Need4Sheed.com

Around The Way

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:11:00 +0000

The Winner of Tip-Off: How the 1984 NBA Draft Changed Basketball Forever giveaway is Dominic Hannosh of Sterling Heights Michigan. Dominic, your book is on the way.
Chris McCosky of the Detroit News says landing Maggette is unlikely but James Posey and Josh Smith are still a possibility.
A deal just for the sake of making a deal won't do anyone any good. A big deal may not happen.
Gilbert Arenas thinks Chauncey Billups is on of the best players in the league.
The Summer League play starts on Friday and it's not only the place to see what the new draft picks (old and new) have to offer, but a chance for free agents and players from Europe to make an impression.
What Golden State can offer the Pistons now that they are baron.
Hometown Hero -Dumars goes home.
Larry Brown brings his brother on board in Charlotte.
Detroit might have some interest in pursuing Portland's James Jones, Los Angeles Lakers forward Trevor Ariza, Atlanta's Josh Childress (restricted free agent), Michael Finley and Miami's Ricky Davis.
Classic Isiah Thomas Toyota commercial.

New Rodney Stuckey Desktop Wallpaper

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:15:00 +0000

Here's a new Rodney Stuckey Detroit Pistons Wallpaper.

Download the new Rodney Stuckey wallpaper in
1024 x 768 - 1280 x 800 and 1680 x 1050 resolutions.

Maybe Maggette

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:49:00 +0000

A. Sherrod Blakely of MLive

"When free agency began, the Detroit Pistons had no intentions of using their full mid-level exception for one player.

But the Pistons might have a change of heart, especially if they have a chance to land a player such as Corey Maggette.

Maggette, a 6-foot-6 swingman, has made it clear he's willing to consider accepting the mid-level exception, which is expected to be worth about $5.8 million."

Tayshaun Prince is a Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:45:00 +0000

Tayshaun will be going for gold this Summer, but did you know that Mr. Prince has NEVER had a losing season in his basketball career? Here is a great video highlighting his winning ways.

Tarheel Sheed and Stackhouse

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:49:00 +0000

Great Rasheed Wallace and Jerry Stackhouse highlight reel thanks to Tar Heel Times.

Around The Way

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:46:00 +0000

I'm not the only one who likes to draw Rasheed. Artist Joel Kimmel has a great rendition of Rasheed Wallace. It's even available for purchase. Make sure you check out his other fantastic NBA player portraits in his gallery.

Image/Joel Kimmel

The Pistons are looking at James Posey. I just hope if they do land him he leaves his multi colored mouth piece in Boston.
Joe Dumars finally earns his College Degree.
New Pistons Deron Washington, Walter Sharpe and Trent Plaisted in pictures.
Looks like the Clippers may get Baron Davis.
I am of the same thinking, Pistons Free-agent time likely to be slow.
Detroit is looking for perimeter players.
Chris Douglas-Roberts may do just fine after falling to the Second Round of the Draft.
Looking for a little Pistons All Time Team history of your own? A Pistons fan is letting some go on Ebay and it's pretty sweet.
Nice guy, but my heart isn't broken to see Jarvis Hayes head to another team.
Possible big trade, not a big signing.
Sharpe's stock soared before the NBA Draft.

Let's Hope Rodney Stuckey Has Recoverd From This

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:26:00 +0000

With the Official Vegas Summer League Roster set, and fact that Rodney Stuckey will be one of the chosen few scrimmaging against team USA to gear up for Beijing, I hope he has recovered from this vicious blow to his noggin.

Courtesy of The Detroit Pistons,and ESPN

A Sheedless summer just isn't as enjoyable as it could be.

WDFN'S Matt Dery : " Chris Douglas-Roberts didn't want to be a Piston"

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 15:13:00 +0000

"Shep filled in for Jamie yesterday on the WDFN morning show and one of the callers said that he was at CDR's house on draft night. CDR told everyone there (according to this mystery caller) that he did not feel he fit with Detroit and had no interest in being a Piston and wanted to go to a team that ran more. I was working that morning and heard this exchange and I decided to do a little research.

It turns out that the caller (CDR's friend) was right on the money. Douglas-Roberts believed that there was no way he would drop to #29 and likely felt like it was an insult to even believe that he would be available to play for a team like Detroit drafting that low. I talked to someone who knows CDR and he told me that Douglas-Roberts thought he was a top 20 lock. In addition, the Pistons did call CDR's people and offered to work him out. There was no workout. He did not come to the Palace. Now you know the story and the kid ended up going to New Jersey at #40. " Via Matt Dery

More on Matt's page and I'm sure he will keep us updated on any breaking news, so stay tuned.

The Pistons Pick Up A Sleeper In The Draft...Literally

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:31:00 +0000

It was a topsy turvy night for Pistons fans on Thursday. With high hopes of a solid pick and possible a deal yesterday things didn't happen quite as we had hoped in Piston Land.

Now don't get me wrong, I didn't really have high hopes of a solid pick at 29, so when The Pistons picked D.J. White I had a bit of a smile on my face. However my smile didn't last very long when word came down that Detroit handed over the rights to White for two later picks from Seattle.

So like most of you I waited...and waited for Detroit to pick Chris-Douglas Roberts the other top prospects that were still on the board and apparently were players that Detroit had interest in. Instead Dumars picks Walter Sharpe. Who?

Photo/UAB

The skinny on Sharpe: Via Michael Rosenberg from The Detroit Free Press

"Yes, he really has struggled with narcolepsy. He was academically ineligible last semester, presumably for spelling "Sharp" wrong. And maybe the best sign that he is ready for pro sports is that he already has his first nightclub arrest under his belt."

Great

But more promising words from Joe Dumars and Keith Langlois:

"He's good, man, he's good," Dumars said. "Handles it, shoots it, long and smooth."

Dumars said Sharpe will be a small forward in the NBA, though he was playing out of position at UAB as a power forward.

As for Sharpe's history of off-court trouble-arrested for disorderly conduct, academically ineligible, shot two years ago though it appears he was an innocent victim - Dumars said almost all of it traces to the narcolepsy only recently diagnosed. He said Sharpe is now on medication and that "he says it's changed his life." Dumars said he's talked to "more people in Alabama than I care to remember" and is perfectly convinced Sharpe has a firm grip on his life now.

Why didn't they keep White you ask...

"The reason they didn't keep White, Dumars said, is they saw him as too close in playing style to Jason Maxiell - an undersized power forward who can play, but a duplication of Maxiell." Keith Langlois

As for the other picks:

"Trent Plaisted and Deron Washington, the two other second-rounders, were picked in part because they agreed to play in Europe next season. Dumars said the organization asked potential second-round picks if they would be willing to play overseas because he didn't anticipate having a roster spot for them next season. Those who answered no, the Pistons scratched off their list. That's one reason they didn't take Bill Walker, though Dumars said 'we liked him a lot."Keith Langlois

So, right now there are a few answers to your WTF questions swirling from last night. I knew they looked at Plaisted, but had no Idea about the other two. I'm still thinking much more is to come in terms of a shake up but at this point we know it didn't stem from the happenings of the Draft.

As for the picks, I didn't expect much, but I can't say I'm on the bandwagon. I did find a little hopeful insight, a Deron Washington dunk mix on YouTube.

I have the feeling most of you feel the same way I do about last night. We may need a poll for this one.

2008 NBA Draft

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:30:00 +0000

The Pistons have the #29 pick in tonight's 2008 NBA Draft. They may not get a player that will stick that late, but don't discount a trade brewing right now or after all the names have been called.

Last year we had an idea that Dumars was going after Rodney Stuckey, but this pick is up in the air. In fact, the future of tonight and beyond is up in the air.

The Draft will be broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN360, for those who need to stream it live, starting at 7:00 PM.

This could possibly be a night of changes far from what we are used to as Pistons fans. This team's fate rests on the decisions of Joe Dumars. In Joe D we should trust, right?

I'm sure the comments will be lively, so stay tuned.

Tip-Off: How the 1984 NBA Draft Changed Basketball Forever - Need4Sheed Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:43:00 +0000

Need4Sheed will be giving away a copy of :
Tip-Off: How the 1984 NBA Draft Changed Basketball Forever courtesy of DA CAPO PRESS today in honor of tonights NBA Draft.

"Filip Bondy has delivered a masterpiece of lively prose and relentless reporting. Pulling away the curtain on the most important college draft in NBA history, he reveals the human strengths and weaknesses of Jordan, Barkley, Bowie, Stockton, and the men who picked and bypassed them on that fateful 1984 night. Read this book and you will never again look at an NBA draft board or roster the same way."-Ian O'Conner, author of The Jump.

A great read for anyone who enjoys the game. If you aren't the winner, no worries, it can be purchased at your local bookstore or directly from Amazon. Good Luck
Send the answer to the trivia question to:
mailto:need4sheedcontest@gmail.com
Subject line: Tip-Off: How the 1984 NBA Draft Changed Basketball Forever
With your Name
and Mailing Address

I will be picking a winner randomly from the correct submissions. Deadline for this one is Sunday June 29th, so send away.

Who were the #2 and #3 Picks in the 1984 NBA Draft.

Davis and Harrington to The D?

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:58:00 +0000

Add this to the swirling trade rumors surrounding The Pistons this off season. According to "sources" The Pistons would be willing to send Chauncey Billups and Rasheed Wallace to Golden State for Baron Davis and Al Harrington.

Via The Contra Costa Times

"A team source said that Davis has told teammates he will not exercise the opt-out provision in his contract before its June 30 expiration date, meaning that he will play out the final year of the deal at a salary of $17.8 million.

Given that stalemate, it's possible that Davis, who wants to stay in the Bay Area but was disappointed with the lowball offers from the Warriors, will ask to be dealt. And the team source said that the Detroit Pistons, rebuffed initially in their attempts to pry

forward Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets, are now looking at Davis as a potential target.

Joe Dumars, the Pistons' president of basketball operations, gave notice after losing the Eastern Conference finals that no one on his veteran-laden team would be safe, and the source said Detroit is willing to divest itself of longtime stars Rasheed Wallace and Chauncey Billups.

Wallace, like Davis an unrestricted free agent after '08-09, would give the Warriors their best true power forward since Chris Webber's first stint in 1993-94 and has 3-point range that coach Don Nelson would love.

And the inclusion of Billups, who has been made more expendable by the emergence of rookie Rodney Stuckey last season, would ease any concerns from Nelson about the point guard position. Although Nelson thinks Monta Ellis eventually needs to move to point guard, he played him primarily at shooting guard on offense last season, allowing Davis to quarterback the team.

Since Wallace and Billups will combine to take home nearly $25 million in 2008-09, the Warriors would need to add more salary ballast to Davis in order to make the salary-cap numbers work.

One possibility in that role would be forward Al Harrington. A source close to the 10th-year forward said he is currently leaning toward requesting a trade from the Warriors this summer, although he will not make a final decision until after the draft."

I am not sure what rumored deal (Josh Smith, Carmelo) I like the best, but you can be sure that things will start to take shape after the NBA Daft takes place tomorrow night.

UPDATE : Chris McCosky of The Detroit News says there is no truth to this rumor.

"Pay no attention to the report out of Oakland that the Pistons and Warriors talked about a deal that would send Rasheed Wallace and Chauncey Billups to Golden State for Baron Davis. That deal was a total fabrication, nothing of the sort was ever discussed."

Around The Way

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:09:00 +0000

Blaha Says - Pistons most likely to keep Rip and Sheed in his interview on WDFN'S Stoney and Wojo. Direct link to audio.
Speaking of one of my favorite people, George Blah is now a member of The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.
"Keep an eye on the negotiations between the Hawks and forward Josh Smith. Smith is a restricted free agent reportedly seeking a deal that starts in excess of $11 million." Via Chris McCosky of The Detroit News.
The Pistons are looking to find a couple more late round gems with the No. 29 and No. 59 picks in Thursday's NBA draft.
The coaching staff looks complete.
Jordan Dumars committed to University of South Florida Bulls Monday. We may have another Dumars in the NBA one day.
The Pistons eying the twins on Draft Day?
Remember our good friend Darvin Ham? I just came across the YouTube video of him shattering a backboard in college.
Chauncey Billups on being involved in trade rumors – "I am a Detroit Piston. Until I am not a Piston anymore, I don’t want to talk about anything except being a Detroit Piston."
A little John Mason.

Do the Piston need another Buddha?

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:00:00 +0000

With all the trade talks swirling in Piston Land and the fact that just about everyone is compiling their dream teams, it got me thinking. What really do the Pistons need?

I looked back at the ultimate Pistons teams, you know the ones that brought us two Back to Back Championships. If you look back at what that team had that made things work it was pretty simple. They had possibly the best three guard combo in Dumars, Thomas and Johnson. Solid G/F Mark Agguire, Dennis Rodman, Laimbeer, Salley and Mahorn in 89.

The current Pistons aren't that far away from what those teams had when you really look at it. You can argue about how things stack up talent wise considering that roster had two Hall of Famers on it, but one thing for sure you can't deny is that team had heart.

Now before you decide what Detroit really needs to get over the hump and since Dumars has tried to model his teams around the successful ones he played on maybe what this current roster needs is another James Buddha Edwards.

Think about it....

A big F/C that Detroit could go to out of the gate and consistently score in the paint, play defense and defer to his teammates when need be. Tall order I know, but the numbers don't lie...and neither did the mustache.

His teammates as well as fans truly appreciated what Edwards brought to the team.

I sure wouldn't mind another guy like Edwards on this team.

Nuggets say No to Pistons offers for Carmelo

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 13:16:00 +0000

Looks like it's not just idle chat, it seems The Pistons are in ongoing trade discussions with the Denver Nuggets.

Photo/Getty Images

The Detroit Free Press is reporting:

"The Nuggets want to bring point guard Chauncey Billups back to his hometown, and the Pistons are looking to make good on their botched 2003 draft and bring high-scoring forward Carmelo Anthony to Detroit, the person confirmed.

But while talks are ongoing, the Nuggets, at this point, are reluctant to include Anthony in any deal. The Pistons source said the sides are "not even close" to an agreement. It's unclear what it might take to pry away Anthony.

ESPN.com reported, without citing a source, that the Pistons offered Billups and Tayshaun Prince for Anthony. But the Nuggets weren't interested. Denver countered with an offer of Allen Iverson or a package featuring Marcus Camby, but the Pistons are only interested in Anthony.

President Joe Dumars said at his season-ending news conference that he wanted to bust up his core this summer and that he was open to moving any player besides point guard Rodney Stuckey.

"There are no sacred cows here," Dumars said. "You lose that sacred-cow status when you lose three straight years" in the conference finals.

Dumars also has said he is not interested in other teams' second- or third-best players, a category into which Iverson and Camby would fall."

I sill have to believe that nothing will go down until Draft day or right after so the Pistons can weigh all their options. As we know...Joe is dead serious about shaking things up for the right deal.

UPDATE: Carmelo's Agent says Anthony will not be traded.
Via ESPN.com

"He's not going to be moved," Calvin Andrews said in a telephone interview Sunday. "It's not happening. We've been given assurances from the owner on down."

Three sources with knowledge of the situation said Saturday afternoon that Andrews, and possibly Anthony, had planned to meet with the Nuggets on Monday to discuss Anthony's future. Anthony, who does not want to be traded, is bothered by his name being mentioned in rumors and upset because the Nuggets have not come out publicly and denounced a possible trade, the sources said.

That issue was going to be addressed at Monday's meeting and if Anthony's party wasn't satisfied with the Nuggets' answers, they were set to ask for a trade, the sources said.

But Andrews said Sunday he will not meet with Nuggets management. He will be in Denver this week but only to attend Anthony's court case for driving under the influence of alcohol. He has a court date Tuesday on the charge.

"I'm going there to be supportive of Carmelo," Andrews said. "If he's charged, there will be a penalty and I'll talk with the Nuggets about that. If the trade situation comes up, we'll talk about it, but there is no meeting planned to discuss trades."

Denver was recently contacted by Detroit, and the two clubs had several conversations about swapping Anthony for Chauncey Billups and Tayshaun Prince. The Nuggets decided against it and instead proposed a deal involving Allen Iverson or a package built around Marcus Camby. But the Pistons are only interested in Anthony."

From The Rocky Mountain News:

"Andrews said Anthony, who wants to stay in Denver, has regularly asked him to get the Nuggets to publicly state they won't trade him. But Andrews said he's been unsuccessful.

"In response to your requests this weekend, as a matter of practice I don’t comment on rumors, trades or the NBA draft," Nuggets vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien wrote Sunday to the Rocky in an e-mail."

Another UPDATE
From Chris McCosky of The Detroit News

"Have the Pistons and Nuggets talked about the possibility of trading Chauncey Billups and Tayshaun Prince for Carmelo Anthony? Yes.

Are the talks recent and on-going? No.

Is the deal dead? Not quite, but nearly.

Here's the deal (this will be on the detnews.com website in a more formal manner later on tonight): Two weeks ago, Nuggets vice president Mark Warkentien called Pistons president Joe Dumars. A story had leaked out of Denver that the Nuggets were interested in Billups. Warkentien called initially to apologize for the information leak, but in the process, asked Dumars what it might take to pry Billups away. Dumars said, straight-up, Anthony.

They talked about that for a bit. Prince was added because, obviously, Anthony plays Prince's position. But in the end, Warkentien said the Nuggets weren't looking to move Anthony. He asked if Dumars wanted Marcus Camby or Allen Iverson. Dumars said no. If the Nuggets wanted Billups, then he wanted Anthony. That's where it ended. Two weeks ago.

But, the rumors persisted. In the meantime, Anthony started to get upset. He had his agents confront Warkentien about the rumors, which led to the reports Saturday night that the Nuggets "vetoed" the proposed trade."

Around The Way

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:01:00 +0000

Tayshaun Prince makes the Olympic Team.
"Sources in New Orleans tell Matt Dery at WDFN that former Piston Darrell Walker will be likely heading to Detroit soon to sign a contract to be Michael Curry's top assistant."
What do the Pistons need to do to reach the Finals season?
Tayshaun is on the Trade Market.
The Pistons are in the Draft Trade Mix.
My favorite video The Pistons play during games at the Palace.

No Secret: Bill Davidson wanted Flip Out

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:39:00 +0000

Like many Pistons fans already know Joe Dumars runs the team but owner Bill Davidson pulls the strings. Keith Langlois talked to Davidson about his Hall of Fame induction and got a little insight into how he felt about the Pistons elimination by Boston.

"Absolutely," Pistons owner William Davidson told me Wednesday morning. "No question in my mind. And I encouraged Joe to sever the relationship with Flip Saunders."

He's also on board with the Curry hire.

"I love Michael Curry, Michael worked for us. He comes in at 6 in the morning. The nice thing is when he was a player here, he established a home. He's kept that home, so his identification with the area and the team is 100 percent. I have great, great confidence that Michael is going to do a tremendous job."

I'm a big fan of what Mr. D has done for this team and how he's made the team, that Palace and the way he runs the team a model for what's right in sports ownership. It's nice to know that he's being honored by the Hall and it seem as though he's quite pleased about it.

"When I got the reactions, I was even more pleased that I did get elected. It was just announced a day or two before, so all those players who I had close associations with all said how pleased they were and we had a few hugs. The timing of the announcement was very, very propitious for me."

Photo/Getty Images

WDFN'S Matt Dery - Reporting on Pistons Draft Work Outs

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:21:00 +0000

Straight from Matt Dery of WDFN who will giving more detail on air throughout the day at WDFN 1130 AM.

"The Pistons are gearing up for the upcoming NBA Draft.

Today they are working out some Big Men, including NC State's JJ HICKSON, Kansas's SASHA KAUN, TRENT PLAISTED from BYU and JOSEPH JONES from TEXAS A AND M"

Head over to WDFN and listen to Matt Live for more details.

Thanks for the heads up Matt.

Around The Way

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:24:00 +0000

Chauncey Billups withdrew his name for consideration from the Beijing Olympics citing "family reasons." Could this be a move to save face because of the recent talk he wouldn't have made the cut in favor of Chris Paul?
Ex-Sportscenter anchor can't remember Chauncey Billups is a Piston. Thanks to T.J. for the link.
Congrats to the Celtics for winning it all even if some people are a little upset about their Celebratory actions before and after they won. I have to point it out, but everyone seems to be quick to talk about Detroit and rioting when Championships are won. Boston had their own brand of fun last night...Boston style.

Michael Rosenberg of The Detroit Free Press give his thoughts on the most likely trades for the Pistons. Melo, McGrady or nothing.
Three draft pull outs affect the Pistons #29 pick.
Amir Johnson gets his Jersey retired.
Just because Sheed's college roommate is joining the coaching staff doesn't mean Rasheed is a lock to stay.
The Palace wins Emmy's.

In Joe D. We Should Trust

noreply@blogger.com (Need4Sheed.com) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:27:00 +0000

This post is courtesy of a member of Team Need4Sheed as a Need4Sheed Guest Writer.

In JOE D. WE SHOULD TRUST
By Rashid S. Umar
Pistonfan1@yahoo.com

Piston fans are angry, and most importantly Joe Dumars is angry and that's a good thing. After another half-hearted performance which, led to another premature exit in the Eastern Conference Finals, the "prez" has decided he'd seen enough.

After announcing that the team had relieved Flip Saunders of his coaching duties, Joe D. made it clear that he was open to making more then a few tweaks going into next season. And after losing conference finals for the third straight year who could blame him, he should look rid the team of any elements detrimental to the "Hardwork" mantra that is was once famous for.

Photo/Getty Images

But giving some of his past transactions (drafting Darko, hiring Flip Saunders and now Michael Curry as coach) there are those that question whether or not he can do what he once expected of this team, and that is "get it done."

And by "getting it done" the "prez" means only expected one thing... a championship, and with that the way the season has concluded recently it is apparent that this group is not longer up to the task. The recent years of disappointment has demonstrated action of a team that is aging, constantly losing focus too much contentment for big game situations so perhaps it's better to shift gears now.

The favor pariah of Piston fans has been the much maligned Rasheed Wallace, and after his lackluster performance that led to end of another disappointing season, most would consider him the first to go. But Joe let is be known that no one is untouchable and by that I would interpret: any of the starting five, i.e. (Wallace, Billups, Rip, Tayshaun, or McDyess)

I honestly believe in Joe and Pistons' fans should too. One thing that is certain, when changes need to be made Joe D. isn't afraid to pull the trigger. If you look at his track record of hiring and firing coaches, missed draft picks, and free agent signings and only can point out what wasn't done then you are missing the point completely.

The fact that Joe has been the architect behind the franchise's most successful decades (minus one championship) and while staying championship competitive isn't by accident. He gave Rick Carlisle his first head coaching job; jumped at the chance to hire Larry Brown; found Flip Saunders, who had one hell of a three year run (at least for him); and now has tabbed former teammate Michael Curry, a disciplinarian type to pace the sidelines.

Now I'm not professing that Joe D. hasn't had any misses, but they are far outweighed by the hits. I mean for every Darko, Rodney White, and Mateen Cleaves drafts there were Mehmet Okur, Tayshaun Price, and Rodney Stuckey. You much also look at free agent signing such as: Chauncey Billups, 'Dyess, and Ben Wallace (who agreed to sign with Detroit as a free agent before being signed and traded for Grant Hill).

Bottom-line; expect the Pistons to look different next season with an injection of youth, athleticism, and most importantly unselfish players who are hungry to win a championship. As long as Joe D. is in charge the organization will be run "The Piston Way."

Rasheed Wallace on NBA All Access with Ahmad Rashad

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:39:00 +0000

Rasheed Wallace appeared on NBA All Access with Ahmad Rashad before Detroit's loss in Game Six to the Celtics. The piece is more about Sheed and the impact he's had on Detroit since he came here in 2004 rather than about the Celtics series. So if the loss still stings it won't be difficult to watch this one.

And there is nothing better than to see a little Bullets Sheed for old time's sake.

Michael Curry on Jim Rome is Burning

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:33:00 +0000

If you missed it, Coach Curry appeared on ESPN's Jim Rome is Burning Thursday afternoon.

Like plenty of you, I am a bit weary of a rookie coach at the helm of this team, but the more and more I hear the man talk the more confident I am that he's going to come through. Wishful thinking, maybe, but he sure is saying the right things.

How can you not like a coach that says...."I'm not just saying we are going to do it my way, I'm just saying we are going to do it the Championship Way."

Fine by me, Mr. Curry, fine by me.

Joe Dumars Talks To ESPN's Chad Ford

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 02:57:00 +0000

One again Joe Dumars talks to ESPN's Chad Ford on the state of The Pistons. Dumars, who always seems to be comfortable talking to Ford, gives him a look at what he's looking to do as far as changes as well as the hiring of Michael Curry.

Chad also mentioned the fact the Rasheed Wallace was the only Piston at the Curry presser.

Another question I was happy that Chad asked was "why don't coaches stick in Detroit?" And the Melo question.

FYI...Joe is looking for an IMPACT PLAYER!

The Daily Dish is on ESPN's NBA as well as the Direct link.

Michael Curry and Joe Dumars on WDFN

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:55:00 +0000

Joe Dumars talks to WDFN's Matt Derry about the state of The Pistons and new Head Coach Michael Curry. You can find the podcast on Stoney and Wojo's Podcast page as well as the direct link right here.

Matt posed the "Were the inmates running the asylum?" Joe also talks about hiring a rookie coach.

New Pistons head coach Michael Curry talked to Stoney and Wojo on Tuesday. It's up on their Podcast page as well as the direct link.

I must say I have been impressed with what Curry has had to say thus far.

Also, Curry will be on the Jim Rome show today at 4:30 on ESPN. I've got the DVR set for those of us who can't watch the show live.

Sheed Shows up for Curry

noreply@blogger.com (Natalie Sitto) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 22:48:00 +0000

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Rasheed Wallace was the only member of the Detroit Pistons to show up today the Joe Dumars press conference to announce Michael Curry as The Pistons new head coach.

What does it mean? Who really knows, maybe nothing. Maybe something, but we will probably never know.

Is Sheed ready to play for MC? Is he showing JD that he's back on board? Or was he bored? Take your pick.

Dumars talked to Sheed briefly after game six.

"Dumars made sure Wallace had heard about his plans to reshape the team by trading away part of his core.

"It was a short message," Dumars said.

Dumars said since he revealed that plan at a press conference last week, his phone has been ringing frequently with interest from around the league.

"Lot of phone calls, ton of phone calls," Dumars said. "But that was the intent, to get the ball rolling. And to see what’s out there, to see what's happening. I knew when we were sitting here talking that we could get something done - we've got good players. It's just a matter of what’s going to come across the phone line." Via The Detroit Free Press

Photo/Getty Images

Personally I think with a guy like Sheed you never know what's going on, but seeing as it's the first time he's shown himself at a Pistons gathering since Game Six, that in itself is saying something.