Glenn
04-14-2008, 01:58 PM
:langlois:
Monday, April 14, 2008
Andrea (Battle Creek): With John Hammond leaving, will Lindsey Hunter fill that position?
Langlois: Hunter is scheduled to join Joe Dumars’ management team after this season, but he won’t assume Hammond’s No. 2 position, in all likelihood. My guess is that Hunter will dabble in a little bit of everything at first so that he finds where his strengths and interests lie. Replacing Hammond won’t be easy because he was such a complementary sounding board for Dumars.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cameron (Paw Paw): What are your thoughts on Doug Collins as a candidate to replace John Hammond? He has great basketball analysis skills and sees things from a coach’s perspective, not to mention he already has ties with Detroit.
Langlois: Don’t see that happening. Collins very much likes his TV work and the latitude it allows him and loves living in Arizona. If he were to leave that behind to come back to the NBA, it would only be for a plum job – head coach or GM. He wouldn’t be interested in being somebody’s assistant. Reportedly, he turned down Milwaukee’s overtures to him to be GM before the Bucks hired John Hammond.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kevin (Bloomfield Hills): Did the Pistons give Lindsey Hunter a front-office job for next season in anticipation that John Hammond probably would be gone by then? Also, as far as the 12-man active roster for the playoffs, I’m pretty sure Samb and Herrmann are out, which probably leaves the final spot between Dixon and Afflalo. Who do you think gets the nod?
Langlois: No, Hunter and Hammond were unrelated moves. Joe Dumars said when Hunter’s future was revealed – when he signed his current two-year deal in the summer of 2006 – that he wasn’t sure what role he would fill but that he knew he wanted him around. Find good people, then let them find their niche. As for the active roster, my guess is that the final spot will come down to Dixon and Hunter. I think Afflalo is safe. Yes, Hunter could be valuable as a situational defensive option, but Afflalo is also a top-notch defender and also capable of defending all three perimeter positions. But, remember, the playoff active roster can now be changed from game to game, the same as the regular season.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joe (Saginaw): In response to your blog about this summer’s draft, as an Ohio State fan I was wondering how you feel about the two Buckeyes that will be in the draft and the one that might: Othello Hunter, Jamar Butler and Kosta Koufos. I think if Koufos comes out, he has a very high ceiling and might be worth the late first-round pick. As for Hunter, I feel he could be a solid contributor on the inside for the Pistons in a very short amount of time. Also, what ver happened to Terrence Dials? In the wake of Greg Oden’s presence at OSU, he was forgotten. But I was wondering why the former Big Ten Player of the Year never made it to the NBA.
Langlois: Koufos is the only one with a solid NBA future, Joe. The thing with most solid college players – guys like Butler and Hunter – is they just don’t do any one thing well enough to stand out. If Butler was a lights-out shooter or an unbelievable defender, he’d have a shot to stick as a backup NBA point guard despite his limitations. Koufos didn’t have the impact projected for him at Ohio State, though if he declared for the NBA draft he’d still probably be a top-20 pick. There are rumblings that he might play professionally in Greece next season. Dials is playing professionally in France, averaging about 10 points and four boards a game for Pau.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stanley (Grand Rapids): I know, as we learned from Ben Wallace, there’s no such thing as a sure thing, but any indication if Rasheed is going to end his career in Detroit?
Langlois: Tough to say, Stanley. He has one year left after this one on his contract. Will he choose to continue playing after that or not? If yes, then the Pistons would be the favorites to retain him if they’re in position to make an attractive offer. The question will be – with Antonio McDyess tied up for two more years after his one and three young big men in the stable in Jason Maxiell, Amir Johnson and Cheikh Samb – will the Pistons have the same level of need for him that others might?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phillip (Pittsburgh): I was just wondering why nobody ever considers bringing an NBA team to Pittsburgh? We’re a big sports city and we’d love to compete with Philadelphia in another sport. Any chance?
Langlois: Not an expert, but I’m guessing it starts with the facts that no prospective Pittsburgh ownership group has come forward and that there is no suitable NBA-level arena ready to occupy. A few markets that desired pro franchises – New Orleans before landing the Hornets, Oklahoma City and Kansas City come to mind, with Las Vegas in the pipeline – have gone ahead and built top-notch arenas hoping to land an NBA or NHL franchise. It might take that for Pittsburgh to put itself in the mix.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Justin (Reed City): With the Pistons having to pare their bench for the playoffs, what players do you expect to be on the inactive list or outside of the rotation?
Langlois: Cheikh Samb is a lock to be inactive. I expect Walter Herrmann will be, as well. Though he’s versatile and gifted, he’s No. 3 at small forward behind Tayshaun Prince and Jarvis Hayes and he’d be sixth in the big-man rotation. The third and final spot on the inactive list appears to be between Lindsey Hunter and Juan Dixon. Based on Dixon’s playing time lately and relative production, my guess is he has the edge as the playoffs start. Remember, though, that the rule is now the same as it is during the regular season – it can change from game to game. As far as a rotation, the backups who’ll definitely be a part of it at the beginning, at least, are Rodney Stuckey, Jason Maxiell and Hayes. Theo Ratliff, Amir Johnson, Dixon (assuming it’s him; Hunter, if it’s him) and Arron Afflalo will be used situationally, I’m guessing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ryan (Perry): I wonder which players have the greatest chance of having their numbers retired by the Pistons? If they end their careers in Detroit, I think Chauncey and Rip are near-locks, and if they win another championship, Rasheed, too. What about Big Ben? Lindsey Hunter?
Langlois: Can’t argue with your logic across the board, Ryan. Billups has the highest likelihood because the contract he signed last summer gives him the best shot at finishing his career – or at least spending the bulk of his productive years – as a Piston. Hamilton’s chances go up if his next contract keeps him here, but he’s probably about as close to already nailing it down as possible. It’s 50-50 on Rasheed right now, who might call it a career when his contract is up after next season. He’ll only be 34, and surely could play another four or five years. He’s found a real home here with fans who seem to appreciate him on every level. But it will be a tough business decision on both ends – there will be other teams with greater need, teams that don’t have young players like Amir Johnson and Cheikh Samb and Jason Maxiell waiting in the wings and don’t have big salaries committed to players like Billups and Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince who might be able and willing to overspend. If Rasheed leaves in 2009, would his number be retired? I suspect yes. Same for Ben. No one here ever held it against him for taking Chicago’s offer. As in the case I laid out for Rasheed, it was purely a business decision on both ends. But Wallace was so much a foundation for the 2004 title team, he’s probably already secured his future number retirement. Forget the boos he heard last year. He never had an acrimonious relationship with the organization and the fans will cheer him lustily if and when his number is retired. If you want to look way out into the future, I’m guessing Rodney Stuckey might make No. 3 a number that gets retired twice.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joe (Marquette): Please ask Flip to rest Jason Maxiell. In the first 31 games, Maxiell either scored in double digits or had double-digit rebounds in 16 games. From the end of December to the All-Star break, he had five in 21. From the All-Star break to now, he’s had seven in 25.
Langlois: I’ll trust your numbers, Joe. I haven’t checked them. Maxiell was a little erratic in the first few weeks of the season, then was lights out through December. He started getting double-teamed about that time, he said, but also admits the expanded minutes and greater role took a toll. I thought he came back after the All-Star break looking rejuvenated. One thing that’s happened is the emergence of Amir Johnson and the addition of Theo Ratliff. Before those things happened, the Pistons went through a long stretch where they essentially had a three-man rotation among the bigs with Maxiell, McDyess and Wallace. So he was getting more consistent opportunities then. I don’t think it’s a matter of rest as much as that, Joe. I’ll be interested to see how Maxiell adapts to the postseason. He got a taste of it last spring and had a few nice moments.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill (Macomb): The team of George Blaha and Greg Kelser is the best money can buy. I listen to a lot of basketball from all around the country and there isn’t a better analyst than Kelser. His appearance is always crisp and neat, his knowledge of the game is phenomenal and he seems to have a down-to-earth, humble attitude.
Langlois: We’ve had a number of Mailbag correspondents who’ve expressed similar sentiments over the course of this season, Bill. Glad you agree. Thanks for the kind words.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alec (Detroit): I’m really impressed with everything that the Pistons’ organization has come up with for this 50th season. Going to black and white and old school sound against New Jersey really made me smile. It really looks like everyone working for the Pistons has great passion for what they do. Also the devotion to posting new material on the Web site daily. It makes me happy to be a Pistons fan. Happy ain’t quite the word, though.
Langlois: It’s Self-Indulgent Mailbag Day! Thanks, Alec. It’s nice to hear that work is well-received when so many people have put their best foot forward to make it happen. At the risk of breaking an arm to pat ourselves on the back, I’ll agree with one of your observations most enthusiastically – I do get to work with a lot of people here who truly care about their work and are forever conscious that what we do here represents the Pistons as a whole, and nobody wants to disappoint in that regard. I’ve worked enough other places to know that’s a pretty rare and special thing. Thanks, again.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Travis: Do you think it’s bad for the psyche of the team if we end the regular season dropping four of the last six games or more? Did teams 15 or 20 years ago rest their starters near the end of the season? I couldn’t see the Bad Boys of old wanting to take a night off.
Langlois: Losing a few games on nights when the 11th and 12th men are playing as much or more than the starting five isn’t going to have any affect on this team’s confidence. None. My sense is that the practice of sitting starters out or limiting their minutes down the stretch is a relatively recent phenomenon, but the Pistons have been in unique situations the last three years with their playoff seeding essentially secured in each case well in advance of the end of the season. Look out West this year – nobody’s talking about resting starters in the West. We’ll see how those teams are affected in another month or so, because they’ve in effect been playing playoff basketball for the past two months.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt (Guildford, United Kingdom): I’m an optimist – I do think we can take Boston, so isn’t it important the Pistons keep a good record so they have home-court advantage in the NBA Finals? I realize it’s moot if the Hornets don’t make it through. Who do you think we’ll see in the Finals from the West?
Langlois: There’s a lot of sentiment that the 2-3-2 format used in the Finals largely nullifies home-court advantage. The Pistons decided it was more important to rest their starters and – even a bigger factor – get the bench players as ready for the playoffs as possible than to pursue a better record than the West’s No. 1 seed. Right now the Lakers are the West’s No. 1 seed. If the Pistons win one of the final two games, they’d clinch home court in the NBA Finals.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ian (Lansing): Maxiell is my favorite of the Pistons’ bench players. How close do you think he’ll come to being like Ben Wallace?
Langlois: He possesses some of the same traits, Ian – tenacity, explosiveness and fearlessness. He has greater offensive potential, obviously. But he’s probably 2 inches shorter than Wallace, so he’s fighting the problem of being undersized for his position to an even greater degree than Wallace was. That doesn’t mean he can’t be a highly effective player, but it’s not very likely he’ll be the dominant defensive force that Wallace was.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Andrea (Battle Creek): With John Hammond leaving, will Lindsey Hunter fill that position?
Langlois: Hunter is scheduled to join Joe Dumars’ management team after this season, but he won’t assume Hammond’s No. 2 position, in all likelihood. My guess is that Hunter will dabble in a little bit of everything at first so that he finds where his strengths and interests lie. Replacing Hammond won’t be easy because he was such a complementary sounding board for Dumars.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cameron (Paw Paw): What are your thoughts on Doug Collins as a candidate to replace John Hammond? He has great basketball analysis skills and sees things from a coach’s perspective, not to mention he already has ties with Detroit.
Langlois: Don’t see that happening. Collins very much likes his TV work and the latitude it allows him and loves living in Arizona. If he were to leave that behind to come back to the NBA, it would only be for a plum job – head coach or GM. He wouldn’t be interested in being somebody’s assistant. Reportedly, he turned down Milwaukee’s overtures to him to be GM before the Bucks hired John Hammond.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kevin (Bloomfield Hills): Did the Pistons give Lindsey Hunter a front-office job for next season in anticipation that John Hammond probably would be gone by then? Also, as far as the 12-man active roster for the playoffs, I’m pretty sure Samb and Herrmann are out, which probably leaves the final spot between Dixon and Afflalo. Who do you think gets the nod?
Langlois: No, Hunter and Hammond were unrelated moves. Joe Dumars said when Hunter’s future was revealed – when he signed his current two-year deal in the summer of 2006 – that he wasn’t sure what role he would fill but that he knew he wanted him around. Find good people, then let them find their niche. As for the active roster, my guess is that the final spot will come down to Dixon and Hunter. I think Afflalo is safe. Yes, Hunter could be valuable as a situational defensive option, but Afflalo is also a top-notch defender and also capable of defending all three perimeter positions. But, remember, the playoff active roster can now be changed from game to game, the same as the regular season.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joe (Saginaw): In response to your blog about this summer’s draft, as an Ohio State fan I was wondering how you feel about the two Buckeyes that will be in the draft and the one that might: Othello Hunter, Jamar Butler and Kosta Koufos. I think if Koufos comes out, he has a very high ceiling and might be worth the late first-round pick. As for Hunter, I feel he could be a solid contributor on the inside for the Pistons in a very short amount of time. Also, what ver happened to Terrence Dials? In the wake of Greg Oden’s presence at OSU, he was forgotten. But I was wondering why the former Big Ten Player of the Year never made it to the NBA.
Langlois: Koufos is the only one with a solid NBA future, Joe. The thing with most solid college players – guys like Butler and Hunter – is they just don’t do any one thing well enough to stand out. If Butler was a lights-out shooter or an unbelievable defender, he’d have a shot to stick as a backup NBA point guard despite his limitations. Koufos didn’t have the impact projected for him at Ohio State, though if he declared for the NBA draft he’d still probably be a top-20 pick. There are rumblings that he might play professionally in Greece next season. Dials is playing professionally in France, averaging about 10 points and four boards a game for Pau.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stanley (Grand Rapids): I know, as we learned from Ben Wallace, there’s no such thing as a sure thing, but any indication if Rasheed is going to end his career in Detroit?
Langlois: Tough to say, Stanley. He has one year left after this one on his contract. Will he choose to continue playing after that or not? If yes, then the Pistons would be the favorites to retain him if they’re in position to make an attractive offer. The question will be – with Antonio McDyess tied up for two more years after his one and three young big men in the stable in Jason Maxiell, Amir Johnson and Cheikh Samb – will the Pistons have the same level of need for him that others might?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phillip (Pittsburgh): I was just wondering why nobody ever considers bringing an NBA team to Pittsburgh? We’re a big sports city and we’d love to compete with Philadelphia in another sport. Any chance?
Langlois: Not an expert, but I’m guessing it starts with the facts that no prospective Pittsburgh ownership group has come forward and that there is no suitable NBA-level arena ready to occupy. A few markets that desired pro franchises – New Orleans before landing the Hornets, Oklahoma City and Kansas City come to mind, with Las Vegas in the pipeline – have gone ahead and built top-notch arenas hoping to land an NBA or NHL franchise. It might take that for Pittsburgh to put itself in the mix.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Justin (Reed City): With the Pistons having to pare their bench for the playoffs, what players do you expect to be on the inactive list or outside of the rotation?
Langlois: Cheikh Samb is a lock to be inactive. I expect Walter Herrmann will be, as well. Though he’s versatile and gifted, he’s No. 3 at small forward behind Tayshaun Prince and Jarvis Hayes and he’d be sixth in the big-man rotation. The third and final spot on the inactive list appears to be between Lindsey Hunter and Juan Dixon. Based on Dixon’s playing time lately and relative production, my guess is he has the edge as the playoffs start. Remember, though, that the rule is now the same as it is during the regular season – it can change from game to game. As far as a rotation, the backups who’ll definitely be a part of it at the beginning, at least, are Rodney Stuckey, Jason Maxiell and Hayes. Theo Ratliff, Amir Johnson, Dixon (assuming it’s him; Hunter, if it’s him) and Arron Afflalo will be used situationally, I’m guessing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ryan (Perry): I wonder which players have the greatest chance of having their numbers retired by the Pistons? If they end their careers in Detroit, I think Chauncey and Rip are near-locks, and if they win another championship, Rasheed, too. What about Big Ben? Lindsey Hunter?
Langlois: Can’t argue with your logic across the board, Ryan. Billups has the highest likelihood because the contract he signed last summer gives him the best shot at finishing his career – or at least spending the bulk of his productive years – as a Piston. Hamilton’s chances go up if his next contract keeps him here, but he’s probably about as close to already nailing it down as possible. It’s 50-50 on Rasheed right now, who might call it a career when his contract is up after next season. He’ll only be 34, and surely could play another four or five years. He’s found a real home here with fans who seem to appreciate him on every level. But it will be a tough business decision on both ends – there will be other teams with greater need, teams that don’t have young players like Amir Johnson and Cheikh Samb and Jason Maxiell waiting in the wings and don’t have big salaries committed to players like Billups and Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince who might be able and willing to overspend. If Rasheed leaves in 2009, would his number be retired? I suspect yes. Same for Ben. No one here ever held it against him for taking Chicago’s offer. As in the case I laid out for Rasheed, it was purely a business decision on both ends. But Wallace was so much a foundation for the 2004 title team, he’s probably already secured his future number retirement. Forget the boos he heard last year. He never had an acrimonious relationship with the organization and the fans will cheer him lustily if and when his number is retired. If you want to look way out into the future, I’m guessing Rodney Stuckey might make No. 3 a number that gets retired twice.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joe (Marquette): Please ask Flip to rest Jason Maxiell. In the first 31 games, Maxiell either scored in double digits or had double-digit rebounds in 16 games. From the end of December to the All-Star break, he had five in 21. From the All-Star break to now, he’s had seven in 25.
Langlois: I’ll trust your numbers, Joe. I haven’t checked them. Maxiell was a little erratic in the first few weeks of the season, then was lights out through December. He started getting double-teamed about that time, he said, but also admits the expanded minutes and greater role took a toll. I thought he came back after the All-Star break looking rejuvenated. One thing that’s happened is the emergence of Amir Johnson and the addition of Theo Ratliff. Before those things happened, the Pistons went through a long stretch where they essentially had a three-man rotation among the bigs with Maxiell, McDyess and Wallace. So he was getting more consistent opportunities then. I don’t think it’s a matter of rest as much as that, Joe. I’ll be interested to see how Maxiell adapts to the postseason. He got a taste of it last spring and had a few nice moments.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill (Macomb): The team of George Blaha and Greg Kelser is the best money can buy. I listen to a lot of basketball from all around the country and there isn’t a better analyst than Kelser. His appearance is always crisp and neat, his knowledge of the game is phenomenal and he seems to have a down-to-earth, humble attitude.
Langlois: We’ve had a number of Mailbag correspondents who’ve expressed similar sentiments over the course of this season, Bill. Glad you agree. Thanks for the kind words.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alec (Detroit): I’m really impressed with everything that the Pistons’ organization has come up with for this 50th season. Going to black and white and old school sound against New Jersey really made me smile. It really looks like everyone working for the Pistons has great passion for what they do. Also the devotion to posting new material on the Web site daily. It makes me happy to be a Pistons fan. Happy ain’t quite the word, though.
Langlois: It’s Self-Indulgent Mailbag Day! Thanks, Alec. It’s nice to hear that work is well-received when so many people have put their best foot forward to make it happen. At the risk of breaking an arm to pat ourselves on the back, I’ll agree with one of your observations most enthusiastically – I do get to work with a lot of people here who truly care about their work and are forever conscious that what we do here represents the Pistons as a whole, and nobody wants to disappoint in that regard. I’ve worked enough other places to know that’s a pretty rare and special thing. Thanks, again.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Travis: Do you think it’s bad for the psyche of the team if we end the regular season dropping four of the last six games or more? Did teams 15 or 20 years ago rest their starters near the end of the season? I couldn’t see the Bad Boys of old wanting to take a night off.
Langlois: Losing a few games on nights when the 11th and 12th men are playing as much or more than the starting five isn’t going to have any affect on this team’s confidence. None. My sense is that the practice of sitting starters out or limiting their minutes down the stretch is a relatively recent phenomenon, but the Pistons have been in unique situations the last three years with their playoff seeding essentially secured in each case well in advance of the end of the season. Look out West this year – nobody’s talking about resting starters in the West. We’ll see how those teams are affected in another month or so, because they’ve in effect been playing playoff basketball for the past two months.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt (Guildford, United Kingdom): I’m an optimist – I do think we can take Boston, so isn’t it important the Pistons keep a good record so they have home-court advantage in the NBA Finals? I realize it’s moot if the Hornets don’t make it through. Who do you think we’ll see in the Finals from the West?
Langlois: There’s a lot of sentiment that the 2-3-2 format used in the Finals largely nullifies home-court advantage. The Pistons decided it was more important to rest their starters and – even a bigger factor – get the bench players as ready for the playoffs as possible than to pursue a better record than the West’s No. 1 seed. Right now the Lakers are the West’s No. 1 seed. If the Pistons win one of the final two games, they’d clinch home court in the NBA Finals.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ian (Lansing): Maxiell is my favorite of the Pistons’ bench players. How close do you think he’ll come to being like Ben Wallace?
Langlois: He possesses some of the same traits, Ian – tenacity, explosiveness and fearlessness. He has greater offensive potential, obviously. But he’s probably 2 inches shorter than Wallace, so he’s fighting the problem of being undersized for his position to an even greater degree than Wallace was. That doesn’t mean he can’t be a highly effective player, but it’s not very likely he’ll be the dominant defensive force that Wallace was.