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Basketballr.com Update before we get started– things will be relatively slow around here until February 1st. In February, readers can expect a few more BasketBallr bloggers, plus some other nice updates to keep things fun and to keep you up-to-date. Check in with us periodically, but keep your eyes open for a big boost come Feb.

For quite some time now, this blogger has been a big fan of Jason Maxiell. I’m excited to watch Jason play. I’m proud of the youth and hunger that he represents for a team that is arguably complacent and… getting older. He’s the nameless face in a squad that has a chip on its shoulder for a quickly fading success story. The underdog amongst a team that was once underdogs themselves…

It has to be hard growing up in Rasheed Wallace’s shadow, as much as it must be hard to take a seat behind another all-star, Antonio McDyess. However, I’d like to think that Jason Maxiell is two all-stars away from gaining the minutes and the attention it takes to become an all-star himself. His dominance in Detroit’s 2006-07 pre-season was one thing, but finally J-Max had a chance to show his coach, his team, and the city behind them that he is a contender just as well.

Earlier tonight, Jason Maxiell recorded his second career double-double. J-Max put up 17 points on 5-10 shooting, 12 rebounds (8 of them offensive), 2 steals and 2 assists. Maxiell also put up the final field goal of the night, which sealed the game, for his first career game winning shot.

Its unfortunate that Maxiell’s first dominating game came in Rasheed Wallace’s absense. I’d love to see Maxiell get a lot more time on the hardwood. In fact, I’ve been ready for quite some time to suggest that Maxiell get a bench spot in front of McDyess (which is painful to say, because this blogger is a huge Dyess fan as well…).

Kudos to Jason Maxiell. May your performance tonight show Flip Saunders who you are, and win you a few more minutes per game throughout this season. I’m excited to watch you, and I’m hoping that your youth, tenacity, and hunger will wax contagious upon a team that has a growing problem with complacency.

On a side note, kudos to Flip Saunders for exercising the Detroit bench in these last two back-to-back wins. Show the league (and more importantly, yourselves) that the Detroit Pistons do have the breadth to reach for that championship once again.

And one more thing– does anyone else see the Nas/Maxiell resemblance?

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What a game– my heart hasn’t thumped like that since… well… the playoffs. I stood the entire time, from tip off to time up. Let me tell you, if Wade had sunk that last jumper with just over a second left, this blogger would have a broken television. Gratefully, the Pistons maintained their lead with SMART defense closing out the fourth quarter.

How did Detroit take this one? 1) Rip Hamilton. 2) Great teamwork on the defensive end. 3) A little luck. 4) Depth of bench. While Miami’s offensive teamwork did outshine Detroit, with only 5 turnovers to our 10 and 16 assists to our 13, the Heat’s shooting fell just short of the basket. Detroit shot 45% to Miami’s 41% from the field. The last important stat– Detroit had 9 blocks to Miami’s 2. Bear in mind Detroit lost their leading blocker in Ben Wallace, and Miami had Alonzo Mourning on the floor (who was 5th in blocks in 2005-06).

Alright Detroit, tonight was exactly what you needed. While some may argue that this loss was barely marginal, you defeated the league’s defending champions in their own house. You’ve won the last seven in a row, and you are not far from leading the Eastern Conference record.

Over the next week, things are looking pretty shiny for Detroit The Pistons face the Knicks tomorrow night at home, then visit Charlotte on Sunday, followed by Portland on Tuesday. If they play their cards right, they’ll have 10 wins in a row before facing Dallas on Thursday. Dallas has been spooky for the Pistons over the last few seasons, and this coming game should be no different. But tonight, the ‘Stones tazed the league’s defending champions. If they can beat the Mavericks next Thursday, the whole league will take one hell of a notice…

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Having only played 8 games to last year’s 80, it is far too early to predict how Detroit’s Rip Hamilton will turn out. But we can speculate - and speculate we shall…

Aside from a slight dip in FG% and 3PT%, Rip is up across the board. In 8 games, here are the averages:

• FG%: 48.5%

• 3PT%: 32.8%

• FT%: 88.5%

• Rebs: 4.1

• Assists: 3.6

• Steals: 1.0

• PPG: 23.8

The most tell-tale number relating to Hamilton’s improving performance? His free-throw numbers. In 8 games, Richard Hamilton has shot 61 free throws. In 8 games last season, Hamilton shot only 24 free throws. Rip’s vendetta to attack that basket is proving fruitful by the contact that he pulls, not only the baskets that he sinks.

On a side note, I am not a fan of David Stern’s concept of what a foul is. Ten years ago, Hamilton wouldn’t have gone to the line half this much. All of the top guards in the NBA, from Wade to James to Parker, all play this rule like a flute. The latter plays it beyond my content, and continues to act out fouls like Manu Ginobli himself. But for honest guards like Hamilton (who is no foreigner to the flop, I must admit), this rule has enhanced his game– as proven by his numbers so far this season.

Rip, keep doing what you do. Follow this path, and you’ll wind up with one hell of a career year. Just watch yourself when driving for that basket. Your agressiveness brings not only baskets, but the risk of injury as well…

UPDATE– Need4Sheed.com has got the scoop on an upcoming GQ magazine cover with Mr. Rip Hamilton himself.  Be sure to check it out here!  Props to Natalie and Need4Sheed!]

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Last season, Detroit was 2-0 against the Sacramento Kings. In fact, it was the last game against Sacramento, on December 14th, where Chauncey Billups broke a personal record with 19 assists (and 28 points as well…). In that same game, Ben Wallace pulled down 17 boards and 5 blocks (it was in this game where Ben sported his sexy red goggles). How will Detroit fare tonight? Contrary to my title, this could be a tough one…

Both of Detroit’s wins over the Kings las season were before Artest joined the team… With that defensive change– the Pistons losing a Defensive Player of the Year and the Kings gaining one, tonight’s match up could be interesting. Aside from an injury to Brad Miller on Saturday night, the Kings are looking good at with a 2 and 2 record early on.

I still see the Pistons taking this game with a healthy margin. With the Return of Rasheed, officially in full effect in Detroit’s Monday night loss to Utah, I expect the ‘Stones to show a lot of hunger tonight. This is the Pistons’ first nationally televised game of the season, and this blogger can’t wait to see what this team can do. On top of that, Chauncey, Rip and Tay had an ugly showing on Monday night, and tonight is the perfect opportunity to make up for it– on national TV.

Watch Detroit and Sacramento at 10:30 Eastern on ESPN.

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As I mentioned in my post yesterday, I was fortunate enough to watch the Pistons for the first time this season on Friday. On the 3rd of November, the Pistons beat the Celtics, 101-88. It was an exciting game, especially when the Pistons took off in the 4th quarter to seal the victory.

A colleague of mine, and one hell of a Celtics fan, was with my group in Vegas. Brent Elias, a Boston native, game me some fantastic insights into the youthful potential of the Boston Celtics. Here’s his examination:

• “Al Jefferson is a healthy ankle away from being a guy that should supply 15pts 8 rebs 2 BLKS a contest. His pure athletic ability coupled by great hands, ability to jump out of the gym and a sweet touch around the basket, make this up and comer a very exciting prospect. The only knock on Jeff is his inability to play confidently within a team defense scheme.
• Kendrick Perkins has the body, size and skill to be a defensive/rebounding force in this undersized NBA. He needs to learn how to stay out of foul trouble and we could be looking at a dominant force for years to come.
• Delonte West is going to be a very solid all around NBA player, boasting the ability to rebound, block shots, hit the timely three, drive to the hoop and play solid defense. He is stuck between playing the point and shooting guard positions and is still working to find his niche playing in either position.
• Gerald Greene will be one of the top scorers in the NBA. This second year former first round pick is currently working on adding bulk to his wiry frame, and like most young guns out of high school trying to adapt to playing defense in the NBA. He reminds me of Tracy Mcgrady the way he can rise up over defenders off the dribble and drill a 15-18 foot jumper, as well as take it to the rim with authority. Keep this stud to be on your radar, he should be special.
• Sebastian Telfair - I have yet to see enough of this young actor’s game to give a solid opinion on. I liked his game in the preseason, his court vision and speed/acceleration while handling the rock was impressive. I am excited to see what he can bring to the table for this young Celtics squad.
• Ryan Gomes is far and away the head of the class out of these youngsters. Coming from near by Providence College, this second round sleeper has proven to be NBA ready. Coming out of college after his senior year, Gomes was already NBA material. His court instincts have been a pleasant surprise, and his offensive and defensive rebounding ability have been a major asset for a team lacking a consistent rebounding force. His 6′7 250 Lbs. frame would put most PF’s at a huge disadvantage, but his knack for being in the right place at the right time makes up for it and then some.”

Some excellent insight on the Celtics, Brent. I’ll be the first to admit, aside from the Pistons and the Bulls, I don’t have much knowledge of the growing NBA bench. My fantasy fanatacism keeps me up to speed on the movers and shakers, starters and bench, but you’ve just added to my depth. Kudos to you, brother!
To stay up on all things Celtics, I recommend CelticsBlog.net, check it out! We’ll likely hear more from Brent Elias in the future as well. Thanks again, Brent!

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Go sit in the corner, Rasheed. Your performance last night was a disgrace.

Coming into this so late, there’s nothing I can say that hasn’t been said already. Instead of dissecting last night’s loss to the Bucks, let’s take a look at what I’d like to call Sheed’s Law.

In the opening night game between Chicago and Miami, Sheed’s Law struck twice: once against Andres Nocioni, and another against Dwyane Wade. Nocioni either took it lightly or could only respond in Spanish. Wade was clearly pissed, but that’s ok– he could use a hard luck story every once in a while.

Last night, on the other hand, Sheed’s Law finally found its home with its namesake, Rasheed Wallace. Here are Sheed’s comments to ESPN about the new rule before the season began:

“It’s just another ‘Sheed Wallace rule,” Wallace, shaking his head, told the newspaper. “It just means I must be doing something right. Any time they change the rules of the game for one specific player, you must be doing something right.”

The only difference here, Rasheed, is that you didn’t do a damn thing right last night. Your mouth did nothing for us during the playoffs last season, and it started this season off the same way.

I mentioned in my pre-season review here at Basketballr that Detroit is deep in power forwards, and that a trade could help us out. Unless you shape up, Rasheed, I wouldn’t regret if your name came up in that discussion:

“Perhaps our strength at the 4th position will lend itself to a smart trade by Mr. Dumars before February… who knows. Time will tell.”

What would make this blogger happy, and a whole lot of other Pistons fans, is if you’d shut your mouth and show the world who you are as a player. Honestly, Rasheed– when it comes down to it, we don’t care how you handle your mouth. At the deepest level, there is only one metric with which we use to judge who you are to this team:

the ball.

…and it don’t lie, Rasheed.

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30 minutes, and the new game ball gets its first toss of the season– and its lifetime. Who will grab it? Ben or Shaq? Who will take this game? Who will take the championship? Who will be the league MVP? What team will be the story of the season?

30 minutes away, and some of these questions will begin to find answers, some of these factors will finally take form. My prediction tonight? Bulls 93, Miami 84.

Go Pistons

UPDATE: Ok, so my prediction was way off.  But the heart was there, I had a feeling the Bulls would shut the heat up after their ring ceremony.  Next time I won’t be so conceited and pick an actual number… ha.

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Before the season begins, I have some bad blood to get out. I’m going to do my best to be an objective, conscious blogger this year and keep y’all informed in the NBA without pissing TOO many people off. Well, to do that, I need to get this out of my system now. Here we go- the top 14 biggest assholes in the NBA.

• 14 - Ben Wallace. Sorry buddy, I loved you for all those years– and you meant the world to me AND my team. I couldn’t bring myself to put you any higher on this list, but I had to include you. When I read the news back on July 13th, I felt as if my 6-year girlfriend announced that she has been cheating on me, and is marrying another guy for his money. It still hurts, Ben. Here’s to the twilight of your career, and your awesome free throws. Let’s hope they hack-a-Ben you and the Bulls right out of the playoffs.

• 13 - Kenyon Martin. Seriously bro, you’re an asshole. You squander your talent like a stripper with meth. You need to take a step back and realize that you used to be a baller, you’re paid VERY well, and the youth of the NBA is going to pass you by because they’ve got hunger, you only have pride. Suck it up, Kenyon. And to be honest, I liked you before this season. I liked you when you came to Detroit with the Nets back in ‘03, you wore a Detroit hat to our home games to represent your love for the city you came from (well, Saginaw, but close enough).
• 12 - Latrell Sprewell. See above.

• 11 - Kobe Bryant. From rapping to raping, no means no. Pass the ball, maybe we’ll see about dropping you from this list, princess.

• 10 - Richard Jefferson. Riddle me this, asshole. What kind of a jagoff gets their own initials tattoed on their own shoulder? Seriously, could you not remember your name so you got a permanent cheat sheet? Smart thinking.

• 9 - Lebron James. I know, how could I? Yes, the kid is AMAZING. Incredible. Might just end up the second best of all time (under Dumars of course. kidding!). But honestly, arrogance has blinded him. Just look at that picture above– “chosen 1″ tattooed on his back. I would rather he got “RJ” tattooed on his shoulder. Lebron, I could find it in my heart to respect you, but not until you take a step back and realize that you were GIVEN a gift, and that you should practice that gift humbly. One more thing I’ve always wondered– why #23? Why follow in Jordan’s footsteps when you could start your own legacy number?

• 8 - Manu Ginobli. A few seasons ago, I may just have given you the #1 spot. Last season, your performance sank, and it made me feel all fuzzy inside. I blame your diminishing performance on the fact that the referees have finally figured out that you are a complete and total hack. You’re not a basketball player, you’re an actress. If I had a dollar for every time that you have charged at the nearest defender by the basket, flailed your hands in the air and fell on the ground- I’d be loaded. Years ago, when defense still mattered, you wouldn’t be playing in the NBA– you wouldn’t have a chance. But now, you are a big player because you have one talent which stands out: you draw contact. That’s it.

• 7 - Gary Payton. You may have been one of the ten best guards in the game, but your only noteworthy accomplishment in the last three seasons is just in being a colossal prick. Stop chewing gum, Gary.

• 6 - Officer Shaquille O’Neal. Okay, you’re not really an asshole Shaq. You’re just eccentric, and you might just be the second worst rapper on this list (Kobe holds that crown, er– tiara). You talk a lot of garbage, and I begrudgingly enjoy it. Why are you on this list? You’re huge. You moved from the Western Conference to the Eastern Conference, and the game changed. The Heat became a contender. Aside from Lebron, there is no other player in the league that could polarize the game so much. And when you leave, I believe the game will become more competitive. That’s why you’re on this list, Shaq. You’re huge, and that is your “talent”. You were built for football, but you decided to stand in the way of the NBA’s progression toward the hoop. When you depart, no team will get a “get in the hoop free” card any longer.

• 5 - Commissioner David Stern. New ball and dress code aside, I’ve got a bone to pick with you. You’re ruining the NBA. Case and point? The Dallas vs. Miami finals of the 05-06 season. You know what? I’ll let Scottie Pippen explain this for me:
• “In the era when Michael played, it was a physical game. Defense was promoted. Guys took pride in it. Today defense is no longer a part of the game. Guys are driving to the basket. There are rules where you can’t step in front of them. To me, it is taking away from the game seeing a guy like Tony Parker taking advantage of the rules. He is shooting 55 percent from the field. That says something about the game itself. In the history of the NBA, I’m sure a point guard has never led the league in field goal percentage. It’s a different game now. It’s really not about being tough and physical because the NBA isn’t a physical game anymore. When you talk about how the Knicks and Bulls used to battle in the early ’90s, the Oakleys, and Pat Ewings, the Masons, and how they would have the ability to use their hands to put you in a trap position. There is no way you can even triple team a guy now and stop him. Any contact is a foul. I can’t compare the two players because I see it as two different games. If I’m guarding Kobe Bryant in today’s game, I couldn’t be the defender I was known as.”

• 4 - Alonzo Mourning. Completing Miami’s tri-fecta of assholes is Mr. Alonzo Mourning. Does anyone outside of Miami or maybe New Jersey have anything positive to say about this guy? Blocking power aside, he’s an asshole.

• 3 - Stephen Jackson. Honestly, you make this so easy. You’re an asshole, and now a felon too. Congrats.

• 2 - Ron Artest. You applied at Circuit City for the employee discount during your rookie season. You started a record label called “Tru Warier”, where you are a featured “artist” (remember when I mentioned that Shaq was the second worst rapper on this list? He just moved up to “best”). You asked for a month off of the Indiana Pacers due to “being tired from promoting an album”. You charged into the croud during the “Malice in the Palace” brawl in the 2004-05 season, fighting with fans. Your buddy Stephen Jackson above was right there with you. During the next season you played, you betrayed your teammates and requested a trade. My question, Ron Artest– what’s next, asshole? (oh wait, your album is supposed to come out tomorrow…)

• 1 - Larry Brown. Mr. Cut-and-Run. While I could go back a lot further, let’s rewind to the 2005 NBA playoffs. You abandoned your team. You toyed with the media about moving on to manage the Cleveland Cavaliers as their President. You talked about other coaching jobs. Meanwhile, you had the best team in the league IN THE PLAYOFFS at the time. You deserted them. Without your glue to hold them together, the Detroit Pistons lost the series in game 7. They could have won it a lot sooner… Instead, you only proved to the NBA that Gregg Popovich is the better coach.

After that season came to a close, you accepted a $60 million dollar deal to coach the New York Knicks. This made you the highest paid NBA coach in history. During the season, you publicly berated the Knicks players in the media. Once again, you had one foot in the game, one foot out the door. You led the Knicks to a 23 win season, with the most starting 5 changes in a single season in history. For two years in a row, you proved to the world that you are no longer the coach that you once were.

The Knicks have fired you. You’re done. I don’t know any GM in the league that would be dumb enough to give you a coaching job now. Enjoy your retirement, Larry. Way to burn out on a bad note, not leave the NBA with a positive legacy…

So there you have it. Did I miss anyone?

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As a long-time resident of Chicago (whose heart remains with Detroit sports), I’ve developed an affinity for the Chicago Bulls.

(Okay, Pistons fans– please don’t hit the back button or curse me as Judas Iscariot. Hear me out!!)

Its been difficult to survive this long as a Pistons fan without Fox Sports Detroit. Yet in the last few years, I haven’t missed a single televised Pistons game or a Pistons/Bulls bout here at the United Center (I’ve never seen Our Boys lose here in Chicago…). As a Pistons fan first and a basketball fanatic second, I still have to get my fix. In the past few seasons, the Chicago Bulls on Comcast Sports Net have helped quell the hunger inside me for the hoop, the hardwood and the ball. Wait a minute, that didn’t sound right…

But having watched the Bulls for the last few seasons, its hard to fight the sense of admiration I’ve gained for this young team. They play solid, defensive ball. They are un-selfish and team-oriented. There aren’t any big egos. Their talent has been regularly glossed over by the media, yet they consistenly shock their competition. Does this sound like any other team in the NBA you can think of? That’s right, our very own Detroit Pistons.

Needless to say, it is going to be very difficult to maintain an objective respect for the Bulls this season. That new center of theirs, who looks familiar yet I can’t place his name, brings me only pain and resentment when I see him play. Thanks to him, I can no longer look at this young team as a growing talent who reminds me of my favorite team a few seasons back. The Bulls are now Hinrich, Gordon, Deng, Nocioni, and… shoot– lost his name again. But a rose by any other name would still have thorns.

…Moving right along. I’ve watched the last three Bulls pre-season games. The Bulls starters, and their big new guy, are performing as we’d expect. No big story there. But I saw a single player’s performance that stood out– a big surprise. Mr. Viktor Khryapa is a soon-to-be monster.

The Bulls acquired Khryapa with Tyrus Thomas in a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers for LaMarcus Aldridge, Chicago’s first round draft pick in the offseason. In tonight’s game against Toronto (the only game Toronto has lost in the pre-season), Khryapa’s short time on the court was terribly fruitful. He was all over the court, in every play, with amazing defensive coordination and awareness of his own teammate’s presence– which led to some jaw-dropping assists.

In 11 minutes, Khryapa scored nine points on 4 for 6 shooting (including one trey), with 5 rebounds and two assists. The numbers here don’t tell the whole story. His presence on the court reminds me of only one other dominant small forward in the game– Mr. Tayshaun Prince. Often, when you look at Tay’s numbers, you don’t see the whole story about how vital he is to that game’s outcome. Khryapa, young as he is, brings a similar energy and presence to the game that Tayshaun does so well.

Am I saying he’s as good as Tayshaun? Hell no. But in my opinion, he’s the only remarkable surprise in Chicago this season, and he is a welcome surprise to their team. If that one new center they signed wasn’t on the team, Khryapa would be a reason for me to like the Bulls even more…

But as a Pistons fan, I must say this– watch your asses this season, Chicago Bulls. The Detroit Pistons have a new-found hunger, and you don’t want to play them when they’re hungry… My prediction for the Bulls/Pistons games in the regular season? Pistons 3, Chicago 1.

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Earlier this week, ESPN released their Eastern Conference team-by-team previews for the 06-07 season. These Daily Dime previews include the opinions of 10 ESPN “analysts”, from Greg Anthony to Marc Stein. Each analyst added their own comments about the Detroit Pistons performance in the coming season. The analysts’ average prediction for Detroit’s placement in the runnings?

DIVISION RANK: 1.5 | CONFERENCE RANK: 1.8

The most noteable comment in the Pistons preview came from Chris Sheridan:

“Just as a year ago, we’re overlooking them while trying to discover our new favorite flavor. They’ll miss Ben Wallace on defense, but they have more than enough to win just as many without him as they did with him.”

DIVISION RANK: 1 | CONFERENCE RANK: 1

The preview’s “Coaches Corner” section added a good remark:

Getting newly acquired Flip Murray and second-year prospect Jason Maxiell into the rotation from opening day will prove challenging — the core guys can play together with their eyes closed and don’t need anybody else. But adding new blood will help the vets later in the season.

My thoughts? The Pistons have 82 games to develop their strategy. Only multiple injuries can keep them away from the playoffs.

When the Pistons reach the playoffs, I expect a better performance for two reasons:

1. Ben Wallace lost one, nearly two games for the Pistons in the last post-season due to his free throw performance. This season, I don’t expect such an easily exploitable weakness on the part of the Pistons. This was so exploited last season, “Hack-A-Ben” joined the dinner table dialect amongst NBA fans.
2. The Pistons should have learned their lesson after losing to the Spurs in 2005, but they did not. Last season, they learned it good and hard. Starting on November 1st, they once again have something to prove. No one expects the Pistons to win a championship this year. Not without Ben Wallace. But if you can pay the Detroit Pistons any favor toward their skills in the coming season, it is to tell them that they are inadequate, that they aren’t good enough to win it all. Boys, let’s see what you’re made of…

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