Glenn
08-07-2008, 12:04 PM
Some of the worst questions ever. We need Evil Keith.
:langlois:
THURSDAY, August 7, 2008
Tre (Maryland, N.Y.): Is there still a chance the Pistons still might get Tracy McGrady?
Langlois: My hunch is that Houston’s pending acquisition of Ron Artest is the major move of the summer for the Rockets. The word on the grapevine was that Houston management told McGrady after another first-round playoff exit that it was going to get him some help by adding a major piece over the summer. If the Rockets hadn’t been able to do that, it’s possible McGrady would have let it be known that he wanted to be moved. But the addition of Artest is probably a bold and dramatic enough deal to have McGrady excited about another stab in Houston. So … my guess is Houston is done for the summer.
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Jake (Milton, Ga.): Do you think your readers know that, in all probability, most teams Dumars has talked to have at least inquired about Tayshaun Prince? Even if they had a signed trade agreement sitting in a drawer, Dumars seems like the last person who would want to potentially harm Prince or Team USA’s Olympic experience.
Langlois: Your point is well taken, Jake, but I’m not sure the Olympics would prevent a trade from taking place or being announced. The thing is that if a deal of that magnitude were struck, the news would leak. Too many people have to be brought into the mix – some of them with the league office – to keep a lid on it for days and weeks while the Olympics play out. I suppose it’s possible that the Olympics will have a cooling effect on NBA transactions while they are unfolding, but if a deal involving an Olympian were to be struck, it’s pretty unlikely teams would be able to keep it concealed for any appreciable amount of time.
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Jason (Kalamazoo, Mich.): Do you feel there could be a chance of Brown getting starter’s minutes? If so, how would that alter the lineup in regard to Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess?
Langlois: The most minutes per game Brown has ever played was 30 when he played for a pretty bad Washington team four years ago. So he probably isn’t going to get starter’s minutes unless he shows significant improvement? Is that possible? Yeah, because he’s young and athletic enough to make it happen, properly motivated and in the right environment. The Pistons can provide the right environment and, to an extent, the necessary motivation. But Brown has to want to realize his potential. And we won’t be able to begin judging that for a few months. Regarding Wallace and McDyess, it’s reasonable to assume that the only direction their minutes are going to go at their age – both will be 34 by the time the season starts – is down. They both remain highly effective players, but it would be wise to start looking for ways to scale back their responsibilities. Given that Michael Curry seems eager to give young players like Amir Johnson and Jason Maxiell legitimate shots at cracking the rotation, this is the year for that to happen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen (Clarkston, Mich.): You were talking about a lineup next season where Rip Hamilton slides to the three, then having Billups and Stuckey at the guard spots. In that situation, who would play the point?
Langlois: They’d probably mix it up, Stephen, depending on situation and matchups. It’s probably something they’d decide themselves and vary it by possession depending on who found himself with the ball in his hands first after defensive stops. Remember, Billups and Stuckey found themselves on the court together for extended stretches more in the Boston series than they did at any other point in the season, so how they could be best used effectively in tandem is still something to be determined. But I would think that, in general, it would benefit the Pistons to ease the burden of continually being the decision-maker on Billups by letting him play off of the ball a little more, where his spot-up shooting ability would come into play and Stuckey’s ability to create off the dribble could be best exploited.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Donna (Southfield, Mich.): The papers keep saying that Detroit has 13 players under contract, but I count 14. Is Walter Sharpe signed yet or not? I thought he signed a two-year deal before Summer League. Also, is anyone in town working out?
Langlois: Sharpe’s contract signing was officially announced on Wednesday. He brings the Pistons’ roster count to 14 players with guaranteed contracts. If Lindsey Hunter decides to return, he’ll be No. 15. If Hunter decides to retire, it’s possible – likely, even – that the Pistons would go to training camp without another guaranteed contract and let the season play out a little to maintain some roster flexibility. Like all summers, the Pistons’ younger veterans will organize their own workouts. They are planning to get together starting next week and will work out and scrimmage informally at the practice facility for much of August.
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Jon (Stamford, Conn.): Now that Kwame Brown has signed, he is very excited to play for the Pistons and sees this as an opportunity to get a fresh start. But will Joe Dumars keep him or send him away as part of a trade?
Langlois: By the rules of the collective bargaining agreement, the Pistons can’t trade Kwame Brown until Dec. 15. The trade deadline is late February, so they could move him sometime during the season, but not now.
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Prasad (Los Angeles): Is Kwame Brown planning on working out with some of the Pistons’ younger players before training camp? I think having a group of young guys like Stuckey, Afflalo, Amir and so on as teammates will be good for him. He hasn’t really had that before.
Langlois: He does, Prasad. He told me Tuesday that he plans to come to town next week to consult with strength coach Arnie Kander, who figures to help Brown avoid some of the minor injuries that have dogged his career. He said he anticipates being in Auburn Hills until the end of August and plans to participate in voluntary workouts with those younger players you mentioned. You raise a good point about Brown finding himself in a situation that he hasn’t enjoyed previously. As I wrote the other day, even though Brown is a seven-year veteran, at 26 he’s less than one year older than Jason Maxiell, a player the Pistons still feel has plenty of growth potential. So it’s not unreasonable to assume Brown can become something more than he’s shown to date.
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Mark (Wittenberg, Wisc.): Do you think Dwight Howard will end up in Detroit?
Langlois: Yes. Dec. 29 and March 9, when Orlando plays at The Palace.
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Ben (Grosse Pointe, Mich.): Chauncey has been my favorite player since he came to Detroit, but I’ve noticed over the past few seasons he hasn’t been as aggressive since the last time the Pistons were in the Finals. When Chauncey was more aggressive, you could argue that he was the superstar the Pistons are supposed to lack and the team is better. Do you agree?
Langlois: There’s a fine line between aggressive and reckless, Ben. Billups is a superb point guard and the various efficiency ratings, to the extent they’re trustworthy, consistently rank him highly and usually as the Pistons’ top player. Flip Saunders exhorted Billups to be aggressive early in games – to look for his shot and not fall into a pattern of deferring. Billups himself has often said after subpar performances that he failed to press for openings. But he’s in a tough spot. When you’re the point guard in Cleveland or Los Angeles or Dallas, you know your job is to get the ball to LeBron or Kobe or Dirk. When you’re the point guard in Detroit, you have four other players – all of them capable of scoring 20 points a night – looking for their opportunities, as well. It’s a big part of what has carried the Pistons to six straight conference finals, but it requires a delicate balance be struck – and that falls on the point guard more than anyone else.
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Steven (Grand Rapids, Mich.): I’ve heard trade rumors along with everyone else and I was wondering if you think Rodney Stuckey is ready to replace Chauncey Billups if Billups were part of a trade package that didn’t include an incoming starting point guard?
Langlois: Yeah, Steven, I do think Stuckey is more than capable of shouldering starting minutes in this league. At some point in the coming season, I think the consensus opinion on Stuckey is that he’s one of the top 15 or so point guards in the league. But that doesn’t mean Billups should be traded. It would be a tremendous weapon for the Pistons to have two top-tier point guards because both of them have the ability to play off of the ball and defend almost any shooting guard out there because of their size and strength. Their presence also allows the Pistons to use Rip Hamilton at small forward, which is a way to get Tayshaun Prince the rest beneficial to his production. Michael Curry called Stuckey a “sixth starter” the other day, which I take to mean his minutes will be roughly equal to the other starters – somewhere around 30 minutes a night. If the Pistons were to trade Billups without getting a competent point guard back, though, they’d have to find someone who could give them at least 12 to 15 quality minutes a night – I’m not sure they’re ready to thrust Will Bynum into that role just yet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jeff (Ann Arbor, Mich.): I’ve been keeping track of Team USA box scores and notice that Tayshaun Prince has been getting only a couple of minutes per game. Do you think he’s out of place on the Team USA roster?
Langlois: Not in the least, Jeff. Prince’s role was well defined for him – he knew he was there to be a jack-of-all-trades and do whatever needed of him, from defending tough wing scorers to playing power forward against smaller lineups to helping with ballhandling chores against full-court pressure. Carlos Boozer has also been used sparingly in some games, too, because when USA Basketball went with only three true power players it became necessary to use Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James frequently at power forward and keep one of the big men in reserve in case foul trouble strikes Dwight Howard or Chris Bosh. Kobe Bryant has anointed himself the team’s defensive stopper and allowed Dwayne Wade, Anthony and others to assume more of the scoring load. On a team that talented, players have to take on roles they otherwise wouldn’t be required to fill.
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Youssef (Dearborn Heights, Mich.): Will The Palace court return to its normal Pistons logo and the baselines returned to red next season?
Langlois: Last year’s court was altered to reflect the celebration of the 50th year since the Pistons were relocated to Detroit. I turned to our design guru, Jason George, to answer your question, Youssef. Here’s what he said: “The court will return mostly to the old look – red sidelines and baseline. Jack McCloskey’s name will be added to those that have been retired and are situated on the sideline and there will be a Palace 20th anniversary logo added to the court.”
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T.J. (Rochester Hills, Mich.): Last season the coaching staff had a hard time finding consistent minutes for Amir Johnson. When he was put into the rotation, his impact was obvious. For the coming season, we all heard Joe Dumars wanted Amir to receive a consistent amount of minutes. Now Kwame Brown is signed and I’m ready that he could play a decent amount of even start. I’m 99 percent sure Kwame was signed as insurance in case Amir or Maxiell are needed in a trade for Josh Smith or someone else. What are the odds that Smith lands here?
Langlois: I’d say not great, T.J. The likeliest scenario – I’m not sure if it’s 50-50, higher or lower – is that he stays with Atlanta. But if the Hawks pursue a sign-and-trade, there will be many teams in the mix. Kwame Brown could not be part of any such trade because, as I’ve written, he can’t be dealt until at least Dec. 15. I don’t believe Brown was signed with any specific move in mind, but rather because he represented real value at $4 million for one season (two if Brown chooses to return) and because he gives Dumars real flexibility in trade talks.
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Dave (Sterling Heights, Mich.): I realize Joe Dumars doesn’t want to make a trade just for the sake of change, but don’t you think trading some of the veterans now while they have value for young talent or high draft picks makes sense? I’d rather watch a team full of potential grow than another year with more of the same.
Langlois: I’ll resist the generalization, Dave, because there are some trades of veterans for youth and draft picks that would make sense for the Pistons – wouldn’t compromise their ability to compete for a title this season, in other words – and others that wouldn’t. But the Pistons, as presently constituted, have the growth potential you mention sitting on their bench in the persons of Rodney Stuckey, Amir Johnson, Arron Afflalo, Walter Sharpe, Jason Maxiell and Cheikh Samb. That’s an awful lot of young players already on one team. I’m not sure they want to get significantly younger – or you’d have the 2005-06 Atlanta Hawks.
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Alex (Grand Rapids, Mich.): Is it realistic any more that the Pistons will make a big-name trade prior to the season? Or do you believe this will be the last year for Chauncey, Rip, Tay and Sheed together?
Langlois: I think there are a lot of doors that could still swing open, Alex, but I think some of them are at least temporarily closed and latched. Houston, for one. The pending trade for Ron Artest probably concludes Houston’s summer makeover. I don’t know if this will be the last year all four remain intact, but the odds grow a little better every year that one or more of them will depart. It’s the last year of Wallace’s contract, for example, and Hamilton can opt out, as well, which would both leave the Pistons with a few holes on their roster and open some possibilities for them.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James (Plano, Texas): When do you think we can expect a European division in the NBA? I hope it’s soon. I hate how signing in Europe is quickly becoming the standard.
Langlois: It’s a long way from becoming the standard, James. But even an NBA European division isn’t going to do away with all of the proliferating European leagues or the economic reality that the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement and salary cap – which has allowed the league to achieve unprecedented growth and prosperity – will prevent some free agents every year from getting an NBA salary on par with what some European teams, unfettered by salary cap restraints and willing to accept considerable financial losses, are willing to pay. I think putting the NBA’s footprint in Europe (and beyond) is a dream of David Stern, but there are huge logistical considerations that need to be addressed first. Scheduling would be a nightmare. I don’t see how it’s even plausible unless you add a minimum of four Euro teams, and that represents a huge commitment and a complicated expansion personnel reallotment. I’ve yet to see a plan that would work, but I’ll bet there’s a thick folder somewhere in Stern’s desk drawer with a lot of interesting concepts in some stage of development.
:langlois:
THURSDAY, August 7, 2008
Tre (Maryland, N.Y.): Is there still a chance the Pistons still might get Tracy McGrady?
Langlois: My hunch is that Houston’s pending acquisition of Ron Artest is the major move of the summer for the Rockets. The word on the grapevine was that Houston management told McGrady after another first-round playoff exit that it was going to get him some help by adding a major piece over the summer. If the Rockets hadn’t been able to do that, it’s possible McGrady would have let it be known that he wanted to be moved. But the addition of Artest is probably a bold and dramatic enough deal to have McGrady excited about another stab in Houston. So … my guess is Houston is done for the summer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jake (Milton, Ga.): Do you think your readers know that, in all probability, most teams Dumars has talked to have at least inquired about Tayshaun Prince? Even if they had a signed trade agreement sitting in a drawer, Dumars seems like the last person who would want to potentially harm Prince or Team USA’s Olympic experience.
Langlois: Your point is well taken, Jake, but I’m not sure the Olympics would prevent a trade from taking place or being announced. The thing is that if a deal of that magnitude were struck, the news would leak. Too many people have to be brought into the mix – some of them with the league office – to keep a lid on it for days and weeks while the Olympics play out. I suppose it’s possible that the Olympics will have a cooling effect on NBA transactions while they are unfolding, but if a deal involving an Olympian were to be struck, it’s pretty unlikely teams would be able to keep it concealed for any appreciable amount of time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jason (Kalamazoo, Mich.): Do you feel there could be a chance of Brown getting starter’s minutes? If so, how would that alter the lineup in regard to Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess?
Langlois: The most minutes per game Brown has ever played was 30 when he played for a pretty bad Washington team four years ago. So he probably isn’t going to get starter’s minutes unless he shows significant improvement? Is that possible? Yeah, because he’s young and athletic enough to make it happen, properly motivated and in the right environment. The Pistons can provide the right environment and, to an extent, the necessary motivation. But Brown has to want to realize his potential. And we won’t be able to begin judging that for a few months. Regarding Wallace and McDyess, it’s reasonable to assume that the only direction their minutes are going to go at their age – both will be 34 by the time the season starts – is down. They both remain highly effective players, but it would be wise to start looking for ways to scale back their responsibilities. Given that Michael Curry seems eager to give young players like Amir Johnson and Jason Maxiell legitimate shots at cracking the rotation, this is the year for that to happen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen (Clarkston, Mich.): You were talking about a lineup next season where Rip Hamilton slides to the three, then having Billups and Stuckey at the guard spots. In that situation, who would play the point?
Langlois: They’d probably mix it up, Stephen, depending on situation and matchups. It’s probably something they’d decide themselves and vary it by possession depending on who found himself with the ball in his hands first after defensive stops. Remember, Billups and Stuckey found themselves on the court together for extended stretches more in the Boston series than they did at any other point in the season, so how they could be best used effectively in tandem is still something to be determined. But I would think that, in general, it would benefit the Pistons to ease the burden of continually being the decision-maker on Billups by letting him play off of the ball a little more, where his spot-up shooting ability would come into play and Stuckey’s ability to create off the dribble could be best exploited.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Donna (Southfield, Mich.): The papers keep saying that Detroit has 13 players under contract, but I count 14. Is Walter Sharpe signed yet or not? I thought he signed a two-year deal before Summer League. Also, is anyone in town working out?
Langlois: Sharpe’s contract signing was officially announced on Wednesday. He brings the Pistons’ roster count to 14 players with guaranteed contracts. If Lindsey Hunter decides to return, he’ll be No. 15. If Hunter decides to retire, it’s possible – likely, even – that the Pistons would go to training camp without another guaranteed contract and let the season play out a little to maintain some roster flexibility. Like all summers, the Pistons’ younger veterans will organize their own workouts. They are planning to get together starting next week and will work out and scrimmage informally at the practice facility for much of August.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jon (Stamford, Conn.): Now that Kwame Brown has signed, he is very excited to play for the Pistons and sees this as an opportunity to get a fresh start. But will Joe Dumars keep him or send him away as part of a trade?
Langlois: By the rules of the collective bargaining agreement, the Pistons can’t trade Kwame Brown until Dec. 15. The trade deadline is late February, so they could move him sometime during the season, but not now.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prasad (Los Angeles): Is Kwame Brown planning on working out with some of the Pistons’ younger players before training camp? I think having a group of young guys like Stuckey, Afflalo, Amir and so on as teammates will be good for him. He hasn’t really had that before.
Langlois: He does, Prasad. He told me Tuesday that he plans to come to town next week to consult with strength coach Arnie Kander, who figures to help Brown avoid some of the minor injuries that have dogged his career. He said he anticipates being in Auburn Hills until the end of August and plans to participate in voluntary workouts with those younger players you mentioned. You raise a good point about Brown finding himself in a situation that he hasn’t enjoyed previously. As I wrote the other day, even though Brown is a seven-year veteran, at 26 he’s less than one year older than Jason Maxiell, a player the Pistons still feel has plenty of growth potential. So it’s not unreasonable to assume Brown can become something more than he’s shown to date.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark (Wittenberg, Wisc.): Do you think Dwight Howard will end up in Detroit?
Langlois: Yes. Dec. 29 and March 9, when Orlando plays at The Palace.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ben (Grosse Pointe, Mich.): Chauncey has been my favorite player since he came to Detroit, but I’ve noticed over the past few seasons he hasn’t been as aggressive since the last time the Pistons were in the Finals. When Chauncey was more aggressive, you could argue that he was the superstar the Pistons are supposed to lack and the team is better. Do you agree?
Langlois: There’s a fine line between aggressive and reckless, Ben. Billups is a superb point guard and the various efficiency ratings, to the extent they’re trustworthy, consistently rank him highly and usually as the Pistons’ top player. Flip Saunders exhorted Billups to be aggressive early in games – to look for his shot and not fall into a pattern of deferring. Billups himself has often said after subpar performances that he failed to press for openings. But he’s in a tough spot. When you’re the point guard in Cleveland or Los Angeles or Dallas, you know your job is to get the ball to LeBron or Kobe or Dirk. When you’re the point guard in Detroit, you have four other players – all of them capable of scoring 20 points a night – looking for their opportunities, as well. It’s a big part of what has carried the Pistons to six straight conference finals, but it requires a delicate balance be struck – and that falls on the point guard more than anyone else.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steven (Grand Rapids, Mich.): I’ve heard trade rumors along with everyone else and I was wondering if you think Rodney Stuckey is ready to replace Chauncey Billups if Billups were part of a trade package that didn’t include an incoming starting point guard?
Langlois: Yeah, Steven, I do think Stuckey is more than capable of shouldering starting minutes in this league. At some point in the coming season, I think the consensus opinion on Stuckey is that he’s one of the top 15 or so point guards in the league. But that doesn’t mean Billups should be traded. It would be a tremendous weapon for the Pistons to have two top-tier point guards because both of them have the ability to play off of the ball and defend almost any shooting guard out there because of their size and strength. Their presence also allows the Pistons to use Rip Hamilton at small forward, which is a way to get Tayshaun Prince the rest beneficial to his production. Michael Curry called Stuckey a “sixth starter” the other day, which I take to mean his minutes will be roughly equal to the other starters – somewhere around 30 minutes a night. If the Pistons were to trade Billups without getting a competent point guard back, though, they’d have to find someone who could give them at least 12 to 15 quality minutes a night – I’m not sure they’re ready to thrust Will Bynum into that role just yet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jeff (Ann Arbor, Mich.): I’ve been keeping track of Team USA box scores and notice that Tayshaun Prince has been getting only a couple of minutes per game. Do you think he’s out of place on the Team USA roster?
Langlois: Not in the least, Jeff. Prince’s role was well defined for him – he knew he was there to be a jack-of-all-trades and do whatever needed of him, from defending tough wing scorers to playing power forward against smaller lineups to helping with ballhandling chores against full-court pressure. Carlos Boozer has also been used sparingly in some games, too, because when USA Basketball went with only three true power players it became necessary to use Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James frequently at power forward and keep one of the big men in reserve in case foul trouble strikes Dwight Howard or Chris Bosh. Kobe Bryant has anointed himself the team’s defensive stopper and allowed Dwayne Wade, Anthony and others to assume more of the scoring load. On a team that talented, players have to take on roles they otherwise wouldn’t be required to fill.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Youssef (Dearborn Heights, Mich.): Will The Palace court return to its normal Pistons logo and the baselines returned to red next season?
Langlois: Last year’s court was altered to reflect the celebration of the 50th year since the Pistons were relocated to Detroit. I turned to our design guru, Jason George, to answer your question, Youssef. Here’s what he said: “The court will return mostly to the old look – red sidelines and baseline. Jack McCloskey’s name will be added to those that have been retired and are situated on the sideline and there will be a Palace 20th anniversary logo added to the court.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T.J. (Rochester Hills, Mich.): Last season the coaching staff had a hard time finding consistent minutes for Amir Johnson. When he was put into the rotation, his impact was obvious. For the coming season, we all heard Joe Dumars wanted Amir to receive a consistent amount of minutes. Now Kwame Brown is signed and I’m ready that he could play a decent amount of even start. I’m 99 percent sure Kwame was signed as insurance in case Amir or Maxiell are needed in a trade for Josh Smith or someone else. What are the odds that Smith lands here?
Langlois: I’d say not great, T.J. The likeliest scenario – I’m not sure if it’s 50-50, higher or lower – is that he stays with Atlanta. But if the Hawks pursue a sign-and-trade, there will be many teams in the mix. Kwame Brown could not be part of any such trade because, as I’ve written, he can’t be dealt until at least Dec. 15. I don’t believe Brown was signed with any specific move in mind, but rather because he represented real value at $4 million for one season (two if Brown chooses to return) and because he gives Dumars real flexibility in trade talks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dave (Sterling Heights, Mich.): I realize Joe Dumars doesn’t want to make a trade just for the sake of change, but don’t you think trading some of the veterans now while they have value for young talent or high draft picks makes sense? I’d rather watch a team full of potential grow than another year with more of the same.
Langlois: I’ll resist the generalization, Dave, because there are some trades of veterans for youth and draft picks that would make sense for the Pistons – wouldn’t compromise their ability to compete for a title this season, in other words – and others that wouldn’t. But the Pistons, as presently constituted, have the growth potential you mention sitting on their bench in the persons of Rodney Stuckey, Amir Johnson, Arron Afflalo, Walter Sharpe, Jason Maxiell and Cheikh Samb. That’s an awful lot of young players already on one team. I’m not sure they want to get significantly younger – or you’d have the 2005-06 Atlanta Hawks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alex (Grand Rapids, Mich.): Is it realistic any more that the Pistons will make a big-name trade prior to the season? Or do you believe this will be the last year for Chauncey, Rip, Tay and Sheed together?
Langlois: I think there are a lot of doors that could still swing open, Alex, but I think some of them are at least temporarily closed and latched. Houston, for one. The pending trade for Ron Artest probably concludes Houston’s summer makeover. I don’t know if this will be the last year all four remain intact, but the odds grow a little better every year that one or more of them will depart. It’s the last year of Wallace’s contract, for example, and Hamilton can opt out, as well, which would both leave the Pistons with a few holes on their roster and open some possibilities for them.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James (Plano, Texas): When do you think we can expect a European division in the NBA? I hope it’s soon. I hate how signing in Europe is quickly becoming the standard.
Langlois: It’s a long way from becoming the standard, James. But even an NBA European division isn’t going to do away with all of the proliferating European leagues or the economic reality that the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement and salary cap – which has allowed the league to achieve unprecedented growth and prosperity – will prevent some free agents every year from getting an NBA salary on par with what some European teams, unfettered by salary cap restraints and willing to accept considerable financial losses, are willing to pay. I think putting the NBA’s footprint in Europe (and beyond) is a dream of David Stern, but there are huge logistical considerations that need to be addressed first. Scheduling would be a nightmare. I don’t see how it’s even plausible unless you add a minimum of four Euro teams, and that represents a huge commitment and a complicated expansion personnel reallotment. I’ve yet to see a plan that would work, but I’ll bet there’s a thick folder somewhere in Stern’s desk drawer with a lot of interesting concepts in some stage of development.