newc's Pistons[8-8] Race 2 MVP + Rookie rankings

[Andrew]

That's a really tough loss but at least it'll give you added incentive to blow the Cavs out next time you play them.

[newc]

"We need a real center!"

Guard him, guard him, no, Ben what are you doing? shouted John Kuester at the sideline. Scoreboard showed an unpleasant scene - Cavaliers 96 Pistons 62. Cavaliers big players tonight have been crushing the Pistons bigs, game is commented by Jeff Van Gundy. I completely agree with you Jeff, Mike Breen agrees with his colleague, Shaq and Co. have destroyed them, the Pistons takes a timeout, but I doubt it will help them.
Listen up, probably we can't rescue this game any more, but I want to see you all fighting, come on! John Kuester said to his players Ben, Charlie, their big players are outplaying you too easily, put yourself together!

***

The next morning, after the loss to Cavaliers Ivo Steinberg got a guest in his office, he wasn't waiting, it was John Kuester

Steinberg, we need a trade, we need a true center.

Wait a minute, John, we have Big Ben and Wilcox can also play as a center

Did you saw yesterday's game? Shaq destroyed us!

Well, you have a point. OK, I'll look at our options.

When the coach had left the room, Ivo called his assistant, Don Self

Hey Don, guess who came today to my office? Yes, how did you know? Well, the thing is that he requested me to trade for a good center. You'll search? OK, when it's done send me an e-mail.

After one and a half hours Ivo received a new letter from Don:

Hey Ivo,

Here's what I heard from other GM and close people to them. I think these guys would be worth to look at:



And yeah, the center that Minny wants to trade for SF, really is Al Jefferson, Timberwolves GM's assistant told me.

After viewing the letter Ivo took some research on these players:


Andris Biedrins 11,1ppg 9,8rpg 5,0apg 1,6spg 1,7bpg


Emeka Okafor 9,6ppg 10,1rpg 3,4apg 1,6spg 1,3bpg


Brook Lopez 10,3ppg 9,0rpg 3,1apg 1,1spg 1,4bpg


Al Jefferson 13,0ppg 10,1rpg 2,3apg 0,8spg 1,4bpg

Looking at the each statistics, Ivo realized which player he wants to see in his team, but it wasn't his scored points or grabbed rebounds, that made him take this decision, it was much deeper. Ivo then took his cell phone and made a call.

Andris? Hi, what do you think about playing in Detroit?

[newc]

Daaamn, hard loss. Good shooting performance by Shaq.

Yeah, he was great, or should I say our big guys was too weak

Big Ben was demolished by Shaq

Oh yeah, Ben wasn't in mood for days!

Absolutely loving the screenshot.

Well, Big Ben doesn't like it as much as you do

Almost perfect game by Shaq, they killed you

Yeah, Shaq missing just 3 FTs, what the hell?

That's a really tough loss but at least it'll give you added incentive to blow the Cavs out next time you play them.

Yes, I'll beat them hard next time

[Martti.]

Out of the four I thought you'd choose Biedrins cause he's Latvian.

[redhotz]

Hmm, actually playing against powerful centers like Shaq, Jefferson, Bynum Biedrins wont be so good. Biedrins only has very long arms and speed. Tipping shots from the follow and grabbing rebounds are those keys. I recommend Al Jefferson or Emeka Okafor, but Latvian GM + Latvian Center also sounds good. ;DD

[Clutch]

OH MAN!! dude you absolutely HAVE to nab Biedrins, if only to rescue him from the craptastic excuse of a franchise otherwise known as the Golden State Woe-iors

[NovU]

Is Rip really happy coming off from the bench?

[newc]

Pistons, Hawks, Timberwolves makes a three team deal.

It was announced today, that the Pistons, Hawks and the Timberwolves have agreed to a trade that will send Villanueva, Wilcox to Atlanta, Horford, Prince to Minnesota, and Jefferson, Pachulia, Holins to Detroit. We are happy to see this kind of caliber center as Al Jefferson in our team commented Ivo Steinberg, of course, we give up much, but I believe that our team will definitely benefit from this transaction.

A couple of days ago, there were rumors emerged that the Pistons had an eye on Steinberg's fellow Andris Biedrins. Yes, we had interest for Biedrins, but the Warriors club did not want to talk with us about trading him away.

I am happy about this trade, asked to comment on the transaction, says the Pistons head coach John Kuester Al will provide rebounds, easy point under the rim and great defensive stops to our team. I am glad that such a great player will play on my team. It is expected that with the departure of Tayshaun Prince, Rip Hamilton will recover his starting five position, Of course, I would be happy to be in starting 5 again, but everything depends on the coaches, Hamilton commented.

I am happy about playing in Detroit, says Al Jefferson For the first time of my career I will be in such a strong team as this. Of course, I hope to be one of its leaders.

Asked whether Pistons have planned another transaction in the near future, Ivo Steinberg says: No, I think this will be the last trade this season, but I can't predict everything.

Pistons.com gives grades:

Detroit Pistons

In: Al Jefferson, Zaza Pachulia, Ryan Hollins
Out: Tayshaun Prince, Charlie Villanueva, Chris Wilcox
Projected Starters: Jefferson, Wallace, Hamilton, Gordon, Rondo

By this trade Pistons gets, what they've been looking for for a couple of months now - a real starting 5 center. Al Jeffersons is a great player and Zaza will be a good back up for him, but there is a but - Deotrit gives up one of their last decades leaders in Prince and good big guys Villanueva and Wilcox.

Grade: B

Atlanta Hawks

In: Charlie Villanueva, Chris Wilcox
Out: Al Horford, Zaza Pachulia
Projected Starters: Wilcox, Villanueva, Smith, Johnson, Bibby

Atlanta gives up two centers for to power forwards, luckily for them Chris Wilcox can play center position as well and he won't be less center, than Al Horford was, plus they got a real power forward now in Charlie V, but I can't loose a feeling, that they could get something better out of this.

Grade: B-

Minnesota Timberwolves

In: Al Horford, Tayshaun Prince
Out: Al Jefferson, Ryan Hollins
Projected starters: Horford, Love, Prince, Wilkins, Flynn

The Timberwolves are probably the biggest winners of this trade, cause they got two starters instead of one, giving up just Ryan Hollins, who really is a non factor. Yes, Al Jefferson is more like a center, than Horford, but Horford had played the center position for all of his pro career, so he had to get used to it.

Grade: A

[newc]

Out of the four I thought you'd choose Biedrins cause he's Latvian.

Hmm, actually playing against powerful centers like Shaq, Jefferson, Bynum Biedrins wont be so good. Biedrins only has very long arms and speed. Tipping shots from the follow and grabbing rebounds are those keys. I recommend Al Jefferson or Emeka Okafor, but Latvian GM + Latvian Center also sounds good. ;DD

What made you both think, that I will get Biedrins

OH MAN!! dude you absolutely HAVE to nab Biedrins, if only to rescue him from the craptastic excuse of a franchise otherwise known as the Golden State Woe-iors

I tried to get him out of the never-ever land, but Rowell and co didn't let me

Is Rip really happy coming off from the bench?

Well he wasn't, but now with Prince's departure he'll probably get a starting spot

[anthony22]

good trade,your starting five looks like champions

[kibaxx7]

Liking the trade man

[Martti.]

Your line-up looks very promising.

[newc]

Lakers beats Pistons in a tight game


Fisher nails a three pointer

-Thanks to Fisher's late game heroics, Lakers managed to retain the lead against the Pistons, and keep the victory 115-114. It is always painful to lose by 1 point, Rip Hamilton looked disappointed after the game , however, this time it's more painfully, because we lost at home and we do not know what will happen with Ben, will he be back for the next match. Later, though it became clear that Ben Gordon, who got injured in the third quarter, will be able to participate in the next Pistons game. However, if we talk about injuries - Lakers had to play this game without 3 players - Gasol, Bynum and Farmar.

Both teams began the game with records over .500, Lakers record was 7-3, but the Pistons had 5-4. The game was played very tight, neither team got a big lead, Al Jefferson looked very good in his first game for Pistons. I felt great, Rondo and the other guys helped me alot with their great passes, Jefferson admitted after the game. The first quarter ended with an even score, 30-30. The rest of the game continued similar, as none of the teams got bigger lead than 5-6 points, until the fourth quarter, when Fisher threw several key shots and made it possible for Lakers to be ahead by 4, with only four seconds remaining. Rip Hamilton was able to reduce the difference to 1 point with a great throw from the other end of court, but they were unable to change the game winner.

Fish was excellent today, Detroit's coach John Kuester praises opponent team's player, he made a lot of important points. Of course, as always, Kobe was ecelent too. I believe if the Lakers can play like this without three very important players, they are the main candidates for the championship. However, the Pistons team and their fans had something to joy about, as Rajon Rondo was shy only 2 steals to get triple double. Today he was really fantastic, shared the ball well, intercepted balls, scored, Hamilton commented his teammates play, if he continues to play like this, we can be a real threat to others.

Player of the game

Derek Fisher

26 Points

11 Assists

4 Steals

11-18 FGM-A

8 TO


Notable Performers

Pistons [5-5]

Rondo 29pts, 18ast, 8stl, 14-18 FG
Jefferson 24pts, 7reb, 3blk, 12-14 FG
Hamilton 22pts, 4reb

Lakers [8-3]

Bryant 28pts, 3reb
Odom 14pts, 14reb
Artest 23pts, 4reb, 2stl

Highlights:


Jefferson starts his days in Detroit very well / Wallace throws it down hard


Big Ben does it again / Rondo can dunk too

[newc]

good trade,your starting five looks like champions

Thanks, well I don't think like champions, but we could get past the first round in the play-offs

Liking the trade man

Thanks, I like it too, look how great Jefferson was in the firs game!

Your line-up looks very promising.

Well there are some bad things about it (like it's a bit undersized), but it works for now

[kibaxx7]

A lot of players scoring over 20 points. Good job, but tough loss once again

[Azzdogs]

Liking the trade. If Jefferson stays healthy he will dominate. Also I like the fact that you kept Big Ben.

[3PK]

Great move on your behalf, I don't know what the Hawks were thinking there though, they got ripped off. I like the deal for the T-Wolves too. They have a monster starting line-up now, well apart from wilikins. Tough loss against Lakers, you've had some hard games, stick at it!

[Fresh8]

You got a strong starting five. I'm not sure about Ben Wallace's inclusion so i think you should trade for Yi Jianlian.

[Lamrock]

Nice dynasty man. You made a lot of moves, and improved your team considerably, but the deals were actually reasonable. Atlanta got ripped off big time though. I'd recommend you stand pat as far as trades are concerned for a while.

Keep it up.

[Andrew]

I'd recommend you stand pat as far as trades are concerned for a while.

I second that. I find wheeling and dealing too much too close together spoils the experience a bit.

[newc]

A lot of players scoring over 20 points. Good job, but tough loss once again

yeah, but that's ok, we'll beat them next time

Liking the trade. If Jefferson stays healthy he will dominate. Also I like the fact that you kept Big Ben.

Well Al jeff + Big Ben makes a dangerous big man pair

Great move on your behalf, I don't know what the Hawks were thinking there though, they got ripped off. I like the deal for the T-Wolves too. They have a monster starting line-up now, well apart from wilikins. Tough loss against Lakers, you've had some hard games, stick at it!

Yeah, Hawks aren't doing smart moves this year, they traded away marvin Williams for Desagna Diop

You got a strong starting five. I'm not sure about Ben Wallace's inclusion so i think you should trade for Yi Jianlian.

Thanks, Big Ben is great plus I don't like Yi

Nice dynasty man. You made a lot of moves, and improved your team considerably, but the deals were actually reasonable. Atlanta got ripped off big time though. I'd recommend you stand pat as far as trades are concerned for a while.

Keep it up.

Thanks and yes I won't make any other trades this season, except maybe if I do really bad, then, I could make some moves to clear the cap space and try to sign a good free agent in summer

I'd recommend you stand pat as far as trades are concerned for a while.

I second that. I find wheeling and dealing too much too close together spoils the experience a bit.

Agree with you And as I said, I'm not doing any moves for a while.

[Clutch]

holyshiz - Rondo 29pts, 18ast, 8stl, 14-18 FG - what a line by Rondo

[newc]

Pistons starts a road trip with a victory over the Bulls


Hamilton ends the first half with a 2 point shot

Despite of Derrick Rose's 25 points and 7 assists for the game, Pistons managed to get a victory in Chicago, 95-88, and start a 5 game road trip with a win. Jason Maxiell had good game, involving from the bench, with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Today I felt really good, says the player himself, the coach, seeing that I am playing well tonight, gave me the opportunity to play longer than usual.

Chicago Bulls, for the enjoyment of their fans, began the game with a 10-0 run, although it didn't stun guests from the Detroit, as they were leading at the end of the first quarter by six, 26-20. In the second quarter Pistons made a small run, achieving a ten-point advantage, but the Bulls recovered and evened the score, 36-36. However Pistons played the end of first half better and with Rip Hamilton's shot 3,7 seconds before the buzzer they led by 6, 48-42.

If we continue to play on defensive end, we can expect a good result, said Rip Hamilton at the break, he had 24 points in the game. His wishes came true, because the Bulls team scored only 15 points in the 3rd quarter, so the Pistons led by 13 points before the last quarter, 70-57. Bulls managed to slightly reduce the deficit, but it wasn't enough to seal the victory.

Tonight we had a really good game admitted John Kuester, especially on defensive end, which had been an issue since the beggining of the season. Rajon Rondo showed another great performance tonight, he had 21 points, 13 assists, 6 steals. By contrast, Ben Gordon, returning to United Center for the first time after Bulls traded him away, could not show his best game, he had just 12 points.

Player of the game

Rajon Rondo

21 Points

13 Assists

6 Steals

7-10 FGM-A

5 Turnovers


Notable Performers

Pistons [6-7]

Hamilton 24pts, 3reb, 11-18 FG
Jefferson 16pts, 9reb, 1blk, 6-7 FG
Maxiell 16pts, 6reb, 2blk 6-7 FG

Bulls [5-6]

Rose 25pts, 7ast, 10-16 FG
Salmons 2pts, 7ast, 4reb
Deng 19pts, 5reb, 3stl

Highlights:


Maxiell with a nasty dunk / Rondo makes an easy lay up


Maxiell dunks it again / Rose dunks at the other end

[newc]

holyshiz - Rondo 29pts, 18ast, 8stl, 14-18 FG - what a line by Rondo

Yeah he was great, but unfortunately it wasn't enough for us to win

[kibaxx7]

Rip and Rondo are forming a great duo.