SB Nation User Blog: detpistons3

Question About Terrance Taylor

detpistons3 — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 01:59:18 -0000

We around the Detroit Lions SBNation site, PrideOfDetroit, have been discussing possible candidates to be claimed off waivers. As you know we had the worst record last season and our "prize" is first dibs on everyone cut by their team in order to whittle down the roster to 53.

Nearly everyone in the PoD community is a University of Michigan fan or have seen a good amount of their games, naturally we saw Terrance Taylor being cut and we all wanted to jump on him. Unfortunately, we've heard no news about Mayhew and Co. even discussing TT. Which led me to wonder, why did he get cut in the first place? Teams don't normally throw away their 4th rd picks away, even if it's apparent he's garbage they usually give him some time to develop. What led the Colt's to give Terrance Taylor his walking papers? What should one expect if they pick up Terrance Taylor? Couldn't the Colt's just have used him as trade bait? I mean he was a 4th rd pick that hasn't played a game yet, he comes with some potential. I recall the Colts going into the draft pretty thin at the DT position, so if someone was cut at DT, you have to figure they're pretty bad.

Thanks, any help is appreciated

Create Your Own Franchise

detpistons3 — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:19:22 -0000

Some may have seen this around SBNation, it started in the Clipper's blog, ClipsNation. I thought I'd repost it here to get some input from Detroit fans.

You have 27 player points to pick players. Player points equal the amount you have to pay to have that player on your roster. you NEED 8 players, LIMITED to only one (7) player, and three (6)

Point Guards:
Chris Paul (7)
Deron Williams (6)
Tony Parker (6)
Rajon Rondo (5)
Chauncey Billups (5)
Derrick Rose (5)
Steve Nash (5)
Gilbert Arenas (5)
Devin Harris (5)
Jason Kidd (5)
Baron Davis (5)
Raymond Felton (4)
Andre Miller (4)
Monta Ellis (4)
Mo Williams (4)
Jose Calderon (4)
Jameer Nelson (4)
Mike Bibby (3)
Russell Westbrook (3)
Mike Conley (3)
Randy Foye (3)
Ramon Sessions (3)
TJ Ford (3)
Chris Duhon (3)
Mario Chalmers (3)
Rodney Stuckey (3)
Aaron Brooks (3)
Beno Udrih (3)
Derrick Fisher (2)
Luke Ridnour (2)
Lou Williams (2)
Keyon Dooling (2)
Sebstain Telfiar (2)
Steve Blake (2)
DJ Augustine (2)
Jordan Farmer (2)
Jarret Jack (2)
Will Bynum (2)

Shooting Guards
Kobe Bryant (7)
Dwyane Wade (7)
Brandon Roy (6)
Joe Johnson (6)
Vince Carter (6)
Andre Iguadala (6)
Ray Allen (5)
Allen Iverson (5)
Richard Hamilton (5)
Tracy Mcgrady (5)
Manu Ginobili (5)
Ben Gordon (5)
Kevin Martin (5)
Micheal Redd (5)
OJ Mayo (5)
Jammal Crawford (5)
JR Smith (4)
Nate Robinson (4)
Jason Richardson (4)
Eric Gordon (4)
Jason Terry (4)
Deloente West (4)
John Salmons (4)
Leandro Barbosa (4)
Roger Mason (3)
Von Wafer (3)
Courtney Lee (3)
Ronnie Brewer (3)
Rudy Ferdenanz (3)
Reja Bell (3)
Marquise Daniels (3)
Kellena Azuabiki (3)
Mike Miller (2)
Nick Young (2)
Marco Belinili (2)
Anthony Parker (2)
Deshawn Stevenson (2)
Thabo Sefolosha (2)
Micheal Finley (2)
Anthony Morrow (SG)
Dahanty Jones (2)
Fred Jones (2)

Small Forwards:
Lebron James (7)
Carmello Anthony (6)
Kevin Durant (6)
Paul Pierce (6)
Danny Granger (6)
Ron Artest (5)
Hedo Turkgulo (5)
Gereld Wallce (5)
Stephen Jackson (5)
Rudy Gay (5)
Caron Butler (5)
Lamar Odom (5)
Tayshaun Prince (5)
Josh Howard (4)
Jeff Green (4)
Shawn Marion (4)
Thadous Young (4)
Reshard Lewis (4)
Loul Deng (4)
Richard Jefferson (4)
Michael Beasly (4)
Wilson Chandler (3)
Andrei Kirlinko (3)
Trever Ariza (3)
Al Thorton (3)
Travis Outlaw (3)
Peja Stokavitch (3)
Grant Hill (3)
Shane Battier (3)
Marvin Williams (3)
Nichalos Batum (3)
Mike Dunleavy (3)
Jamario Moon (3)
Andre Noicioni (3)

Julian Wright (3)
Rasual Butler (2)
Corey Brewer (2)
Bobby Simmons (2)
Kyle Korver (2)
Bruce Bowen (2)
Danillo Galinari (2)
Luke Walton (2)
Matt Barnes (2)
Jarvis Hayees (2)
Jason Kapono (2)
Steve Novak (2)

Power Forwards:
Tim Duncun (6)
Kevin Garnett (6)
Dirk Nowitzki (6)
Amare Stoudimare (6)
Chris Bosh (6)
Carlos Boozer (6)
Josh Smith (5)
David West (5)
Lamarcus Aldrigde (5)
Antwane Jaminson (5)
Elton Brand (5)
Emeka Okafor (5)
Zach Randolph (5)
Troy Murphy (4)
Charlie Villinuava (4)
Jermain O'neal (4)
Kenyon Martin (4)
David Lee (4)
Paul Millsap (4)
Kevin Love (4)
Al Harrington (4)
Luis Scola (3)
Tyrus Thomas (3)
Anthony Randolph (3)
Udiunis Haslem (3)
Jason Thompson (3)
Hakim Warrik (3)
Nenad Kristic (3)
Antionio Mcdysee (3)
Brandon Bass (3)
Leon Powe (3)
Jason Maxiel (3)
Boris Diaw (3)
Glen Davis (3)
Ryan Anderson (2)
Mariese Spieghts (2)
Mikki Moore (2)
Channing Frye (2)
Derrel Aruther (2)
Brandon Wright (2)
Yi Jainlian (2)
Craig Smith (2)

Centers
Dwight Howard (7)
Al Jefferson (6)
Yao Ming (6)
Shaquille Oneal (6)
Pau Gasol (6)
Andreins Biendrins (5)
Rasheed Wallace (5)
Brook Lopez (5)
Mehment Okur (5)
Andrew Bynum (5)
Nene (5)
Chris Kaman (5)
Zydruanus Iguaskis (4)
Al Horford (4)
Andrew Bogut (4)
Spencer Hawes (4)
Greg Oden (4)
Tyson Chandler (4)
Marcus Camby (4)
Andrie Bargnani (4)
Salem Dalembert (3)
Joakim Noah (3)
Kendric Perkins (3)
Brenden Haywood (3)
Brad Miller (3)
Marc Gasol (3)
Martin Gortat (3)
Chris Anderson (3)
Joel Przbilla (2)
Javal Mcgee (2)
Roy Hibbert (2)
Josh Boone (2)
Zaza Pachualla (2)
Robin Lopez (2)
Rasho Nestervitch (2)
Ryan Hollins (2)
DeAndre Jordan (2)

Rookies:
Blake Griffin (5)
James Harden (4)
Hasheem Thabet (4)
Tyreke Evens (4)
Johny Flynn (4)
Stephen Curry (4)
Jorden Hill (4)
Demere Derozen (3)
Brndon Jennings (3)
Terrence Williams (3)
Gereld Henderson (3)
Tyler Hansborough (3)
Earl Clark (3)
Austin Daye (2)
BJ Mullins (2)
Jodie Meeks (2)
Dejuan Blari (2)
Sam Young (2)
Jrue Holiday (2)
James Johnson (2)
Chase Budingher (2)
BJ Mullins (2)
Ty Lawson (2)
Jeff Teagues (2)
Eric Maynor (2)
Darren Collinson (2)
Taj Gibosn (2)
Tony Douglas (2)

Coaches: (cost nothing)
Mike D'Antoni
Larry Brown
Don Nelson
Jerry Sloan
Byron Scott
Rick Adelmen
Doc Rivers
Flip Saunders

Also Create your own franchise name if you would like

Breakdown of Available Veteran PGs

detpistons3 — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:25:12 -0000

Breakdown of Available Veteran PGs

Jsams from Liberty Ballers, the 76ers SBNation site, did an excellent job breaking down the available veteran PGs that Detroit may consider signing. It's a good read I suggest you head over and read it.

Playing Around with ESPN Trade Machine

detpistons3 — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 23:50:25 -0000

And ended up with this gem of a trade

Detroit receives

Travis Outlaw SF 1 yr

Tyson Chandler C 2 yrs

Joel Przybilla C 2 yrs

New Orleans Receives

Kwame Brown C 1 yr

Portland Receives

Tayshaun Prince SF 2 yrs

Jason Maxiell PF 3 yrs

DET 2nd rd pick(?)

For Detroit:

It definitely solves the Pistons's size problem, and also offers insurance if Tyson gets injured. I really like Joel Przyzbilla. The 'Vanilla Gorilla' he's shown he can be reliable coming off the bench or starting. Travis Outlaw is young (25), a decent defender, and has proven he can be a role player. Here's a comparison of their stats from last season:

Prince: 14.2pts, 5.8reb, 3.1ast, 0.5stl, 0.6blk in 37.3 minutes a game

Outlaw: 12.8pts, 4.1reb, 1.0ast, 0.6stl, 0.7blk in 27.7 minutes a game

Excellent stats from a guy that played in only 28 mins. He also has some pretty gaudy per-36 minute numbers

16.6 pts, 5.3 rebs, 1.3 ast, .8 stl, and .9 blk

Tayshaun and Outlaw are very similar players, they'll never be the main piece on any team, but he'll be a valuable role player on a starting lineup. If Outlaw doesn't work, he only has 1 year left on his contract. In the end, because of Outlaw's age, and very similar stats I say this isn't the downgrade everyone will accuse it of being. I haven't seen much of Outlaw's defensive game, but he has a defensive rating of 109 compared to Tayshaun's 110. I understand little of this stat to be honest, but it's the only number I have to go by. Travis Outlaw has a Offensive/Defensive bias of -1.0 meaning he is more important on the defensive end. Tayshaun Prince has an Offensive/Defensive bias of -.1 meaning he is marginally more important on the defensive end. This could be a result of Chauncey leaving and Tayshaun having to take a larger role. They had a similar usage rate. (Tayshaun 19.2%, Outlaw 22%). Outlaw will be a perfect complementary player to all the scorers on the team. Tayshaun shot a better 3pt % (40%) than Outlaw (38%). But Outlaw attempted more (2.9) than Tayshaun (1.7), in nearly 10 less minutes per game.

For New Orleans

It's gotta be a tough position for New Orleans, they were really close to edging out the Nuggets, they have the next greatest thing since sliced bread in Chris Paul, and they have a team that looks like it can give teams headaches, if not contend for a 'ship. it's given this city something to cheer for. Unfortunately, the Hornets are looking to cut salary, it's a frustrating instance for any fan. How many times have you screamed at your T.V because your team traded a strong propsect for, those ugly words, cash considerations? It's tantrum-inducing. Cash considerations don't score points, they don't rebound, they don't do anything but fatten the owners pocket, so why do we want them? As much as that might frustrate you, imagine how it must be to hear the front office is actively shopping a starting center for basically nothing? Well this trade accomplishes that goal about as well as it could. They receive Kwame Brown and his 4.0 mil expiring contract for Chandler. this shaves 8.2 mil off the Hornet's payroll, successfully putting them under the luxury tax, and actually puts them under the salary cap by a couple thousand or so (If ESPN's info is accurate). Kwame Brown won't give you much. He'll rebound, kinda. He'll defend, kinda. He'll put in effort, kinda. He'll contribute on the offensive end, once in a while. He'll catch balls in traffic, never. The main motivation of this trade is money, and it accomplishes this goal excellently.

For Portland

Portland has been eyeing Prince for awhile, he brings excellent leadership to a young team, and can carry a team if he needs to. When Rip was injured, it was Tayshaun that began exploding for 30 pts a game. He'll bring strong defense to Portland, and some playoff experience. Tayshaun is a straight up warrior, he's never missed a game since entering the starting lineup in 2003. He'll score, he'll take care of the ball, he'll get teammates involved, he'll rebound, and most of all he'll defend. He'll be a great glue guy for Portland, and I think he's somebody that can put them in contention.

Jason Maxiell is a nice piece to add to the Portland rotation. He's been developing consistently in Detroit since he's got here. He's a tireless worker and puts in the effort everyday to get better. He's developed a bit of a mid range jumper that he'll occasionally put up. He's been working with his back-to-the-basket game, and you can see Sheed's tutelage is getting through. He suffered last season because of Michael Curry's idiotic rotations and lost some confidence in his game, so when he did get minutes, he wasn't as efficient as he was a year ago. For that reason, we'll observe his 07-08 stats because they're a more accurate representation of what he brings to the table (he wasn't injured or anything like that in 08-09, it was all Michael Curry who would give him 30 mins one night and a DNP-CD the next.).

7.9 pts, 5.3 rebs, .6 ast, .3 stl, 1.1 blk 2.2 PF, .9 TO in 21.6 mins

His per-36 minute stats:

13.3 pts, 8.8 rebs, .9 ast, .4 stl, 1.9 blk, 3.7 PF, 1.4 TO per 36 mins

He was very effective coming off the bench for Detroit. What is most valuable about his game however, are the "momentum swingers" he brings to the table. Electrifying dunks, ferocious swats, alley oops and putbacks that nearly bring the rim down. These are underrated parts of the game that can swing a game in the other team's favor.

He's a big body (260lbs) but his height will always limit him (6'7 being generous) Despite being undersized, Maxiell is actually a very effective defender, I would rate him the best post defender on the team at this point. He is the type of player that may never be a starter, unless he has a particularly gargantuan center across from him, but he'll still be able to hold his own. He's slimmed down alot since he's came into the league, and it's result is a much higher vertical. He's able to get up and swat shots with regularity, and when he does, it's with authority. Making players not want to go into the lane again. He absolutely gave Howard fits in the 2008 finals, Charles Barkely discussed it with the rest of the ESPN crew, Sir Charles talked about how Maxiell used his lower center of gravity to his advantage and pushed Howard around. The Round Mound of Rebound actually compared the way Maxiell did this to what he did years ago.

The only reason I can see Portland declining this trade is money issues. They take back an extra 5mil in salary and none of it is expiring. If Portland declines for this reason, instead of trading Maxiell to Portland we can simply swing him to New Orleans. The money still works, but New Orleans doesn't get the same amount of cap space.

So that's it, my attempt at being a GM. If this trade happens, I'll put it on my resume accordingly. Thanks for taking the time to read all this. Feedback is greatly appreciated.

I've seen alot of Ben Gordon mixes, but this is one of my favorites. I thought it was really well...

detpistons3 — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 22:56:40 -0000

I've seen alot of Ben Gordon mixes, but this is one of my favorites. I thought it was really well done, turn up the music for the full effect. This makes me excited to have BG on our team.

Afflalo to Denver?

detpistons3 — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:42:22 -0000

Link via MLive

The report discusses a possible trade to Denver. Denver has a trade exception which allows them to take in Afflalo's contract without taking anything in return. This could free up a resulting 3.6million in cap, allowing Detroit to sign a big man free agent. If this trade were to come to fruition, a big man like Glen "Big Baby" Davis, Zaza Pachulia, or Brandon Bass. Or possibly a darkhorse like Lamar Odom or Marvin Williams (possible small forward to take Tayshaun's place?) can be signed.

Davis appears to be the likeliest choice, and while I don't dispute the need for a big man, I've always liked Afflalo's game, he's a classic hustle player that'll play great defense and hit open shots, like a Bruce Bowen or Shane Battier. It's a shame we'll lose him, but on a skill standpoint, he's a step below Glen Davis, and he's in a position that's stacked with talented players with Stuckey, Gordon, Hamilton, and Washington all figuring to get minutes at the 2 and Tayshaun, Day, Summers, Jerebko, and Hamilton slotted for minutes at the 3.

Davis, a 6'9 290 lb mound of rebound, had a bit of a breakout season last year for the Celts. He put up a solid 7 pts and 4 boards in 21 minutes of playing time. He displays solid hands in the post (a bit of a breakaway from Kwame's stone hands). And has a knack for pulling down offensive boards. He moves well for a man his size, and is a fullback in the post. He's shown the ability to knock down a jumper from 15 ft, which is valuable because his size would otherwise create spacing issues for his teammates. He seems to be destined to a life on the bench however as his per 36 stats aren't anything special (12 pts 6.6 boards), and he shot a below average percentage for a big man (44.2%). He won't be remembered as a defensive stopper. He doesn't block (0.3) and he fouls too much (3.0 a game). But Glen Davis can still bring a nice change of pace, he can also do this and this. and anybody that can knock the fuck out of Anderson Varajao is O.K in my book. If his knees don't give him issue, I wouldn't mind bringing in Glen Davis. As long as he doesn't cry on the sideline

Poll

Do you like this course of action?

Of Course, the 2 spot is stacked!

19 votes

I would prefer the Pistons use other means to get a backup bigman

15 votes

No Afflalo's defense outweighs the positional advantage of Big Baby

13 votes

I can't stand Glen Davis!

19 votes

66 votes | Poll has closed

Pistons Eyeing Brandon Bass?

detpistons3 — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:23:53 -0000

Link From MLive

The 24 year old warrior at power forward is reportedly being courted by Detroit. According to Bass's agent "They (Pistons) are definitely on the short list," The positives of Brandon Bass and one of the reasons he's being pursued by teams such as Orlando and Portland, is he's a straight up banger who isn't afraid to get physical. He goes hard to the hoop relentlessly and also shoots a high percentage on free throws (86.7) Bass scored 8.5 pts and gobbled 4.5 rebs in just under 20 minutes of playing time. He swatted away .7 and was very durable, playing in 81 games this year and 79 last year. The knocks on Bass are he's undersized for a PF and he needs to develop his passing skills (1:2 assist to TO rating) and possibly developing a mid-range jumper. He seems like a clone of Jason Maxiell though younger (Bass 24, Maxiell 26), and possibly better (Bass put up 15.7 pts and 8.4 rebs per 36 minutes, compared to Maxiell's 11.6 and 8.3), so you have to speculate the Pistons are looking at offers with Jason Maxiell as an additional piece. Detroit doesn't have enough to cap to compete with Portland so we'll have to clear some via trade if we are serious about getting Bass. It would be possible we move Afflalo, with Rip and Gordon occupying the backcourt, there aren't much minutes for the defensive minded swingman.

Charlie Villanueva in Red White and Blue.

detpistons3 — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:54:29 -0000

Charlie Villanueva in Red White and Blue.

Last time I teamed up with BG we won a championship in 2004, can it be possible? via...

detpistons3 — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:50:36 -0000

Last time I teamed up with BG we won a championship in 2004, can it be possible?

via Charlie Villanueva's Twitter Page

Overview of Potential Pistons Coaches

detpistons3 — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:32:10 -0000

I decided to change this post up a bit, the original wasn't generating much buzz, and I would like a bit more discussion. This post is an overview of potential coaches as well as their respective credentials. There's also a poll so readers can identify their favorites.

Dumars appears to be zeroing in on Avery as his main candidate to succeed Michael Curry and step into the unkempt coaching quarters of the Detroit Pistons. This is Dumars's 5th(!) coach in about 9 years. The head coach is where the Pistons experience the least stability, compare to Jerry Sloan who's been coaching the Jazz for 21 seasons. Admittedly, Sloan is an anomaly in the NBA, in which NBA coaching lives are quite short. Nevertheless, Dumars has been hiring and firing coaches like they were bus boys.

Don't count in Avery as the 6th coach of Dumars's tenure so quick however, Dumars has stated himself it is "not a given" Avery will call the plays next year. He's giving strong consideration to John Kuester, assistant coach of the Cavs, who was responsible for most of Cleveland's offensive plays, and Tom Thibodeau, assistant coach of the Boston Celtics.

Avery Johnson

Avery Johnson seems to be the popular choice, and he already appears as a favorite on Joe Dumars's list. Avery Johnson was once a high level point guard for a number of teams, including the Supersonics, Nuggs, Rockets, Warriors, and Mavs. Avery Johnson can be a great teacher to Rodney Stuckey. Johnson was known as the "Little General' for his great leadership skills and advanced distributing abilities. Johnson was a player coach under Nellie in the Dallas Mavericks, and eventually succeeded Nellie as Head Coach, eventually retiring to focus on coaching full-time. Johnson was named April 2005 NBA Coach of the Month and was rewarded with the 2006 Coach of the year award. Johnson set a record for most wins in first 82 games coached. Led the Mavs to first ever NBA Finals appearance but bowed out to the Miami Heat in 6 games.Also was the fastest coach to reach 50 wins, became the fastest coach to reach 100 wins on December 31, 2006, and became the fastest coach to reach 150 wins (noticing a trend here?). One of the knocks on Johnson is him being a control freak, he insists on calling every play down the court and this could hinder the growth of Rodney Stuckey as a leader. When Avery Johnson was given his walking papers, Dallas was suddenly anew with complaints of Avery Johnson as a coach. Nevertheless, Avery remains an experienced, adept coach that can be a great addition to any team. He's strong in both offense and defense, and is a great disciplinarian. Great for a young team.

David Kuester

I've watched Cleveland games before and I don't really like their offense, it mostly consists of Lebron bringing the ball up, and trying to break down the defense himself, if it doesn't work he passes to a teammate in a last-ditch attempt to score an open 3. i don't see the crisp offensive plays that we've seen the Pistons perform in the past, Nevertheless, he has the credentials and It'd be interesting to give him a shot. Kuester used to play in the NBA himself, as a 6'2 180 lb guard. It would be beneificial to have a former player in to give Stuckey some professional advice. He last coached George Washington (the college, not the person :P ) but was nowhere near successful, finishing with a 1-27 record in one season, one of the worst in NCAA history. Some may remember Kuester as an assistant to Brown during the 2004-2005 season

Tom Thibodeau

Tom Thibodeau began coaching at Salem State college as an assistant and eventually progressed to Head Coach. He left Salem State to coach at Harvard University as an assistant for 4 years. After Harvard, he moved to the NBA to be an assistant coach for the expansion team, Minnesota Timberwolves. He bounced around teams as an assistant coach. Such teams as the Spurs, Knicks and 76ers employed his talents. He also joined Seattle as an advanced scout, which is encouraging because he may have a keen eye for talent. During his time at the Knicks, he helped set a record 33 consecutive opponents held under 100 pts. during the 2001-2002 season. Also helped Jeff Van Gundy coach the ECF All Stars in 2000, a high honor. He joined the Boston Celtics in August 2007, and helped them win a championship. Thibodeau is known as a great defensive coach, and if we can't have Avery, I'll gladly take Thibodeau. (I'm weary of Detroit Pistons assistants, Curry, Porter, and Woodson have never turned out into great NBA coaches). Doc Rivers was never known as an adept defensive coach, so you have to assume Thibodeau played a huge part in that great Boston defense. The only problems I see with Thibodeau are a lack of high-level coaching experience and an inability to pronounce his last name. (Seriously, how do you say Thibodeau?)

Jeff Van Gundy

Jeff Van Gundy has alot of experience as the underling of the top NBA coaches, he's been an assistant to Stu Jackson, John Macleod, Pat Riley, and Don Nelson. He eventually stepped up as head coach of the Knicks, and led them to a cinderella Finals appearance in 1999. He most recently coached the Houston Rockets but was fired after a dissapointing ousting in the 1st round. He recently expressed a desire to return to coaching. He brings tough work on defense, and alot of experience to the table. He no doubt benefited from working under the top Head Coaches in the league.

Mike Fratello

Mike Fratello is Doug Collins partner in the booth. he turned an abysmal Memphis Grizzlies into a playoff team in 2004. Prior to the Grizzlies he's coached a successful Atlanta team as well as a good Cavs team. His teams have made the playoffs 11 out of 16 times, while being coached by Fratello. He brings excellent playoff experience to the table. Fratello is a great basketball mind and well respected throughout the NBA, he is ranked 19th in NBA wins, and 21st in games coached. Fratello is known in his TNT segments for breaking down a play with in-depth analysis. Fratello will have no trouble adapting to any NBA playbook.

Maurice Cheeks

Most will recognize Maurice Cheeks as the former coach of the Philadelphia 76ers. But he was also an All-Star point guard for the Philly. He was named to the All Star team 4 times and led them to 3 NBA finals. He was a classic pickpocket ranking 3rd in all time steals, and 8th in all time assists. Cheeks was known for his unselfish play on a team full of stars, a talent he could no doubt convey on Rodney Stuckey who is in a similar position. He spent 7 seasons as an assistant coach for the 76ers, under 3 different head coaches. He was a big part of the 2001 team that reached the NBA Finals. He was head coach of the Trailblazers in the "Jail Blazer" days for 4 years, and moved on to coach the 76ers and led them to a 7th seed in 2008, losing in 6 games to the Pistons. There have been questions about Cheeks basketball IQ and his knowledge of the ins-and-outs of the game. Cheeks spends almost the entire game on the bench, prompting many to assume he hardly calls any plays and defers the playcalling to Andre Miller. Occasionally, his teams lacked discipline on and off the court. Alot of this had to do with personnel however. The general consensus is Cheeks lacks knowledge of the technical aspects of the game, but he possesses a great understanding of players and commands them to give them their all for 48 minutes, which is no small order in a league full of overpriveleged millionairs. Cheeks may not be the coach for us now, in a team of young players that needs direction, but Cheeks could've been the perfect fit in the Goin' to Work era, in which motivation was seriously lacking. Nonetheless, Cheeks could provide excellent experience and leadership on a young team, if he can only develop his knowledge of NBA basketball.

Tom Izzo

The esteemed coach of Michigan State is an intruiging option for Detroit. Michigan State is one of the most successful college basketball programs and Izzo is no doubt a huge part of that. ESPN's Andy Katz stated that the Michigan State program under Tom Izzo has arguably been college basketball's top program over the past 10 years. The Spartys have reached the Final Four in 4 of their last 11 seasons, more than any other teams. Izzo is the longest tenured coach currently in the Big Ten. Since he became head coach, every player that he has recruited and who completed their full eligibility has gone to the Final Four. The Spartans are known for strong guard play, toughness and rebounding. "Players Play – Tough Players Win" In one of Izzo's rebounding drills, players sometimes wore helmets and shoulder pads. While Izzo doesn't fit the criteria of experience in the NBA level, he is a great coach who can doubtlessly coach in the NBA at a high level. There will most likely be a learning curve, and it's been questioned if he is willing to leave MSU, but he can still be an excellent option for Detroit.

Paul Silas

Silas coached the Cavs in 2005, you know when they sucked. I don't know much other than that, but he was offered the Head Coaching job of the Bobcats a couple times. Hasn't really coached any good teams, with the San Diego Clippers and Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets being his other coaching jobs.

Del Harris

I like Harris considering he last coached the Bulls, and knows Gordon's tendencies well. He's coached teams such as the Rockets, Bucks and Lakers. His best season came in 1998 where he coached the LA Lakers to a 61-21 record, however his team was eliminated in the Conference Finals, he was fired early next season. He has a career win % of .549 and coached over 1000 games.

....Then there's always the fan favorite.

Poll

Who Is Your Coach of Choice?

Avery Johnson

40 votes

John Kuester

3 votes

Tom Thibodeau

7 votes

Jeff Van Gundy

10 votes

Mike Fratello

5 votes

Tom Izzo

7 votes

Maurice Cheeks

2 votes

Del Harris

0 votes

Paul Silas

0 votes

BILL LAIMBEER!!!!

50 votes

124 votes | Poll has closed