Delfino's story

Reserve forward Carlos Delfino tried to set the record straight. Again, there were several stories in the foreign press over the summer in which Delfino was quoted as saying he wasn't happy in Detroit and that he would like to be traded.

He didn't actually refute the stories, but he tried to put his sentiments into perspective. The bottom line being, he just wants to play -- if not for the Pistons then for somebody else.

"If somebody talked about a trade rumor, sometimes it's because I don't care if I play for the Pistons or for my house (team)," he said. "I love basketball. I want to be a basketball player. I feel like my time to play is here and when I don't play, I am losing time. That's why I cry. - (Delfino bashers are going to have a field day with that one, lol - matt.)

"If I play for the Pistons, it's better for me and it's better for my career. But I want to play. I am not saying I don't want play here. I am saying, if I am not playing here, I wanted the opportunity to be traded to someplace where I will play. I don't want to be here if I don't play."

The Pistons are counting on him to play. They have penciled him in as the primary backup to Tayshaun Prince . But Delfino has to prove that he's worthy of the rotation spot.

"With this opportunity comes responsibility," coach Flip Saunders said. "That's what players have to understand. This isn't about just giving something to somebody. You might be given a little opportunity, but it can be taken away."
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061003/SPORTS0102/610030350/1127

The bottom line being, he just vants to play -- if not for the Pistons then for somebody else.

Fixed.

Chris McCosky
Find the fire (http://info.detnews.com/pistonsblog/index.cfm)

I am not trying to pick on Carlos Delfino. I really like him as a person and I think he has the ability to be a solid NBA reserve. But, I have to admit, he frustrates me. There is something about his demeanor, his body language that's wrong. Because of the language situation and because he is mostly quiet and prefers to keep to himself, it's tough to know what's really going on inside of him. But, judging by the way he carries himself on the court, he acts like a player whose status in the NBA is a lot more set and secure than it is.

Guys like Rasheed and Chauncey and Rip, even Tayshaun, they can afford to take it slow and ease their way into the season. They are proven NBA veterans. They have won a championship. Delfino hasn't proved anything. He hasn't produced anything. He's been handed a golden opportunity this season and, maybe I am naive, but I thought that might inspire some passion from him. Not so much.

I am starting to wonder how important establishing himself in the NBA is to Delfino. You know, back on media day he made it clear he didn't really care whether he played for the Pistons, for a European league team or for his house team back in Argentina -- he just wanted to play. That sounded bad to me. I think Joe Dumars, who committed another year to Delfino (he's signed through 2007-2008), wants being a Piston to mean a little more to him than that.

Maybe I am being too harsh. Not every player can be like Jason Maxiell, who fought for a spot in the rotation this summer and through camp like his life depended on it. But it would be really intriguing to see how good Delfino could be if he played with the same fire and passion here that he does for his national team.

That's why I cry.

That's why I cry.
*edit - they changed the pic. bastages*
(too obvious?)

http://img280.imageshack.us/img280/9959/delfso7.jpg

Both of those posts are phenominal and shouldn't be changed.

(No the Madonna thing isn't too obvious, its hilarious.)

Pissing at the pussy-powered piston... how preeeccciiiooouuussss...

He has a weird game, it's almost like he is trying to incorporate a cool image that he must uphold into his game

hes aight...hes gonna be pretty good once he shakes off the rust

this thread is missing something.





http://www.shamsports.com/images/amusing/delfino.jpg

AUBURN HILLS -- An illustration of leadership (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061031/SPORTS0102/610310394/1127):

Chauncey Billups noticed something was odd and maybe a little off with Carlos Delfino early during training camp. His body language and overall demeanor was bad, droopy, like he was either mad about something or just not having any fun.

Billups gave it a couple weeks. Then, not seeing any improvement, he decided to intervene. He and a couple other veterans took Delfino out to dinner one night last week.

Billups got right to the point.

He asked Delfino, simply, "Are you with us or not?" Billups told Delfino the team was counting on him this season and if he didn't want to be here, speak up now. After Delfino assured him he did want to be here, Billups told him to start acting like it.

Whatever it is that's been bothering you, Billups said, let it go. It's not important. We've all gone through stuff in our careers. All that matters now is we need you with us. We need you to be a part of what we're trying to accomplish this season. We have to be able to trust you are with us.

President Joe Dumars and coach Flip Saunders could have said those same words to Delfino without having nearly the same effect. Once Billups reached out to Delfino, the change was almost immediate. Delfino began smiling more at practice. He made himself more available to his teammates, even allowing himself to get mixed up in some of Rasheed Wallace's high jinks. Delfino and Lindsey Hunter started their own postpractice shooting regimen.

Delfino, for now, is back in the fold.

Nice find Matt. I sure hope he is "with us" this year.

Delfino and Lindsey Hunter started their own postpractice shooting regimen.
Is it a good thing or a bad thing to go to the Lindsey Hunter school of offense?

^I took that as meaning they both really need the extra work.

Mike Curry is running their little clinic.

After they're done do Shaq and Ben help them with their free throws?