Which 2009 Free Agents should the Pistons sign?

Hey John can you go back to posting the new episodes on twitter? The was the only way I could listen to em at work

the guy i want most is ben gordon

i second Richard. i want the 2009 playoffs ben gordon. not the quiet ben gordon of the reguar season tho. i think he realized in the playoffs that hey. free agency next yr. i better step it up in the playoffs so i can get paid.

Thanks for the ranking. Imma get my stuff together and try again. Although I dont think I’m cut out to be a real host. Lol

Just talk some of that mess you talk to me on facebook and you would be a top seed!

I like Mehmet Okur, but you’ve got a much lower chance of getting him than Boozer, both he and management like his role in the Jazz.

Also Ron Artest would be an excellent option, he’s definitely proved his case. But once again he’s also stated he’s happy with his team.

If Tay is traded, then Turkoglu is a must get. However the Magic have really overachieved this post season so I doubt you can still get him for MLE as previously thought.

Villanueva is really the only viable option this year for a decent price. Only gripe I have about him is that he is ugly as hell because he has no eyebrows. Look at his profile photo if you don’t believe. Got no eyebrows, you never know if he’ll go crazy on you.

No Carlos Boozer. No way in hell I want him, not now, not ever. You don’t spend $12 million a year on a guy that does not improve your record because they don’t play defense. The Jazz had exactly the same winning percentage with him as they did without him this year, not worth it.

I don’t think we’ll see another Chauncey Billups like pick up for a long time, if ever (in that you get a finals mvp for the MLE). However with the right draft picks, we might not need to dig deep and take a big chance on a potential bust.

A couple of guys that are prospects with huge ceilings but could also be big busts are Austin Daye, Chase Bundinger, Eric Maynor and BJ Mullens. With the 4 picks we have, we’re guaranteed to have one on the board, possibly 2 (that is with the next pick, not 2 available at the 15). And don’t forget about Walter Sharpe.

As for Rip, I give up try to explain my case. All I was trying to do was show that you didn’t have to draft a point guard at 15, but everyone seems to love to read between the lines and misquote me. Besides if you get a guy like Gordon or Turkoglu, he’s used to being Mr. 4th quarter and so you don’t need a third point guard as there just are not that many minutes.

Also what about Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza; I don’t believe you guys mentioned either of them.

Odom is an unrestricted free agent and made Boozer look like silly by doing a lot of rebounding and scoring of his own. Now he’s not going to give you 6 solid years, probably 3, 4 tops but he’s a proven starter where as Villanueva has not yet shown he can dominate on a championship caliber team. He plays hard every night and can be your do it everything guy (he can play all 5 positions while Tay only 4). Really only downside I can see to signing him for around $8, $9 mil a year is that he doesn’t always make smart decisions and that his age could catch up fast because of how physical he’s been playing lately.

As for Ariza, there’s a lot of upside to this guy. Probably would have to pay at least full MLE, possibly more. But you can’t deny that he wouldn’t be a better replacement for Tayshaun than Hedo Turkoglu because of his defense and that he makes smart plays. He’s shooting .500 from both the field and 3 point land, showing he’s got good range and does not force shots up, also has done a great job on defense.

So you get Odom and another young big, the Pistons will have their own twin towers. And before people start misquoting me again, no this is not the best option available. But it is better (in my OPINION) than getting Boozer and then hoping for a cheap, versatile free agent to fall into your lap.

I like Hedo Turkoglu. I think he’s a great player to go after in the free agent market if the Pistons trade Tayshaun.

Turkoglu is not only a force on offense, but he makes plays. He often sets up the offense for the Magic when they come down the floor. He makes many intelligent plays with the basketball.

He had about 5 assists a game this season, and averaged 16.8 points per game. Hedo’s improved a lot over the years, and has become a great player.

I don’t see Trevor Ariza being a better replacement for Tayshaun than Hedo Turkoglu, or a better player, for that matter. To me, Ariza seems lost at times on the floor.

While Trevor’s shooting well this postseason, Hedo has 249 postseason points this year, compared to Ariza’s 188 (both at 17 games).

And while Ariza may have sound numbers in the postseason (barring free throws - 57%!) his regular season numbers are much lower.

Ariza (2008-2009 Regular Season):

MPG: 24.4
FG%: 0.460
3PT FG%: 0.319
FT%:0.710
RPG: 4.3
APG: 1.8
SPG: 1.7
BPG: 0.3
TO: 1.06
PPG: 8.9

Hedo (2008-2009 Regular Season):

Minutes: 36.6
FG%: 0.413
3PT FG%: 0.356
FT%: 0.807
RPG: 5.3
APG: 4.9
SPG: 0.8
BPG: 0.2
TO: 2.65
PPG: 16.8

Hedo has an edge in 3 point shooting, free throw percentage, assists, and points per game. Ariza did shoot better from the field, but he didn’t score as often.

From the stats themselves, I would take Turkoglu — but, of course, it’s not all about stats.

I’ve seen Trevor’s demeanor on the court, and oftentimes he doesn’t seem confident. You can see the confidence radiating from Turkoglu as he plays — especially when he makes a big shot.

I don’t know, but whenever I see Ariza, it always looks like he’s sad.

In conclusion: If the Pistons do anything to move their starting small forward, I’d like the Pistons to pursue Hedo Turkoglu.

Maybe the Pistons can work out a deal with the Raptors to get Chris Bosh. If the Raptors believe he’s not going to resign with them in 2010, they’ll probably want to get something while they can.

I think a starting lineup involving Rodney Stuckey, Rip Hamilton, Hedo Turkoglu, and Chris Bosh would be excellent.

That is, of course, if the Pistons ever decide what Rodney Stuckey is (PG, SG, etc.)

dang ryan! Thats alot to read!

i might as well just make this the next post on the homepage!

What do yall think about Amir?

First of all, I clearly stated in big letters that I did not think either Ariza or Odom would be the best option and that either one would be better than signing Boozer to a large contract. Never did I ever say anything about Ariza being better than Turkoglu, on top of that in my previous post I stated that I would take Turkoglu if available. This is really getting annoying that people constantly do not read all of what I say and then go out of context when they bring up counter arguments.

I’m not sure what you’re talking about Ariza’s demenour. He’s always played hard every time I’ve watched the Lakers. In fact often times he and Kobe are the only ones playing defense, and you can’t say Turkoglu is a great defender.

But once again, look at what I said, I would take Turkoglu in a heart beat if he’s available. That’s not the issue Ryan.

Turkoglu is another ball handler that could space the floor for Rodney Stuckey, that’s need #1 right now. But talent isn’t the issue here.

The issue is that Turkoglu clearly likes it there in Orlando and unless if the Cavs win this series, there’s a 90% chance he resigns there for either a lower price or the owner pays a bit of luxury tax to go get him. Clearly he’s not afraid of spending of money, but even guys like the owner of the Wizards are getting stingy about spending money.

Also I think getting Turkoglu would stunt Rodney’s growth at controlling the game in the 4th quarter. Lets face it, he’s got the tools to play the point guard, and his vision has vastly improved. I think the big issue was that it was not his team last year. Derrick Rose calls the Bulls his team. Even Rajon Rondo calls the Celtics his team, say what you will, but if you start House or Marbury in place of Rondo, that’s a 50 win team - tops. Chauncey Billups calls the Nuggets his team. You can’t lead where you don’t have any representation.

Rodney needs Joe to build around him with a young core that he can grow up with and learn how to become his own Mr. Big Shot variant. I doubt he’ll ever make a half court shot to force overtime in the eastern confrence finals, but I guarantee you he can become Mr. 4th Quarter. I think everyone here has established that Chris Bosh is a calculated risk that is worth the chance right now. From there I think you need to get a real center (and not another PF playing center) as Bosh is too small to have a good post game - including defensively - (he’s always played the high post, never the low post, say what you will about Boozer, but he does have that edge over most other PFs).

Sometimes its not about making the best move short term move, but about what makes sense 3 years from now. To be honest, I can’t tell you who the best small forward option is right now because of that same logic, you always have to think 3 steps ahead of your competition (they can counter you easily if you only go a step or two). Both have their disadvantages in terms of current skill, future body deterioration, and Rodney’s growth, but also Turkoglu is a skilled point forward right now while Ariza only has a very high ceiling (which he may never reach).

I really can’t do anything right on this site can I? Anything I say is twisted against me.

Anyways as for Amir, not sure what to think. I want to see him grow, but its not going to happen here. He needs playing time and we need Chris Bosh. It makes a lot of sense to trade there because you’re guaranteed either Bosh, or have a legit shot at Stoudemire/etc should Bosh leave for Miami.

i’m to lazy to read such a long comment

I called in about my thoughts on the best current coach in the NBA. Not sure what happened but my message timed out at about the 6 minute mark (I got a bit nervous).

I can try recalling if you (John and Deven) didn’t catch the end of it.

*by nervous I mean that I lost my train of thought and so I slowed down a bit

Oh I read all of what you said.

And I took nothing out of context.

Here’s something from Ali Hassani himself:

“But you can’t deny that he wouldn’t be a better replacement for Tayshaun than Hedo Turkoglu because of his defense and that he makes smart plays.”

You said that about Trevor Ariza.

Where’s taking anything out of context or any misquoting?

I also never said you said that he was the best option, so apparently you’re putting words in MY mouth.

Did I say you said Ariza was better than Turkoglu? Nah, I was just stating own opinion there; saying all that needed to be said.

But thanks.

This could get N-N-N NASTY!

Ali versus The Young “R”

Two Pistonscast posses members going at for a chance to have the final word on an upcoming episode.

Ali will be seeded on the next episode!

Brian aka from Butterz from Wisconsin will also be seeded into the field!

Hey Deven think u can top this??…

http://video.yahoo.com/network/100063489?v=5123291&l=100063517

John what do u think of Eric Maynor?

An yeah Ali you dont have to write an essay everytime u comment

Mike, I know this was for J-dizzle but ii guess i’ll say a little sumthin sumthin.

I didn’t get a chance to really watch a whole lot of guards from this years draft but I did see a few.

I got a chance to see Maynor a few times and I liked his overall game. But what really stood out was his mental toughness and leadership qualities.

As far as scoring goes, He has a pretty good mid-range game and doesn’t have a problem getting to the basket when he needs to.

An area of concern for Eric Maynor, is his long range shooting. in the NBA today the three point shot has become so important, that guys (who’s only ability is three point shooting) are able to stay on the court because of it (And look at how useful it is to Orlando).

Another area of concern is Maynor’s defense. (I don’t think i need to explain why good defense is important).

All in all I like some of his qualities but I don’t love his game.

Now if i was to choose a point guard for the Pistons, i would select someone that could bring some fire power to the team. I would probably take Jeff Teague from Wake Forrest.

Like Maynor there is a lot of uncertainties about him and much room for growth, but there are some abilities that he has that make him worth the pick.

Here are 5 ISes about Jeff Teague

He is a scorer
He is athletic
He is a three point shooter
He is agressive
He is explosive

Therefore he will present a problem to defenses. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwposMephTM

Wow…did I write all of that?

Ryan can you be so gracious as to accept my apology. I totally overreacted and I would like to man up and say I was wrong. I guess that’s what happens when you type too fast without proof reading. But I would like people to look at it from what I was facing; I’ve been getting burned a lot lately and especially on the Rip Hamilton thing people were completely misunderstanding what I was trying to say.

Ohh and John could you do me a favor and either edit off the last part of the call or not seed that one. I think you’ve noticed by now that I was cut off around the 6 minute mark. Apparently the message timed out on me (which I don’t understand because someone else had a 15 minute message).

Later on I’ll call again about Rodney Stuckey, I was going to say a couple of things about Chuck Daly and Red Auerbach and Bill Russel but I don’t think that’s all that necessary right now.

No one else had a 15 min message lol!
Where do you get such information?

a 15 min message would take up the whole show!

LOL

But yeah your call is fine. You proved your point thats all you had to do anyway.

Solid first effort.

Yeah Mike that was hot!. I never saw anyone use some of the same techniques that I use.

Maybe if practiced some of today’s hits I could get her. But right now, she would crush me!

Maybe we can get her the show. i’ll get my talent coordinator on that… Hey John!!!

Devin I had heard a rumor that we were looking at Maynor for the pick instead of Lawson, Teauge, or the other guy I can’t think of his name right now, so I was wondering how he would work out on our team but now with your analysis I def don’t want him.

As for the beatboxing thing uhhhh yeah I don’t think anybody touching her. LOL

But I did just hear this rumor recently that we were going to pick up Boozer and sign and trade him to Toronto for Bosh. Sounds like an interesting plan because I would much rather have Bosh than Boozer, obvious reasons.

What do you guys think about that? And do you think Joe D. can pull it off?

All I can say is that I learned calling is very different from typing. Its clear in the areas that I blanked out and I think I might have forgotten to explain the philosophical comparison.

@Ali I hope you gained a little more respect for Deven and I in the calling in process!

I know you respect us but I hope you respect us even more now!

Ya’ll quit picken with my man Ali! He’s Just passionate. I don’t if it’s about the Pistons or just writing, but he’s passionate about something! God knows we can use all the passion we can get–so RIGHT ON-WRITE ON ALI!

Mike, my guess is they like Maynor as a leader and facilitator. Also, from what I’ve seen and in his scouting report, execution is one of his strong points and with the idea of Stuckey playing the two, maybe he’s a better fit.

Yeah its definitely harder than I first thought, I guess the saying’s true, always easier said than done

i agree! i get nervous that ima forget when i call in! yikes! lol

thats why i didnt call

Just pretend like you’re calling a good friend or close family member. That’s what I would do until I developed my voice.

The more you do it, the better you’ll get. Then you will be talking hardcore smack in no time!

Is there anyway that we can directly talk to you guys? That would certainly make things easier, even if its just a recorded phone call that you guys play back later.

I would have to say the hardest part about it is expecting a responce and not getting one. That’s what threw me off track anyway

Hey John, when will you be doing an article on the Pistons and the draft?

I didnt know anyone wanted me to write one!