they’d like to take back.
T.J. (Sparta): The bench is really in a funk lately. Jarvis Hayes is in a serious slump. What can the Pistons do to bring the bench – so strong to start the season – back from the depths of the lifeless?
Langlois: Ultimately, it’s up to the players themselves to pull themselves from their slumps. Hayes is just not shooting it very well. He has to be mindful of taking good shots with his feet set. Rodney Stuckey just looks tentative. Most rookies hit that stage where everything they’re learning overwhelms their instincts. He has to play through it. In the meantime, the plan to shorten the rotation might be scuttled so other players – Arron Afflalo, Walter Herrmann, Amir Johnson – get the opportunity to provide a spark.
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Nick (Oxford, England): This might be looking too far ahead, but what moves do you think will be made in the 2008 off-season if the playoffs are disappointing, especially with all the big names scheduled to hit free agency?
Langlois: You’re right, Nick – too early. Naturally, how the Pistons perform in the playoffs will be an important factor. I don’t anticipate major moves this summer, but the Nazr Mohammed trade cleared enough salary so Joe Dumars will have room under the tax threshhold to sign a free agent to the mid-level exception if he sees the right fit. The summer after that will be a busy one with Rasheed Wallace’s contract expiring and Rip Hamilton holding the right to opt out of his contract.
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Treva (Toledo): I have two issues. The first one is the rotation. The Pistons have two proven scoring veterans in street clothes in Flip Murray and Lindsey Hunter. I’m tired of hearing about the development of Rodney Stuckey. We are trying to win games here. And will somebody please tell Rasheed to start playing in the low post?
Langlois: Within reason, the Pistons are going to give Stuckey the rope he needs to find a comfort zone. No question, Wallace hasn’t had many real good games lately aside from a terrific performance in the win at San Antonio. But his 3-point shooting is a critical part of the offense. I thought he’s had a pretty nice balance between outside and inside shots this season. The 3-pointers just haven’t been falling much lately.
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Ron: Send Flip Murray and Primoz Brezec to Golden State for Mickael Pietrus, then sign Chris Webber to fill the open roster spot and let Pietrus and Jarvis Hayes battle for playing time.
Langlois: Not sure if Golden State would have much interest in that one. Don Nelson’s system places a premium on perimeter shooters. That’s not Murray’s strong suit. Brezec is an above-average shooter for his position, but he’d never see the court in Nelson’s running game.
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Alec (Detroit): With the bench struggling so much lately, is it time to try giving Walter Herrmann a larger role? He’s shown flashes of ability. Maybe with consistent minutes he could help us out. Also maybe the competition would help Jarvis Hayes straighten out his shot. What do you think?
Langlois: Well, he’s been playing, so that’s a larger role already. Flip Saunders sees Herrmann as more of a four than a three because of his defense and also because his perimeter shooting ability at that position can create mismatches for big men not especially adept at guarding on the perimeter.
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Preston (Muskegon): How many times is Rodney Stuckey going to drive to the hoop and miss while players like Flip Murray and Arron Afflalo who are more productive sit? The Pistons must be crazy not to sign Chris Webber with the way teams dribble into the paint consistently against them. Damn them for not paying Ben Wallace what he wanted – they almost deserve all these problems.
Langlois: Preston, it’s time to come in from the ledge right now. Look, Stuckey’s spinning his wheels right now, but when he gets in gear he’ll have a passing speed that will give the Pistons a different dimension. They need him and they’re going to live with his growing pains. I’m not sure how Webber addresses whatever problems you see with dribble penetration. He was never known as a defensive intimidator even before his knee injury robbed him of his explosion. And regarding Ben Wallace, if you think the Pistons would be better off today had they laid out $60 million for him, that’s lunacy. When the Bulls beat the Pistons the other night, did you notice Wallace wasn’t on the floor during the last 15 minutes of the game?
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Danielle (Macomb): Why was Cheikh Samb recalled from the Development League? And do you think Flip Saunders is going to give him any playing time?
Langlois: Samb played two games in the D-League, getting his two front teeth dislodged in the second. The Pistons brought him back to Detroit at that point, just before the holidays, to have their dentist do the work on him. They plan to send him back to Fort Wayne at some point where the Mad Ants have a heavier game schedule and the Pistons don’t have much practice time available. No, he probably won’t see much, if any, time with the Pistons this year, but that was never the plan. He recently returned to Senegal to work out some logistical problems with his visa.
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Jackson (Seattle): Please help me settle an eternal argument between my friend and me. I say Rasheed is a top five power forward. We both agree he’s behind Garnett, Duncan, Nowitzki and Boozer. He says, at minimum, Stoudemire and Bosh are better as well. I say they’re more athletic, but not better overall players. (For the sake of argument, Howard is a center.) Also, I think Rasheed is an underrated defender even though I’ve heard Duncan quoted as saying no one plays better defense on him.
Langlois: It’s a loaded position, Jackson, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The way basketball has evolved, there’s really very little difference between center and power forward anymore because there are very few traditional, back-to-the-basket centers around anymore. I’d say Duncan, despite his contempt for the title, is more a center than power forward these days. I’m not going to settle your argument, I guess, because there are so many variables you can use to measure. If it helps, when the Pistons played San Antonio recently, the TNT studio crew was debating Wallace’s impact. Both Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith said Rasheed was one of the top three players in the league “when he wants to be.” Rasheed is a considerably better defender than Nowitzki, Boozer and Stoudemire and right up there with Garnett and Duncan as an elite frontcourt defender. He’s also a better passer than most big men, has better shooting range than all of them except Nowitzki and plays with his back to the basket better than most.
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Matt (Grand Rapids): In using the ESPN Trade Machine, trading Flip Murray to Orlando for J.J. Redick would work. What do you think?
Langlois: It would be a low-risk deal, for certain. Like a lot of people, I’m skeptical of Redick’s ability to have a significant impact in the NBA despite his indisputable shooting touch and range simply because of his lack of athleticism. But part of me says any kid who was that successful at a high Division I level in college knows how to compete and will figure out how to be successful at the next step up the ladder. What troubles me a little is that Orlando has a very weak backcourt and Redick hasn’t been able to crack the rotation there. He’s also failed to impress two respected coaches, Brian Hill and Stan Van Gundy. So that would fuel my skepticism, too. But, as I said, not a whole lot to lose, considering Murray isn’t playing.
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Boaz (Tel Aviv): When Chauncey Billups is doubled, the offense seems to stop. I know Stuckey’s part of the answer, but I don’t think a strong veteran team should place all its hopes on a guy who’s just a rookie, talented though he might be.
Langlois: Cleveland had some success doing it in the playoffs last year, though it’s effect on the series has been overblown. It was actually more effective earlier in the series when the Pistons were up 2-0 than later, when the Pistons began countering it better. Boston used it to some effect, as well, in the second meeting between the two teams. On balance, if teams plan to use a steady diet of that against the Pistons, my hunch is Billups, Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince will make them pay.
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Ronald (Grosse Pointe): Is there any chance of the Pistons trading Tayshaun Prince? Maybe for Lamar Odom or Corey Maggette? What about trading Flip Murray for maybe Earl Watson or Luke Ridnour?
Langlois: I’d be careful about trading Prince. If you’re reacting to his recent shooting struggles and low point totals, remember that his most enduring characteristics are first-rate defense at a crucial position – most other teams’ small forwards are among their first two or three scoring – and being a terrific offensive facilitator because of his size and ballhandling ability. As for Flip Murray, those trades wouldn’t work – both Watson and Ridnour make about three times as much and I’m not sure the Pistons would be interested in them, even if the trade were workable, because they both have multiple years remaining on their deals and that would hamper Joe Dumars’ summer free-agent shopping. Why would he do that to acquire what would be a third-string point guard?
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Harsh (Rochester Hills): Some teams are starting to turn their seasons around. I’m worried about the Bulls and Cavs now as well as the Celtics. Don’t we have three or four legitimate teams in the East now?
Langlois: At the time I got your e-mail, Harsh, the Bulls were 15-22 and the No. 11 playoff seed. It might not even take a .500 record to sneak into the last playoff spot or two in the East, so I wouldn’t rule them out yet. But I see nothing in Chicago to make me think that team has a shot to do any damage in the playoffs this year – unless the Bulls pull off a major trade that shakes up what certainly appears to be very bad chemistry. Cleveland is another story. LeBron James is a one-man wrecking ball whose offense, coupled with Cleveland’s very capable defense, will be enough to make the Cavs a tough out for anybody. That said, I’d still be surprised if the East came down to something other than Detroit-Boston.
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Ziga (Slovenia): If the Pistons were to add another shooter, could it be Voshon Lenard? Is he retired or still playing?
Langlois: Voshon hasn’t played since the 2005-06 season, Ziga. All three of the Detroit Southwestern High class of 1991 kids who made it to the NBA – Lenard, Jalen Rose and Howard Eisley – are out of the league. One of the greatest teams in Michigan high school history, coached by Perry Watson. There was another terrific player on that team, Garland Mance, one of the all-time tough guys.
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Jerry (Walled Lake): With Flip shortening the bench and Stuckey getting more minutes, do you think the Pistons will send Arron Afflalo to the D-League?
Langlois: No chance, Jerry. Even if he’s not playing much, they want him available here in case of foul trouble or injury or when they need a defensive stopper in the backcourt. Afflalo’s pretty polished already. It’s not like he needs to go to the D-League to work on his ballhandling or something like that. The way for him to improve now is to go at NBA players in practice every day.
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Ryan (Perry): Every so often, the idea of a Rasheed Wallace-Amare Stoudemire trade is brought up in the media. Although the loss of Rasheed’s superior defense would probably cost us the shot at a championship this year, I don’t see how Joe Dumars could possibly pass this up. Amare has a decade of basketball ahead of him while Rasheed has maybe a few good years left. What are your thoughts?
Langlois: That’s a very intriguing idea, Ryan, but you’re right about one thing: I don’t think it would help the Pistons win a title this year, and I’m not sure it would be wise to do anything to hinder this year’s shot at a title when it’s a very realistic possibility. You’re also correct to suggest Stoudemire’s defense would be a serious downgrade from Wallace’s. What you don’t say is that I wonder how much, if anything, he would add offensively. Stoudemire gets many of his points in the open court or through Steve Nash’s magical deliveries. The Pistons play at a much different tempo. Not sure Stoudemire would adapt very well to a deliberate, half-court offense. He is, however, eight years younger – and that’s what would make it somewhat tempting. If it didn’t work out here for him, he would have tremendous trade value.
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Timothy (Sparta): What’s up with Jason Maxiell lately? He hasn’t been nearly as dominant as early in the season. Are teams learning how to play him now?
Langlois: The only dip in Maxiell’s production came on the recent road trip when the Pistons played four games in five nights. Maxiell said his body felt lifeless through that stretch. Through the first 41 games – the halfway point of the season – the Pistons have played 18 at home and 23 on the road. Remember, Maxiell is playing far more minutes this year. Given the level of energy he expends, that’s been a big adjustment for him. But he looked very lively when the Pistons got back from their road trip and he’d had a day’s rest in his own bed. It has nothing to do with how other teams are playing him and everything to do with how he’s being used and his adjustment to an expanded role.
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Tony (Suffolk, Va.): How long do you see this group of Pistons staying together? And what do you see as a growing concern in the future?
Langlois: Rasheed Wallace’s contract is up after the 2009 season and Rip Hamilton can (and, if history is our guide, probably will) opt out of his contract then, as well. Joe Dumars will have tough choices to make that summer. With Wallace, it might come down to how ready Amir Johnson and Cheikh Samb are to assume greater roles. Antonio McDyess has three years left on his contract and Jason Maxiell, presumably, won’t be going anywhere. As for Hamilton, the Pistons aren’t going to let him get away for nothing, but if Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo meet expectations, it’s conceivable Dumars would deal from strength with his crowded backcourt to address other needs. There are no obvious overriding concerns for the Pistons because of the presence of the young core Dumars has assembled behind the veterans.
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Henry (Southfield): If the Pistons are going to a three-guard rotation like the Bad Boys of old, Stuckey has got to step up his game. I don’t see him as a great playmaker or shooter at this time. Arron Afflalo should stay in the rotation because of his fight, hustle and heart.
Langlois: The thinking is that with increased exposure, Stuckey’s ability will be drawn out, Henry. Trust me, your opinion of Stuckey will change the more you see him. The kid oozes with basketball ability. The Pistons love Afflalo and see him as a big part of their future, but they need Stuckey to provide what he has to offer to maximize their postseason chances.
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Mike: How much money will be the Pistons’ be under the salary cap after this season assuming they do not add any long-term contracts to their roster? What is a realistic contract addition assuming the Pistons also have a slot for their No. 1 pick in 2008?
Langlois: The Pistons will not be under the salary cap, but – thanks to the Nazr Mohammed trade – will go into the summer significantly below the luxury-tax threshhold, about $10.5 million below it, in fact. What that trade essentially meant is that the Pistons will now have the ability to sign a veteran free agent using their mid-level exception, where the starting salary will be roughly $6 million. Because so many teams were facing tax consequences last summer, very few free agents got such deals. Only one – Darko Milicic – signed a free-agent deal with a higher annual average salary than the MLE. (Milicic signed a three-year deal for about $21 million.) So the Pistons should be able to sign a very attractive free agent over the summer – not a star, but someone who would have the ability to start for most teams.
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Tom (Flint): What are the chances that Stuckey and Afflalo will get to play in the Rookie-Sophomore game during the All-Star break?
Langlois: Tough to say, Tom. The players are selected based on the votes of assistant coaches around the NBA – one ballot per team. Because so many teams haven’t even played against Stuckey, it might be tough for him to muster enough votes. Afflalo hasn’t had significant minutes in many games. The ballots are due in NBA offices by Jan. 28.
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David (Grand Rapids): Can you imagine how dominant the Pistons would be if they’d drafted Carmelo Anthony in 2003? I think they’d have at least three championships by now. I think Joe Dumars is one of the best GMs in basketball, but it seems like he’s better at finding the diamond in the rough than raw talent.
Langlois: Everybody saw Carmelo Anthony’s raw talent – and the majority of GMs saw an even higher ceiling in a 7-foot-1 Serbian 17-year-old with a soft shooting touch and a massive frame. Darko Milicic didn’t work out. The Pistons turned him into the draft pick that became Rodney Stuckey. Every franchise has a What If Team – the players they could have had but passed on – that would have yielded championships. The Pistons are far more fortunate than most to have had great success despite the few draft moves they’d like to take back.