End of the Regular Sesaon Pistons Ramblings

I forgot to post this from a couple weeks ago (wrong about a couple things, but whatever)...

While I'm eating lunch...

1) Rasheed Wallace has to go after this year. I understand that he is a vital part of the team's chemistry and a solid all-around player. I understand that he was the missing link (figuratively and bio-anthropologically) for the Stones championship and past Eastern Conference and NBA finals run. But its time. Why?

First, his incessant bitching about Flip Saunders is slowing becoming more prevalent. If this much is getting to the media, I'm quite sure that it may be approaching full-time contempt outside the presence of reporters. The problem with this is that Sheed's status on the team is such that his rally against Flip may completely destroy and good-will "listen to the coach" mentality that Saunders has put in place this year. Last year, he essentially let the players do their own thing. What happened? They found out they couldn't just flip a switch and beat good teams in the playoffs without a reliable system (and Ben Wallace was exposed). This season, when Flip can get their attention, they run his offensive system wonderfully and I don't see anyone in the East beating them 4 out of 7. Should the Sheed bomb go off...all this is for naught.

Second, Sheed still has some significant value. His cap number is fairly heavy, but not ridiculous. I'd take draft picks back for him combined with a solid young bench player with potential. Why so little: Because I just saw Amir Johnson go for a double-double last night against the Celtics while playing half asleep. Johnson is clearly the heir-apparent and needs to play regular minutes next year to improve (particularly b/c he's destroying the D-League, including a 35-16 game a month ago). The team can pick up McDyess' option for next year and split the PF time between he and Amir. I like Maxiell too, but I see his ceiling more as a middle-class Corliss Williamson (ie. good bench player).

Third, Sheed adds nothing to the offensive scheme and refuses to get in the post where he has consistently proven to be unstoppable. This is the most maddening part about following the Stones for the past two years. Sheed flat out refuses to get his ass in the post when it is apparent to everyone watching that he can score at will down low. Then, like the dick that he is, he'll go down there four times in a row once every ten games and score easy buckets all for times. I hate it. And I hate him for it. Instead, he and Chauncey are more than willing to run the pick and pop from beyond the 3-point line. The problem is that it works occasionally, however at the complete expense of the rest of the offense. Of course, if Sheed goes to the block in the playoffs with any consistency I take all of this back.

Chauncey needs to be resigned. ESPN had a good article that distinguished Chauncey from Ben Wallace that focused on Chauncey's strengths being his instincts, shooting, strength, and ability to draw contact; all of which will not decline as he ages. Contrasting Ben Wallace whose entire game depends on leaping ability and quickness (since he's undersized) which already appears to be eroding. Side note: I'm ready for the Chicago media to have a shit-fit when Shaq scores 5 straight time on Wallace the opening round of the playoffs b/c Ben refuses to allow a double team. The back of Scott Skiles head may explode.

Anyway, Chauncey is undoubtedly the leader of the team and I'm not sure another PG in the league can do the types of things he does for the Stones. As a contingency plan I'm praying that Acie Law falls to the 15th spot in the draft. This gives me an added incentive to hope that Mike Conley enters the draft for sure.