The State Of the Pistons

What will the Pistons do this off-season?

The decisions Joe Dumars makes will significantly change the way many fans look at this team.

Before we make any predictions lets look at the facts.

- Allen Iverson, Rasheed Wallace, Walter Herrmann and Antonio McDyess are all Free Agents. The only possible one I see returning is McDyess.

- Rip just signed an $35 million dollar extension through the 2012-2013 season. It's clear he needs a stable offense run by a stable point guard to be effective.

- Tayshaun has 21.8 million remaining of his contract which expires at the end of the 2010-2011 season. Had a down season this year, mainly due to injuries and playing in the olympics last summer. In order for the Pistons to return to their form Prince has to be able to defend the likes of Caron Butler, Danny Granger and Andre Iguodala as well as Superstars Paul Pierce and LeBron James. He also has to become a go to option on the offensive end.

- Stuckey grew alot this season as a player, but still has a long way to go if he is the appointed heir to Billups. Still a score first PG (like most in the league) Stuckey still needs to understand how to run and offense and how to get others involved. His contract goes through the 2010-11 season as well but I think the Pistons may try to lock him up to a longer extension this summer. He is a key peice in the future of this organization and knowing he will be here for years will help the Pistons in their pursuit of Free Agents

- Affalo and Maxiell: their play was up and down this season as both have alot to learn still. Both have proven to be quality defenders but neither are starters in this league. Affalo is going nowhere, Maxiell on the other had could be involved in possible trades (more on this later)

- Amir he was givin his chance to start the season and he wasnt able to keep it. He continues to make the same mistakes -- silly fouls, mental lapses -- and he still isn't strong enough to hold his position most nights on the block. Under Contract for next season. Could also be involved in any trades made this season

-Kwame Brown and Will Bynum: Both showed they can be quality role players. Neither are starters, and neither are leaving Detroit

- Walter Sharpe a low risk chance that didnt pan out. Could be in Fort Wayne next season, but unless major steps are shown in the summer, no reason he should have a roster spot.


So what is Joe Dumar's options this summer?


The Pistons expect to have somewhere in the neighborhood of $20 million of salary cap space July 1. They could use that on free agents as well as a way to facilitate trades. Dumars may chose to use Prince and Amir Johnson, as well as any of his four draft picks (one first round, three second-rounders), in trade packages.

The Pistons have to get better in the frontcourt, and must establish a new identity.


They need someone who will attrack a double team in the post. They need a proven 3-pt shooter and they need to get better defensively


Now here are my ideas.

FREE AGENTS

Paul Milsap - Everyone wants Boozer, but his health is in question. Utah does have the option to match and beat any offers for Milsap. Milsap and Maxiell are basically the same player. Both are high energy players who are at there best when playing 20-30 minutes a game. Now detroit can not afford to over pay for him but he would be a quailty piece'

Antonio McDyess - A proven leader on and off the court. Should do the right thing for himself and go to a team that is poised for a championship run. But if Bosh comes to Detroit, McDyess would have to think twice about not returning. His experience is only going to help the younger players.

Ben Gordon - basically a younger more explosive version of RIP. If we were to sign him it would signal the end of RIP here in Detroit (I have plans for this). But I dont know if the Pistons would be willing to pay as much as Gordon's camp is going to be asking for.

POSSIBLE TRADES

Chris Bosh - Bosh becomes a Free Agent after next season. Toronto is not going to risk losing Bosh and getting nothing in return. Detroit ships Amir (again an expiring contract) and Tayshaun (Toronto wants a quality player in return and needs a SF). Instant post presence that has been missing. His ability to play in the post as well as hit the 10-14 ft jumpers would be perfect for a pick and roll offense (much like what they did with McDyess this year)

JJ Redick - everyone will say I am crazy but if the Pistons sign Ben Gordon this makes more sense than you would think. The Pistons did not had a real 3-pt shooter this season and Billups was the only true shooter (Sheed would tell you different) even the last couple of years (i'll give Hunter some props). If the Pistons sign Gordon, you have to get rid of RIP. What is the Orlando Magics biggest need... its a SG. So the Pistons send Hamilton to Orlando for Redick, Foyle and Battie. Then the Piston release both Foyle and Battie. Not only does Detroit get rid of another big contract but as JJ has shown in the Boston series, he is capable of playing at the level and playing well.

BOTH OF THE TRADES WOULD WORK .. ESPN NBA TRADE MACHINE

Then if you were to look at the potential line up/ roster for next year you would have

PG- Stuckey

SG- Gordon

SF- Affalo

PF- Milsap

C- Bosh

BN- Maxiell

BN- McDyess

BN- Brown

BN- Bynum

BN- Redick
BN -

BN -

Yes, Affalo would be a lil undersized at SF but at this moment would be our only option. He is a very good defender. But we still have the draft so perhaps we draft someone like James Johnson (Wake) Terrance Williams (Louisville) Sam Young (Pitt) or Danny Green (UNC) to fill the void.

Again these are just my thoughts.

R-P (you know who I be)