The Pistons are still hoping reserve center James Wiseman can produce on a more consistent basis, per Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press (Twitter link). During his first full season in Detroit, the seven-footer out of Memphis is averaging 5.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks across 40 appearances. The No. 2 pick in 2020 is now playing just 14.3 minutes per night for a 9-50 Pistons club.
“I just want him to be consistent,” head coach Monty Williams said. “The effort is always there. Communication in defense is improving. We love his presence in pick-and-rolls. We just want to see consistency.”
There’s more out of the Central Division:
- Pistons rookie swingman Marcus Sasser, who’s dealing with a knee injury, is considered probable to suit up for today’s bout with the Magic, reports James L. Edwards III of The Athletic (via Twitter). Edwards notes that, should Sasser actually play, Detroit will field a completely healthy roster for the first time all season.
- Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com wonders if, after scoring 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting – all from long range – during a 110-100 victory over the Pistons on Friday, Cavaliers shooting guard Sam Merrill might have earned further consideration for legitimate rotation minutes. Merrill is already enjoying a career year with Cleveland. In 41 games this year, the Utah State product is averaging a career-best 7.8 PPG on a .435/.435/.917 shooting line, with career highs in rebounds (1.9) and assists (1.5) per game as well.
- Bulls rookie shooting guard Onuralp Bitim has enjoyed a pair of solid games since being promoted from a two-way contract onto the injury-plagued club’s standard roster. He’s averaging 21.9 minutes across his last two contests and scoring 8.0 PPG on .455/.571/1.000 shooting, along with 5.0 RPG. As Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times details, the 24-year-old was a seasoned pro long before making his NBA debut with Chicago. The 6’6″ wing has been playing with Turkish clubs since he was 19. ‘‘Playing professionally since such a young age helped me a lot because, in the end, basketball is universal,’’ said Bitim, whose parents both suited up for professional Turkish teams. ‘‘[My mom] tells me that I got my IQ and vision from her… My dad says that the athleticism and other things are from him.’’
The team isn’t any good. Poor lineups with Killian Hayes and Livers playing 40 minutes while others can get any minutes.
I know this won’t be popular but hear me out for development and veteran leadership.
Duren has a high FG percentage, good FT numbers and plays good defense. At maybe 6’10 have him move to PF and start shooting 3s, he can guard the perimeter and smaller guys. Start Wiseman at C. Start Grimes at SG, Ivey, Stewart, Simone F, Sasser and Stanley Umude playing good minutes off the bench.
Waive Flynn, Brown and Rhroden and Evan F. Sign Taj Gibson or Robin Lopez, Hamidou Diallo, and Cory Joseph or ish Smith for bench guys
Pistons are in great position going into draft. They have a top pick they can trade. Pistons should go for a young vet star. And even sign a few vets. Like Rockets did. To push the process. They have good assets they can move now. And have cap space to sign players. It’s time .
Zach is a guy that can work in Detroit. He and Cade can work.
If the Pistons can get a good young player for their #1 draft pick maybe they should but I don’t see any top young player up for trade.
This is considered an average at best draft. Why would a team trade a young vet star which would mean they are proven for a draft pick in a ehh draft?
Any top three pick in any draft. Is a value pick. At worst you have a starting 5 piece. That in it self is worth it. Sarr can be there. Plus you will get more than just this pick.
Example::::
A guy like Zach ??
For two picks and Ivey. I’m sure Bulls do that. Pistons need that guaranteed 25 plus a night. I like Zach in Detroit. I can buy that.
Quickley is a FA. They can just sign him. Look at the FA class. They have the assets to make deals for next yr. Easily
No, absolutely not. Dude is 29 on the 10th and can’t stay healthy. Not worth 1 pick let alone 2 and Ivey. We don’t need another Blake Griffin situation on our hands.
Al…, Zach who??
Edey from Purdue? He absolutely will not play a single minute of NBA floor time ever. EVER.
Pretty sure he’s talking about Risacher. In Al’s defense – “Zaccharie” is the most french spelling of all time.
He is talking about Zach Lavine people
That makes more sense. Thank you. Usually Al talks about big men especially centers so that’s why I went there.
Wiseman is never going to be a dominate offensive big man. You would hope he can be serviceable, he needs to spend the off season trying to get better.
How do you fix the area between the ears? An off-season workout can’t accomplish that. There’s some things you either have it or you don’t.
I think Wiseman is one of those guys who doesn’t have it. He’s athletic and can run shoot move well Etc but he doesn’t know when to be in certain places and when not to.
I remember talking to an NBA head coach a few years ago about a certain big man I thought had great potential and was a good rebounder. I thought they should try to attain him.
Coach said, “why, the guy can’t remember a play.”
If a player is technically and/or physically gifted, and can consistently score on his defender(s), not remembering a play, is not a reason to dismiss him, because, if the coach/team gives him the ball in a position to score, he will get open, receive the ball and go on on one, scoring, getting fouls, both, or contracting the defense.
A guy like Wiseman, I haven’t seen him play much, but is credited to be a good offensive player with great physical abilities. If he has a low understanding of plays, he can still be effective as a niche one on one scorer on offense, with the team knowing this while he Is in the game. I tell you from experience: I myself was for maybe 17 years a low-post scorer (15-16 ppg in 40 mins games in my best seasons to date) who also got lost on certain (not all), offensive sets. But, when I got the ball in the low block, I knew I post up, receive the ball, and make my move to Score, get fouled, or both. (I’m 33, I still play, but now I’d like to handle the ball more off the dribble).
Wiseman should try to get to that niche, and hopefully, can expand his game from there, once he gets comfortable, and confident, that the team can rely on throwing the ball to him in the post, when they need a basket.
Good post. Yes I was also that guy. Couldn’t remember every play.
Also remember this guy I was referring to was an NBA player and got NBA minutes and was a good rebounder.
But coach felt like the guy he had versus the guy I suggested, a move wouldn’t improve the team because of what was necessary from the position I guess?
But yes I’m not saying the guy wasn’t effective. He was !! That’s why I asked about him. Again good post.
Thanks Gary.
That particular place, at that particular time, might not been developmental for Wiseman. Even if he had the ability, it’s true that team needs might have been higher on their priority. That said, I think it’s not, mutually exclujent, team’s needs and Wiseman’s development. At least in a little part, he might have developed some. I’m sure he has gotten an important experience in His time in GSW. Now it’s another environment. He might still need More time to develop. Still has potential to me. Should be working hard, if he’s to fulfill it.
Yep and I mentioned this before, Kwame Brown turned himself into a pretty good NBA center. Great screens and very good on defense. Solid role player and made it a pretty decent career.