On draft day this year I live blogged the Pistons picks for ESPN’s True hoop. When it came time for the Pistons 15th pick I was sure that Rodney Stuckey’s name would be called. What I didn’t see coming was the Arron Afflalo pick, in fact my chosen pick at # 27 was Glen Davis. I really though thought Dumars was going to go for a big man but I have been pleasantly surprised by Afflalo’s showing in the summer league. I don’t know how much playing time he will see this season, but when all is said and done I think he was a nice pick up.
I was surprised at the pick, too, but his attitude is a perfect fit on the Pistons. I think the #20-#40 draft picks are pretty close in terms of talent and/or upside, but attitude can make the difference. Look at the problems Carmelo has had, and didn’t Darko just go off? There is a real sense of entitlement in pro basketball. Come to think of it, there is a sense of entitlement in college and even high school ball. Afflalo seems like he’s bringing the right work ethic and mindset to be a great player. Perhaps he’ll never be an All-Star, but he’s going to be a great roleplayer and can probably fill in for an injured shooting guard pretty well. His versatility and defensive ability will give him every chance for a long career in the NBA.
That’s all pretty presumptious preaching on my part, but that’s the way I see Afflalo. He was a good pick up at the bottom of the first round. There were a couple interesting big men, but none of them were NBA ready, or would be an improvement over Amir, Mad Max, and Nazr. Afflalo, however, is providing immediate perimeter defensive help.
I had Derrick Byers and Marco Belinelli as possibilities, but Belinelli went much higher (and played fantastically in the summer league). Byer’s defensive problems probably made Afflalo a lot better choice. For big men, I figured Marc Gasol or Aaron Grey for traditional centers, but I guess Dumars didn’t see any potential improvements over Samb (which is a great sign).
Thanks…Jess I will get it in on the next go around.
Dirge… I agree with you and also love his hard work attitude. I think he might end up like Joe D and make a name for himself playing D. As for your #27 pics… Love Bellini but I knew there was no way that Dumars was going to go with a Euro this time around considering the track record he’s had with Darko, Delfino…
I’m a little concerned because is a known competitor he comes to compete. But if he doesn’t play much, will that go down? And with the Pistons having problems with complacency in the past, will his competitiveness go down? Hopefully he’ll get enough minutes to keep himself going. Good luck to Arron and the Pistons
He looks good but I am still wondering why Joe D picked him up, could be because they are desperate to say goodbye to Flip Murray.
Looks like another season gone by without Super Dupe seeing the light of day.
I like Afflalo he should do nicely, it just might take time.
I was surprised at the pick, too, but his attitude is a perfect fit on the Pistons. I think the #20-#40 draft picks are pretty close in terms of talent and/or upside, but attitude can make the difference. Look at the problems Carmelo has had, and didn’t Darko just go off? There is a real sense of entitlement in pro basketball. Come to think of it, there is a sense of entitlement in college and even high school ball. Afflalo seems like he’s bringing the right work ethic and mindset to be a great player. Perhaps he’ll never be an All-Star, but he’s going to be a great roleplayer and can probably fill in for an injured shooting guard pretty well. His versatility and defensive ability will give him every chance for a long career in the NBA.
That’s all pretty presumptious preaching on my part, but that’s the way I see Afflalo. He was a good pick up at the bottom of the first round. There were a couple interesting big men, but none of them were NBA ready, or would be an improvement over Amir, Mad Max, and Nazr. Afflalo, however, is providing immediate perimeter defensive help.
I had Derrick Byers and Marco Belinelli as possibilities, but Belinelli went much higher (and played fantastically in the summer league). Byer’s defensive problems probably made Afflalo a lot better choice. For big men, I figured Marc Gasol or Aaron Grey for traditional centers, but I guess Dumars didn’t see any potential improvements over Samb (which is a great sign).
I think Afflalo was a good pick. I hope he does get some playing time.
WE NEED THAT SHIP BACK!!!!!!!
Nat, here is a topic for an “AROUND THE WAY” if you need one.
Chauncey was ranked #6 on the Point Guard Rankings.
Here is the full list.
http://www.nba.com/fantasy/draft_kit/pgrankings1_15.html
Thanks…Jess I will get it in on the next go around.
Dirge… I agree with you and also love his hard work attitude. I think he might end up like Joe D and make a name for himself playing D. As for your #27 pics… Love Bellini but I knew there was no way that Dumars was going to go with a Euro this time around considering the track record he’s had with Darko, Delfino…
I’m a little concerned because is a known competitor he comes to compete. But if he doesn’t play much, will that go down? And with the Pistons having problems with complacency in the past, will his competitiveness go down? Hopefully he’ll get enough minutes to keep himself going. Good luck to Arron and the Pistons