Blakely Blog


Delfino, Maxiell update...

As expected, the Pistons picked up team options on Jason Maxiell and Carlos Delfino, keeping both players signed through the 2007-2008 season.

The Pistons knew well before training camp started that they would pick up Maxiell's team option, but there was definitely a wait-and-see approach with Delfino.

His talent has never been the issue. It's his heart; specifically, whether his heart was into playing for Detroit. To his credit, he has made the most of his minutes on the floor this season, and is now being allowed to play through - and grow from - his mistakes.

Detroit Pistons Public Relations Press Release
Friday, October 20, 2006
Associated Press

As the Detroit Pistons picked up the team option on forward Jason Maxiell's contract, there was another tidbit of good news.

"I'm pleased to announce that Mad Max Facts (http://wtfdetroit.com/index.php?page=mad_max_facts) will also be extended into the 2007-2008 season. Or until all the babies have been eaten and dogs have been kicked. Or until we run out of good ideas....which probably won't happen," said a rather jubilant Maxiell, while the Palace janitors cleaned the glass from yet another broken backboard from practice.

Joe Dumars was equally as pleased. "We're very excited to have Jason with us. We're teaming up with Rock Financial to pass out rain ponchos during home games, so fans can shield themselves from the blood of opposing teams. We're working with Gallagher on the design."

Indiana Pacers head coach, Rick Carlisle, didn't seem to share the same excitement.

"My assistants' folders are not equipped to withstand the carnage that a man of Jason Maxiell's stature tends to inflict. We're going to have to upgrade to plastic folders. First the new NBA ball, now this. It's just not fair."

http://espn.starwave.com/media/nba/2005/0513/photo/g_carlisle_it.jpg
Rick: "Guys, we're fucked."
SJackson: "I've got a glock in my locker, maybe that'll help."
Reggie: "I'm going back up to the booth, where it's safe."

Where's the news blurb about Delfino's sex change?

Im happy about Max. If need be Ill start making some babies lol. Ive always been a Delfino fan but Im getting the impression his preseason hasnt been all that.

Funny stuff, Matt.

Instead of "Detroit Pistons Public Relations Press Release" you could have used "By Keith Langlois". Same difference.

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/6664/3577yz4.jpg
Awww.......now that's a warm and fuzzy moment....


Delfino, Maxiell part of Pistons' future (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061021/SPORTS03/610210381/1051)

October 21, 2006
BY KRISTA JAHNKE
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

The Pistons picked up the team option years of Carlos Delfino, right, and Jason Maxiell. They are locked in through next season. (JULIAN H. GONZALEZ/Detroit Free Press)

Pistons reserves Carlos Delfino and Jason Maxiell have both enjoyed thumbs-up appraisals during training camp and the preseason. Friday, they received the most positive reviews yet.

The Pistons announced they'd picked up the team option years on each player's contract.

"It says we've got confidence in where they're at," coach Flip Saunders said. "They're part of our future."

Both players now are locked in through next season. Maxiell, a 23-year-old forward in his second season, also has a team option for the 2008-09 season. At the end of those deals, both will become restricted free agents, meaning the Pistons can match any offer they receive.

Delfino will make $1.87 million next season; Maxiell will earn $1 million.

The team had until Oct. 31 to guarantee the next seasons on each rookie deal, and they intended to do so all along. It was just a matter of getting to the paperwork, team president Joe Dumars said.

"We talked about it a week or two ago," Dumars said, speaking of vice president John Hammond. "I asked John, 'We have until the 31st, right?' He said, 'Yeah.' I said, 'Well, we need to go ahead and get that done at some point.' It wasn't like we were watching them play. We could have done it the first day of training camp but just had other pressing stuff going on."

Regardless, the two didn't hurt their causes in training camp.

Maxiell, a second-year forward, came in leaner and meaner and has been the team's leading scorer (14.2) in the first five exhibitions. His energy level, ability to be a force in the paint and play above the rim made the decision easy for Dumars.

"He makes plays that help you win games, whether it be rebounding or blocking a shot or effort plays," Dumars said. "He brings a certain energy to the front line that we really, really like."

Maxiell, who said he's still sticking to a diet of chicken and fish and absolutely no beer, was happy although not surprised with Friday's news.

"It's nice to know you're wanted," Maxiell said. "I've been playing hard, and I guess Joe knows I'm a good guy off the court, too."

Delfino, a 24-year-old swingman in his third season, said he too was glad to hear the official news, although he had known for months it was coming.

"It's something I think everyone expected," he said. "I like the idea."

But he isn't 100% happy with his performance in training camp. A heavy schedule of international play over the summer left him feeling a little worn down, he said, and he also had to readjust from FIBA rules to the NBA. He also still wants to drop a few pounds.

His bosses aren't complaining, though, even if Delfino has struggled in a few exhibitions with his shot. Dumars said he sees past that.

"He does all the other little things well," Dumars said. "But a guy like him always gets judged by whether he makes his shot or not a lot of times. It's not a question about whether he rebounds, dishes the ball, slides his feet. That's never a question. With him it's just going to be the consistency of knocking down open shots."

MAX IN NOW: After seeing Maxiell's stellar start, Dumars said he hopes he is given a chance to be a part of the regular rotation.

"Why don't you put him out there and see what he gives you?" Dumars said. "I think anytime you're talking about a new guy in a rotation, especially a young guy who hasn't played before, once he gets out there and gets an opportunity, he'll dictate how much more he plays. See how he does once the real thing starts."

READ A BOOK: The entire Pistons team spent Friday afternoon at a Read to Achieve event at Madison Middle School in Pontiac. They unveiled a library renovation project called the Live, Learn and Play Center.

Contact KRISTA JAHNKE at 313-223-4493 :eek: or kjahnke@freepress.com.

Maxiell, who said he's still sticking to a diet of chicken and fish and absolutely no beer

Poor guy.

Dont worry, Ill drink for him :grin: