Jan 25 2009
Pistons shake up lineup again. For the best?
Michael Curry continues to change his starting lineup.
Just in the past week, we have seen Rip Hamilton come off the bench, Amir Johnson suddenly starting again, as well as Kwame Brown even getting a start.
To me this all shows signs that Curry is having trouble really indentifying who this team really is. Whether they are more a big-man team, or small ball. While there can be a middle ground, Curry has shown trouble at the ability at controlling that, which is being showed in their latest 3-7 slide.
Its not all Curry’s fault with what he is dealing with. The Allen Iverson trade threw the rotation for a loop, as Iverson needed his minutes, and Joe Dumars and Curry believed that Rodney Stuckey was ready to be a big contributor at the point. This is where Rip gets forced to the bench unless they go small and Prince moves to the power forward spot.
Also, Curry should be doing a better job of getting guys like Maxiell minutes, who has shown he can be a big contributor off the bench. He needs to be more consistant though, as does Amir Johnson, who’s foul troubles this season has really hindered his improvement and starting spot.
Looking back the trade, would Dumars still pull the trigger on Iverson for Billups?
Almost in all likely hood, yes, he would. It gave the pistons alot more financial flexibility for the free agent class of 2010 or via trade. Iverson is still a great scorer who brings fans to the palace, but so was Billups.
In the end, we might not really be able to grade this trade untill we see if the Pistons are able to sign one of the big free agents in 2010. If they strike out, while losing Iverson and possibly Rasheed at the end of the season, then the Pistons amazing run for consecutive playoffs could end next season, and possibly longer.
Only because Joe Dumars has showed an amazing ability at always putting a competitive team on the floor, I have faith these latest moves will pan out, it will just take longer than usual for us to see..
