Walter Herrmann did indeed play well in the 15+ minutes he was allotted last night against the Timberwolves. The result to that being that when I took the pulse of the Pistons Nation this morning I knew there’d be calls for Walter to replace Jarvis Hayes as Tay’s backup. Boy, do we love our end of the bench guys here in the Motor City? I guess you attribute that to the main guys being so good for so long there’s no need to speculate about them, but maybe we need to take a step back before the Herrmania runs wild on us.
While I agree that Herrmann could help if given a few more minutes I’m not convinced that he’s a better option than Jarvis. Look, I just don’t think that when Joe D picked up Herrmann from Charlotte in exchange for Nazr Mohammed he figured we were short one Walter Herrmann. It was a salary dump. Not to say Walter Herrmann is a scrub he’s just on a loaded team.
Let’s also keep in mind that this was against the 19 win T-Wolves which is not the same as Jarvis’ break out game against the Hornets who have been at or near the top of the Western Conference all season.
Jarvis is a streaky shooter but he’s also a capable post scorer and I think it’s something the Pistons should explore more. I don’t think Walter has a better perimeter game. He’s a capable shooter, but not as good as Hayes (when Hayes is on at least). I’m also beginning to think Walter is a one trick pony with that big hand swoop shot along the baseline whereas Hayes has proven to be pretty versatile when he takes it to the rack especially in transition.
On defense it’s about a wash. I know what the Walter backers are gonna say “What about the job Herrmann did on Dirk back in January?” He did a good job, that’s true. But playing good D on Nowitzki is not all that monumental, just refer to any Maverick’s postseason as evidence of that. Furthermore Dirk isn’t isn’t all that tough of a cover if you’re moderately athletic with some size. Size is the one thing Walter has on Jarvis defensively, Jarvis isn’t big enough to cover fours. But, here’s where the wash comes in; Walter isn’t athletic enough to cover threes. Walter doesn’t have very good lateral movement and he kinda has that Mark Madsen spastic look on the court.
So, no I don’t think Walter has shown enough to warrant him replacing Jarvis Hayes in the rotation. But, like I said he can be helpful if he gets time but more situational minutes than anything.
Also seeing as that the Palace crowd has become so endeared to “Big Herm” the Pistons need to cash in. I’m suggesting Walter headbands (like the fro headbands), and by suggesting I mean if they start producing these I want a cut $.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:49 pm
[…] PistonsNation: An appreciation for Walter Herrmann. […]
April 2nd, 2008 at 8:59 pm
As a big fan of Argentina, I was really happy to see Walter Herrmann coming to the NBA. He had what it takes to succeed here.
However bollocks to the Bobcats for failing to acknowledge his talent and gift especially the way he has performed towards the end of last season.
Now that he is in Championship caliber team and seems to be slowly getting into the rhythm of coach Saunders. I only hope he wont end up just what like what happen Carlos Delfino.
It is likely that he will struggle to find minutes considering that huge talent on the Pistons frontcourt. But given any chance to play, I’m sure that Herrmann will rise and contribute to the occasions.
My personal hope is to see the Pistons going all the way in the Eastern Conference and send the Celtics packing.
April 3rd, 2008 at 1:24 pm
These are great arguments you’ve made here about Big Herm. Whatever the case, he’s prove to be a much more better acquisition than Carlos Delf. He ain’t soft that’s for sure.
April 4th, 2008 at 11:29 am
I disagree - Walter Hermann will be retained next year and Jarvis will be looking for another squad, as the Mr. Dumars only signed him on a 1 year deal.
Jarvis’ D is totally suspect, hence as soon as he gets in the game, the opposing team attacks him; and he usually gets into foul trouble quick; and since he’s a streaky shooter, that doesn’t mix well at all.
As for this year, Herm will not replace Jarvis’ minutes - but look for Joe D to lock up Herm and let Jarvis go for next season.
April 5th, 2008 at 9:50 am
I also disagree, Ive never seen Walter become the target of opposing teams offenses, like Jarvis sometimes. Yes he did a fine Job on Dirk and while that was just one game, saying Dirk always get slowed down in the playoffs to discredit in someway Walter’s job on the D that day is unfair, Dirk was torching the pistons and Hayes until Flip made the Sub and The Big German went scoreless.
Like post number 4 said, I really hope we keep him instead of Hayes, Im not so suere its going to go down like that, but I like Walter’s shooting and driving abilities and his activity on defense. I like Hayes a lot Pistonsnation, BUT like you said, when his streak is on the good side, not “clank up threes” mode, when hes off its an awful sight.
April 6th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
[…] or Pistons Nation. Any site declaring “Herrmania running wild” is not to be missed. A seven-paragraph analysis of the backup forward has me excited for another trip to the NBA […]