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While most of us in Pistons Nation are letting out a big “yeah right” to the proposed trade (to Det: Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo / to Bos: Stuckey, Rip, Prince) Kelly Dwyer is playing a little Devil’s Advocate suggesting Joe missed the boat by him his underling giving Danny Ainge’s people the ‘ol we’re gonna just go ahead and pass on this one mmm’kay.

Here’s what Kelly wrote on Yahoo!’s Ball Don’t Lie blog:

And, bless Joe Dumars, but what the hell is he thinking?
For 2009-10, yes, this could be a big deal for the Celtics. Hamilton could have a bounce-back year, same with Tayshaun Prince, and Rodney Stuckey should improve. Based on sheer depth, alone, Detroit could have handed the hated C’s another Eastern Conference championship. Not unlike the way the Celtics possibly handed Detroit the same thing five years ago.
Beyond that? They would have handed Boston an above-average offensive shooting guard with a three-year, $34 million dollar contract. A 29-year old defensive stalwart, already on the decline, who is owed about $21.5 million over the next two years. And Rodney Stuckey, a nice player, possibly a point guard (his assist ratio rivaled that of Shane Battier(notes) and Derek Fisher’s(notes) in 2008-09), and definitely a guy looking for a contract extension after next year.
What would Detroit have gotten? Sweet, sweet relief.

Sounds like Kelly Dwyer feels Dumars owes Boston for facilitating the ‘Sheed deal?  If you keep reading Dwyer goes on to suggest that Joe might be in denial about this team and what phase of rebuilding we’re actually in saying none of the three Detroit players mentioned are guys you can build around.

Myself, I don’t like the deal from a competitive standpoint.   I’d like to have a point like Rondo (with some sort of caveat that Rajon go through a Hazmat grade disinfectant process to get that Celtic taint off of him before he throws on the red, white and blue).  I wouldn’t mind seeing another package with Rondo in it, but I’d want no part of Ray Allen even with his big expiring contract.

How many moves can we make for cap space?  Unless Joe plans on suiting up Ben Franklin and the boys we’re eventaully going to need some players not just contract assets.

New York Daily News:

The fast-sinking Raptors are looking to shake things up and have talked to the Suns about trading Amare Stoudemire. But unless they decide to part with Chris Bosh, chances are slim that Raptors president Bryan Colangelo will get the All-Star power forward he drafted out of high school in 2002 when he was Phoenix’s top basketball executive. Bosh has missed the last two games with a sprained knee and his future in Toronto, beyond 2010 – when he becomes a free agent – is up in the air.  So Toronto might be forced to get something for him. Detroit has been linked to Bosh in 2010, so it’s entirely possible that the Pistons will try to make it a three-way deal. Detroit’s Tayshaun Prince is being mentioned as one of the primary players who would end up with the Suns

Hate to see Tay go but I’d like this better than getting Stoudemire.  Chris Bosh brings more to the table and would be a better fit.

No Tayshaun, but I’m glad Mr. Big Shot got the recognition he deserves.

Denver Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups was named a Western Conference reserve for the 2009 NBA All-Star Game, the league announced today.

Billups was voted to the team by Western Conference coaches. Billups, whom the Nuggets acquired from Detroit via trade on Nov. 3, is averaging a career-best 18.8 ppg (including 19.0 ppg with Denver), 6.5 apg and 1.45 spg through 44 games this season. He is shooting .387 (89-230) from three-point range and .903 (262-290) from the free-throw line (seventh-best in the NBA).

The Denver-native and 2004 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player will be making his fourth NBA All-Star appearance and first as a member of the West. He has been selected as a reserve in each of the last four seasons. -Nuggets.com

Here’s the 2009 jerseys for the 2009 All-Star game that’s in Phoenix next month.  I don’t know about you, but I think they’re fresh to death as the kids would say.  They’re a lot better than the ones Joe D and Grant Hill sported in Phoenix’s 1995 hosting of the mid season classic

They’ve got a retro futuristic look to them.  Meaning what looked futuristic back in the 80’s.  I kinda think of TRON when looking at them.  Cool font, and I really dig the color progression on the side.

The influence of this year’s host city in the design is undeniable. The horizontal lines resemble Arizona’s rock formations, while the progression of color (desert red for the West, sunset blue for the East) is emblematic of the legendary bird rising from the flames.-(Men’s Fitness via BDL)

Iverson will  start alongside Dwyane Wade for the East.  Even though Tay’s play has been as up and down as the Pistons season I’m hoping he’s can make it on the merit of the years he should have gotten some all-star consideration.  Jersey and ASG gear now available at NBA Store

As pointed out by Chris McCosky in the Detroit News on Tayshaun’s heavy work load:

It would help immensely if Walter Herrmann were producing, but he’s been virtually invisible. Since Hamilton has been out, Herrmann has played 58 minutes and contributed a total of seven points, seven rebounds and two assists. That’s it. He’s missed 11 of 13 shots and eight of nine 3-pointers.

Yikes, those big hands aren’t filling Prince’s big shoes.  I guess with so many other storylines I’d lost track of Walter Herrmann’s production, or better yet, lack there of.  What’s happened to his perimeter touch? Is it a matter of more consistent minutes? I’ve noticed that when Big Herm does get in the game it’s usually spot minutes.  Or is it simply just that just like all shooters do from time to time Walt is in a slump?

Like McCosky also pointed out the other option to spell Tay is the versatile Arron Afflalo.  Arron has been playing really well  in my opinion, it’s just that with Rip out he’s more often in the guard rotation than he is releasing Prince at the SF spot.

Found this over at Pistonsforum.  Looks like an body spray endorsement deal to me.

And here’s something L.L. Cool Tay related, on Rip’s struggles:

“One thing we have to do better is to keep running Rip off screens and continue to get him shots he likes to get him going,” Prince said. “I kind of put that on myself. I’ve been here. I’ve played with Rip the longest. And by me running that point position, I know what he likes. I can do a better job of helping him out.” - Det News

Um, ya think?  So far Rip’s offense has been neutralized by adding AI to the mix because they’re not running him off the screens.  The thing that worries me though is a Vinnie/A.D. style collision if Rip and Iverson aren’t cognizant of each other out there.

(Photo: Detroit Free Press)

Tayshaun Prince is playing a  little Magic Johnson.

Now before anyone starts crying sacrelig I’m not trying to compare Tayshaun Prince with Magic Johnson overall, just the fact that Tay is being asked to play point at 6′9″ immediately brings to mind Magic who also was 6′9″, which of course is tall for a primary ball handler.

Tayshaun, like Magic, is extremely versatile in the fact that his skill set allows him to play beyond his build.

“Just having me with the opportunity to run the offense, I can see over top of the defense,” he said. “I can see what’s going on and read how they are playing Rip and AI. I would definitely like to have that opportunity.” – Tayshaun

With Chauncey traded away Michael Curry has been using Tayshaun as a point-forward.  This is something Tayshaun has always had the ability to do, but has never really been needed to do.

Tay playing some point allows Iverson to not have to worry about the traditional responsibilities of a point guard, especially on a new team.  Prince has the advantages of knowing all the nuances of the Pistons offense allowing for a better learning curve for AI.

This should also keep Tayshaun from performing his amazing Taydini disappearing act he’s been known for.  Going from star support to facilitator will keep Tayshaun enmeshed into the game and more likely to assert himself alongside Rip, Sheed and Iverson.  This too can only aid in Tayshuan’s bid to finally be recognized as an all-star.

If all goes well keep an eye out for the “Tay Hour“… ahh let’s hope not.

Also on the subject: The Hoop Doctors l  Dime l Detroit Free Press

Michael Curry said it, now it’s time for us the, Pistons Nation, to make it happen.  Let’s start early campaigning for Tayshaun Prince to be a member of the all-star team this season.  Tayshaun has been overlooked long enough.  The Olympic team was the first step, now let’s put all-star on the Palace Prince’s resume.

I know it’ll be hard for Tayshaun to overtake the likes of LeBron James or Paul Pierce in the fan vote, but if we get the word out enough hopefully it’ll put enough pressure on the all-star coaching staff to name Tay as an all-star reserve.

Above is the unoffical Tayshaun for NBA All-Star campaign poster.  It’s a play off of OBEY’s Obama poster which I’m sure most of you have seen.  I got the idea from after seeing Tony.psp’s Don Nelson rendition over at GSoM.

Remember too that there’s also an important vote going down on Tuesday that you should also participate in.

As revealed by Tim Kawakami of the Mercury News (via TruHoop) Joe Dumars and Warriors’ GM Chirs Mullin had ongoing talks over the summer about shipping Tay out to the bay area in exchange for Stephen Jackson.

How bananas would that be to have Jackson in the Pistons’ red, white, and blue?  Remember what a lunatic Jackson was during that brawl as a member of the Pacers?  He just wanted to fight anyone he could get close enough to swing on.  I was more outraged with his act than Ron Artest.

As a fan I would have an easier time accepting the focal point of that brawl, Ron Artest (who previously talked about playing for the Pistons), than Jackson.  For one you can make a case for Artest defending himself during that whole melee, whereas it was pretty clear that Jackson just wanted to fight.  And two Artest is a top tier talent.  Jackson, while very good, is second tier at best.

If it’s all the same I’ll keep Tay and his expanded role under Michael Curry.

Thankfully though the Warriors president Robert Rowell is giving Jackson a big ‘ol contract (3 yrs, $27 mill) that will effectively squash any further talks on the matter between Joe and Chris Mullin.

I started to read Keith Langlois’ newest True Blue blog post talking about what the Pistons lineup to finish games might look like and he talked about Rodney Stuckey being out there and sliding Tay over to the four. First thought, Tayshaun is not what I think about when I think of power forward. But, then Keith makes a some good points:

Look at some of the power forwards in the East. Is there any reason to fear the 6-foot-9 Prince being overwhelmed by the likes of Antawn Jamison, Rashard Lewis, Josh Smith, Yi Jianlian or Charlie Villanueva? Maybe you’d want to protect him from the likes of Elton Brand or Zach Randolph, but even terrific power forwards like Chris Bosh or Kevin Garnett don’t present physically dominant mismatches for the lanky Prince, at least not over short stretches – not when the corresponding matchup on the other end takes those players out of their comfort zones. Even if Garnett and Bosh have the foot speed to stay with Prince, pulling them away from the basket to do so is a victory for the offense.

This isn’t the NBA of yesteryear where you have a clearly defined perception of what position players look like and what kind of game they play.  There’s more tweener types like Tayshaun.   Like Keith is saying, he doesn’t have the body to bang with every four in the East, but he’s versatile enough to hold his own against most of them and even create match up problems for other clubs.

If we can be competitive with Rasheed playing the pivot I don’t see why we can’t close out games with Tay at PF.

We we know Dumars at least put a worm on the hook and cast it towards the Nugget’s Carmelo Anthony. Just to recap, Joe Dumars offered up Chauncey Billups and Tayshaun Prince for Carmelo Anthony and Denver (at least for now) is content with keeping their high scoring forward. That much we know.

Even though this deal at this point in time seems to be merely a suggestion I do have some thoughts on it.

On Chauncey: It just seems odd to think that one summer after Mr. Big Shot is made the richest Piston in history that he’s on the trading block.

This implies to me that Joe A) sees Chauncey on the decline. Much like his foresight with Ben Wallace two summers ago. And B) Joe and co. seen enough in Rodney Stuckey to give him Chauncey’s spot if they had to part with Big Shot.

It be tough to see Chauncey go. He’s the present face of the franchise. After bouncing all over the league his tenure in Detroit is all-in-all is a great story and it would be nice to see him finish here, but the bottom line is that as GM Joe’s job is to put trophys in on the mantle.

On Tayshaun: Joe said no one is untouchable, but I just though that was jargon for “it’s time for Rasheed to go”. I guess I never really thought about the possibility on parting with the Palace Prince. Unlike the other four starters Tayshaun was drafted by the Pistons. We watched him progress into the player he is today. He’s the reason we don’t already have Carmelo Anthony.

Tayshaun always has a great attitude, whereas Carmelo’s attitude and character have come into question over the years. It would be a tough contrast to get used to as far as how we view “Pistons” to be character guys.

Congrats to the “Long Arm of the Law” for making the 2008 NBA’s All-Defensive 2nd team. Great recognition for a guy who usually goes overlooked, except for the defensive 2nd team (this is the 4th consecutive season that Tay has made the 2nd team).

The Palace Prince is joined by Shane Battier of the Houston Rockets, Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets, Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, and Raja Bell of the Phoenix Suns.

Sources: ESPN, Detroit News, Detroit Free Press

Here’s a couple YouTubes from the Chicago game.

Jason Maxiell’s attempted manslaughter on Aaron Gray

Tayshaun dunking all over Drew Gooden’s beard

USA Today: 

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Tayshaun Prince sprained his left ankle in the first quarter of the United States’ game with Brazil on Sunday night in the FIBA Americas tournament.

The 6-foot-9 forward for the Detroit Pistons fell and stayed on the floor after going for a defensive rebound late in the first quarter. He was attended to for about a minute and then helped off the court. He gingerly walked to the locker room.

A team spokesman said team doctors decided Prince would not return to the game as a precautionary measure and he would be reevaluated Monday.

GM’s worst nightmare, his investment going down freelancing in the offseason. Unfortunately for Tayshaun, Joe D, and all of Pistons’ Nation, this is the risk you run when representing your country in the offseason (see Pau Gasol in last years World Championships). Hopefully we find out that it isn’t too serious.

The final two cuts were made to the 12-player limit for the Olympic qualifying tournament that begins Wednesday. Our guys will be repping another red, white and blue jersey, that of USA basketball. Hopefully Chauncey and Tayshaun can add versitility to USA basketball that it lacked in the last Olympics. The roster reads more like a traditional basketball roster with a mix of interior and perimeter players, unlike last year’s World Championships when we had guys who all played the same game. I believe this roster is a good step towards restoring pride in US basketball.

The U.S. roster includes: Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, Dwight Howard, Jason Kidd, Chauncey Billups, Redd, Miller, Tyson Chandler, Tayshaun Prince and Deron Williams.

Besides better outside shooting, Colangelo and U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski also sought stronger defensive players. That created spots for New Orleans’ Chandler, one of the NBA’s top rebounders and shot blockers, and versatile Detroit forward Prince. …read on USA Today

FIBA Americas Championship schedule