Okay, here are our Pistons at #15.

Feel free to discuss potential players to be selected, team needs or any other topics related to this pick in this thread.

Once you know who you think they should pick, post your selection in this thread in bold red type. Only vote once per thread.

At 5 pm, whichever player has the most votes will be the Pistons pick in our mock draft.

Players selected so far: http://wtfdetroit.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9551

Best available players: http://wtfdetroit.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9601

Well, in my opinion, it's either Stuckey or Thaddeus Young... Not sure which at this point.

Well, in my opinion, it's either Stuckey or Thaddeus Young... Not sure which at this point.

I'm with you.

The thing is, if they have a plan to bring in a SF (Hill? Someone else?) then they'll probably go Stuckey.

But we don't know what the plan is, do we?

I suppose that if they think they can play him at center (eventually) that Jason Smith is am option too.

And then there is Thornton...

I'm with you.

The thing is, if they have a plan to bring in a SF (Hill? Someone else?) then they'll probably go Stuckey.

But we don't know what the plan is, do we?

I suppose that if they think they can play him at center (eventually) that Jason Smith is am option too.

And then there is Thornton...

I've thought about Smith as well... And I suppose he is also a possibility.

But Thornton is just too much in the mold of Maxiell...

Current players under contract for 2007-08
Rasheed Wallace
Richard Hamilton
Tayshaun Prince
Nazr Mohammed
Lindsey Hunter
Jason Maxiell

Player options
Antonio McDyess ($6.4m)
Ronald Murray ($1.9m)
Ronald Dupree ($826K)

Team options
Will Blalock ($687K)

Free agents
Chauncey Billups (UFA)
Dale Davis (UFA)
Amir Johnson (RFA)
Chris Webber (UFA)

Picks in this draft
#15
#27
#57

^It's nice that Nazr is technically our 4th highest paid player right now, with Lindsey 5th.

And I think you are dead on about Thornton/Maxiell. Too bad that Thornton isn't desirable enough for someone to want to move up and get him. That's where Delfino's salary could have come in handy (if we could have traded Delfino and this pick for a better player).

so should we make this pick based on who is on the roster as of today? Or do we say, "well if they make this move" or "after getting rid of (insert name of guy you blame), the pick should be......"

Good question.

I think you probably need to clarify when you make your pick what assumptions you are making. (i.e. "Chauncey, Amir, Flip and Dice come back, Webber/Davis/Blalock/Dupree do not", for example)

We've got 3.5 hours, we can discuss it some, but i think it has to come down to being based on what we have now, because that's what we've done with all the other picks. Thornton would be nice, since he's a lottery talent that's slipped, but I also like the idea of grabbing one of the Youngs. Stuckey doesn't sound too bad either, but I don't know much about him and he comes from a small school with lesser competition. Maybe he's a sleeper but maybe he's a bust.

Fuck, missed the N.O. pick, didn't know Nick Young was taken already.

I think this pick has to be based on our core guys and what we think they project as:

Billups - PG starter
RIP - SG starter
Tay - SF starter - possible 6th man if we draft a good SF
Sheed - PF starter for 2 years
Center - ?

Backups
PG ?
SG ?
SF ?
PF - Max
C - Amir?

The biggets needs IMO are 1) Center, 2) backup wing, 3) backup PG

Whether or not we sign Hill we still need a backup scoring wing at some point. I'm not sure Smith can play center. he's more of an athletic PF, which we already have.

Thorton is like Max, so he's out IMO. Sean Williams looks like a knucklehead and doesn't look that dominating either. To me it comes down to Stuckey or Young. Both are great scorers and would boost the bench a ton.

If Thornton is on the board here for Detroit he's their pick. Dumars has been scouting him for a few years now (actually attending a few of his games) and he's the more nba-ready of the players left on the board. He's a very good shooter and is a better athlete than people give him credit for. He'd be a steal at #15. This guy can score. He's just what this team needs off the bench. Who cares if he can't defend right now. I also think he can play the 3.

Thaddeus Young is an intriguing prospect and would also be a nice pick if available at #15. He's definitely more of a project but showed flashes of his potential in a few big spots (ACC tourney, etc.). I like the fact he appears willing to work on his game and is very smart. Good pick if selecting on potential.

I want ZERO part of Rodney Stuckey. He's Flip Murray without the talent (which is bad). You absolutely can't select a tweener that doesn't have a jump shot and can't really jump.

(Pick changed below)

Ehhh.... I still don't know, but I'll crapshoot.

Detroit selects - Thaddeus Young

Acutally, I just read a bunch of articles on Thorton. They say he is basically automatic from 17 feet and in. He is a monster on the boards and a decent defender (they say he bites on head fakes too much, but that can be fixed). He seems like the hustle player that would fit in. He's also very good at creating his own shot. I think the lack of a three point shot would be fine with Sheed, Tay, RIP and Billups here. If anything we need someone who doesn't float out there. They compare him to Marion, Maggette, Al Harrington. He had the highest verticle and ranked #17 overall in the combine too BTW.

I am changing my pick...Detroit selects Al Thornton.

Take this for what it's worth...




Who slipped?

-Al Thornton is not drawing the best reviews in his individual workouts so far, while some teams are now quietly wondering whether he might end up being available in the late teens portion of the draft. People we’ve spoken to have questioned his ability to play and defend the perimeter, pointing out his lack of fluidity, and even going as far as to call him “robotic” moving his feet outside of the paint. In addition to that, losing an inch on measurements from 6-8 to 6-7 did not help him, while his very soft-spoken off the court demeanor and more advanced age at 23 ½ has been working against him as well. His poor feel for finding the open man or picking up on advanced sets both defensively and offensively has also been mentioned as a negative in some people’s eyes. When’s Thornton perimeter shot is not falling he might not be the most aesthetic workout player to take in, but scouts might want to remind themselves of the way he dominated the ACC this year by rewatching some of the film they have at their disposal. He’s clearly not a finished product at this point despite his age, and relying heavily on workouts to compare him with other prospects in this draft does him a tremendous disservice.

I need to do more reading still, but right now I'm leaning towards Thad Young.

He's taller, reminds me of Tayshaun and is 5 years younger than Thornton.

Not ready to commit yet, though...

I'm leaning towards Thornton, just based on the "best on the board" idea. Everyone wants someone that can help now, and if he's the most NBA-ready guy, then he can help now. I still love the idea of T.Young though. It really all comes down to who we sign and what trades we make though, so its a real crap-shoot right now.



Edit- This was before seeing that DraftExpress blurb. That doesn't make him sound very desirable.

I'm in the Young camp.

Here's who they have worked out so far:


Player Team Workout Date Status Source
Rodney Stuckey Pistons Jun 23rd Upcoming
Brent Petway Pistons Jun 11th Completed
Artem Zabelin Pistons Jun 11th Completed
Ramon Sessions Pistons Jun 13th Completed
Mohamed Abukar Pistons Jun 14th Completed
Stanko Barac Pistons Jun 14th Completed
Nick Young Pistons Jun 15th Completed
DeVon Hardin Pistons Jun 15th Completed
Thad turns 19 tomorrow, btw.

"Stanko."

We must have him.

He must change his last name to "Milicic", though.

These two guys, Young and Thornton, are pretty similar in a lot of ways it seems (measurables-wise).


Measurables

Thad Young
Height 6' 7.5"
Weight 210
Wingspan 6' 11.5"
Standing reach 8' 10"
Body fat 4.9
No step vert 34.5
Max vert 37
Bench Press 13
Lane agility 11.6
3/4 court sprint 3.19
Class rank 7

Al Thornton
Height 6' 7"
Weight 221
Wingspan 7' 1"
Standing reach 8' 8"
Body fat 5.8
No step vert 35
Max vert 41
Bench Press 9
Lane agility 11.96
3/4 court sprint 3.16
Class rank 17

Detroit selects - Thaddeus Young

Unless I see something that changes my mind before 5 pm

Detroit Pistons select - Thaddeus Young

I've been wanting this pick for a while. I love the kid's atheticism and length. He could be a fantastic finisher for the Pistons. Looks like he's got to bulk up a bit, though.

8rkIBw-jTl4

check out about 1:10 in when Thaddeus blows by Durant :D

z2Syh8zSChE

what i really like about Thaddeus is his "explosive" athleticism (from his highlights). Tayshaun's certainly athletic, but he's more of a smooth player. i like that Thaddeus is explosive to the hole and and the rim. if his ball handling improves, he could be taking guys off the dribble and dunking strong to finish. i like.

I remember being big on Young early on when it looked like everyone else was way out of reach, and I really wanted the Pistons to grab him. I know Thornton looks like a better player, but he seems kind of like a Corliss guy, out of position at either forward spot. I know he's a lot more athletic that Corliss, but you know what I'm saying. I'm having a hard time making a decision here.

He must change his last name to "Milicic", though.

These two guys, Young and Thornton, are pretty similar in a lot of ways it seems (measurables-wise).

How can they say Thornton was hurt by losing an inch when he has a 7'1" wingspan? He's even quick by the numbers compared to Young.

I did see that they weren't sure how he can defend the 3 because FSU played a lot of zone. That could be a positive though as we seem to excell in the zone right now. I also think Amir and Max could dominate in a zone too with their quickness.

And I like Young too BTW.

I remember being big on Young early on when it looked like everyone else was way out of reach, and I really wanted the Pistons to grab him. I know Thornton looks like a better player, but he seems kind of like a Corliss guy, out of position at either forward spot. I know he's a lot more athletic that Corliss, but you know what I'm saying. I'm having a hard time making a decision here.

I thought that at first too, but I think he's more of an out of position guy like Harrington or Marion. Not a slow footed Corliss. can we get some clips of Thornton as well Matt?

I thought that at first too, but I think he's more of an out of position guy like Harrington or Marion. Not a slow footed Corliss. can we get some clips of Thornton as well Matt?

In the interest of fairness

irnnHLhsG34

Here's how they stand right now, roughly an hour and fifteen minutes to go.


Al Thornton - 2
Thad Young - 4

I say that Joe D. picks the more complete player. He likes guys with experience (ex. Prince), and want a guy ready to play.

The Pistons select - Al Thornton (with better D and a better all around game than T. Young - plus I saw his great game agaisnt FLA.)

Al Harrington is not a bad comparison there - probably more athleticism as well.

Still don't know who I'd want.

Al Thornton

Looking at his college numbers, his shot is only getting better. Looks like a great hustle player that can get to the hoop.

The age difference is huge to me. Thornton's got 5 more years of basketball on those legs. But some would say that also means he's more experienced. I think it means he's got 5 years less of a career ahead of him.

Hearing multiple reports of Thornton's poor workouts is troubling too.

It is a tough call, but Young just seems more "impressive" to me.

And if you are going to infuse some youth, infuse some youth.


4 to 4 with Wizzle's vote.

I'm having a hard time deciding which way to look at this. There's the upside-potential aspect that says go with Young, its the obvious choice. Then there's the win now aspect that says Thornton is more NBA-ready and would probably be able to do more for us right away. I've been debating this since the damn thing started and I still haven't been able to make up my mind. If it comes down to it, we do know Joe likes to go with experience (Tay, Max are 4 year guys), but he did take a gamble on an inexperienced guy in Darko when he had a high pick. He knows he needs the youth drive so maybe getting another young guy into the system that can slowly develop and start pushing guys on the team more and more as the season goes on is a good thing. Every time I type a reason to take one guy I think of another reason to take the other.

The age difference is huge to me. Thornton's got 5 more years of basketball on those legs. But some would say that also means he's more experienced. I think it means he's got 5 years less of a career ahead of him.

Hearing multiple reports of Thornton's poor workouts is troubling too.

It is a tough call, but Young just seems more "impressive" to me.

And if you are going to infuse some youth, infuse some youth.

I can't stand the poor workout argument in any sport. If a kid can do it on the field or court, he can do it. Besides, Darko had excellent workouts.

And with the age thing, I get it, but who is to say that he will be a Piston for that 5 years at the end of his career. Young is not much different than taking a player straight from High School, which for the most part, again IMO, does not work out for the team that selects them.

but he did take a gamble on an inexperienced guy in Darko when he had a high pick.

how'd that work out?

Besides, Darko had excellent workouts.

I believe "jaw-dropping workout" was the quote I read somewhere. but, yeah, i concur.

I can't stand the poor workout argument in any sport. If a kid can do it on the field or court, he can do it.

The stuff that concerned me his workouts is stuff like this write up about what the Kings might do at #10:


Al Thornton should get a look, but he worked out extremely poorly in Sacramento

Now that's certainly not the only reason to NOT draft a guy, but I don't think anybody here is saying that, either.

Hell, I'm just reading and regurgitating stuff that I've read from "experts" and watching video here and there of some guys, so don't put any weight into what I'm saying. We all know how often these "experts" are wrong.

Let's just hope that Joe D doesn't let Chad Ford make this pick, too.

how'd that work out?
I wasn't saying it worked out well. Darko wasn't willing to earn playing time and would have probably been better off going to a team that desperately needed him to play right away. He wouldn't have had his pouting shit and would have developed on the floor. Still, wrong pick for us. I was just using this as an example that Joe doesn't always take the college vet. What did Rodney White have? 2 years of college experience? Yes, he also didnt pan out. But that just shows Joe is more willing to take risks on young guys with higher picks and he takes experienced guys with lower picks. Our #27 will be a 3 or 4 year player, most likely. Unless something great slips.

The reason I say Thornton is that I think he fits better here. He's more NBA ready, hustles, etc. Young would probably be a better pick for a team farther from competing because in 3-4 years he might be better than Thornton. This pick really depends on what Joe is planning. If he brings in Hill, we could take a guy like Young or Stuckey and let them develop. If we don't get Hill or Mo Pete, then we need immediate help for Tay or he's going to be worn down like he always is. In that case we need a guy ready to help. This is very hard without any FA or Trade knowledge right now.

Zekyl, I wasn't saying you thought Darko was a good move....nobody in their right mind would think that. What I meant by pointing that out is that maybe Joe will be gunshy with the young un-proven kid because of how Darko turned out.

I agree that Flip might be more willing to play Thornton over Young.

We can look at Amir and see how willing Flip is to get young players on the floor.

On a side note, Young has a 4.0 GPA at Georgia Tech. How do you do that while playing basketball? I'd like to see what classes he took.

Tied up with 20 minutes to go.

We either need more votes or some defectors, lol.

Zekyl, I wasn't saying you thought Darko was a good move....nobody in their right mind would think that. What I meant by pointing that out is that maybe Joe will be gunshy with the young un-proven kid because of how Darko turned out.
Yeah, I realized that right after I posted. My bad man.

Fucking emo kids.

LOL....nice Glenn

looks like the swing vote is going to go to you Z

I agree that Flip might be more willing to play Thornton over Young.

We can look at Amir and see how willing Flip is to get young players on the floor.

On a side note, Young has a 4.0 GPA at Georgia Tech. How do you do that while playing basketball? I'd like to see what classes he took.

Tied up with 20 minutes to go.

We either need more votes or some defectors, lol.

Yeah, they said Thornton doesn't have a high basketball IQ. I definately think Young has more upside. I just wonder if he'll rot on the bench and give up like White. Maybe he's smart enough to keep working hard like Prince. I'd be happy with either in the real draft (assuming Law and Hawes are gone).

I'm gonna throw my hat into the ring and put out a vote for Thad Young (pretend its in red).

Detroit selects Thaddeus Young

Fuck it. I don't know if this is what Joe would do, but TheThad

Young - 6

Thornton - 4

10 minutes to go (forum clock is a bit slow)

Fucking emo kids.
[smilie=guitarist.g: [smilie=melodramati:

FUCK YOU!!!! Hahahahaha

I need a smiley of a guy flipping his hair out of his face, only to reveal a tear in his eye. I would post it every time.

I need a smiley of a guy flipping his hair out of his face, only to reveal a tear in his eye. I would post it every time.


http://www.chilehardware.com/foro/images/smilies/emo.gif
Close.

[smilie=guitarist.g: [smilie=melodramati:

FUCK YOU!!!! Hahahahaha

I need a smiley of a guy flipping his hair out of his face, only to reveal a tear in his eye. I would post it every time.
http://www.greatestcities.com/2286pic/917/CP81917.jpg/emoticon.bmp

GLENN beat me!!

damn, too slow.

i suck.

*sniff*

now, i'm emo.

Its ok, go sing about on with your acoustic guitar to the girl who's pants you'll never get into. You make up for this by wearing pants the same size as hers. Fag.

don't make me cut myself....

I know this pick won't matter, but Daequan Cook would be a good fit.

Just for you, Glenn

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l79/xWorld_war_Mex/emo.jpg

I think it's pretty obvious that because of what has happened here today, Thornton will turn out to be a star.

Well, we're all on record at least.

Let the "I told you so's" commence.

http://files.funnypictures.tv/cartoons/wish-6sdgg3w32wh.jpg

Sadly, you're right.

http://files.funnypictures.tv/cartoons/wish-6sdgg3w32wh.jpg
I was just about to make that my sig! Hahah

Interesting that Ford mentioned Thad Young, specifically.


Ford: How does that history play into your thought then with someone like a Thaddeus Young, the freshman (small forward from Georgia Tech) with super potential? Do you just say, well, he can't come in here and crack the rotation?

Dumars: The difference now is that my core guys are not at the beginning of their prime anymore. Back with Rodney and Darko, they were coming in when my core guys were getting ready to go on a six-year run. It's a different place now. So now it's easier to draft those higher-rated guys now.

Ford: So at this point, it's less about experience and more about who you have rated as the best player?

Dumars: Absolutely. Now that my core guys - a couple of them are hitting their 30's now - it's easier to draft those younger guys now, those guys like Amir Johnson, because you need that energy now.

I want ZERO part of Rodney Stuckey. He's Flip Murray without the talent (which is bad). You absolutely can't select a tweener that doesn't have a jump shot and can't really jump.

Interesting.

Although I still stand by my observations of stuckey previous to the 2007 draft (I don't like guys that can't really shoot, aren't athletic enough to finish around the rim and were only good enough to lead their college team to a barely .500 record) he has proven to be much better than I originally thought.

Stuckey is physical and very quick and has better court awareness than I thought he would. He's much better than flip murray and has potential to be a good player. He'll never be great.

lil bump