Old Pistons Return To Detroit
15 July 2013
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Joe Dumars opened the press conference by announcing that he wanted the Pistons to win their first NBA title since 2004. It was the only fitting statement for the occasion as 2004 Finals MVP Chauncey Billups and starting shooting guard Rip Hamilton were introduced to the media as returning players to the franchise.
“It’s an honour to be back,” Hamilton addressed the media.
Billups added, “I’m very confident in this team and the direction the franchise is going.”
Billups and Hamilton joined David West in the Pistons’ unveiling of their free agent haul. Former All-Star West indicated that he was also excited to be joining Detroit. West looked forward to the team’s potential and his role as the team’s sixth man. “I think that this team has a lot going for it,” he stated, “We have the size, depth and talent to compete for a high playoff spot,” West said.
Billups, the 2012-13 Sixth Man of the Year, averaged 11.4 PPG, 4.4 APG with the LA Clippers. He noted that he expects to come off the bench for the Pistons. “I’m here to make life easier for the second unit and also to mentor Brandon (Knight),” he said, “This is an honour to be invited back here.”
Dumars told everyone in attendance that both Billups and Hamilton left the Pistons on less than ideal terms. He was happy that they had let the past go and to agree to come back. He was hoping that the veterans would be able to help the team build a strong bond. “We are all about team work and having one strong, cohesive defensive unit,” Dumars stated.
Dumars’ ‘vision’ has been criticised by many sources throughout the league. One rival GM called him ridiculous to have used all of his cap space to sign Billups and Hamilton. Another source indicated that Dumars may have passed up an opportunity to sign Jeff Green in order to bring back the two old Pistons.
SuperHueyNewton wrote:Man I was completely wrong. Billups and Hamilton should still be good fits in their return
Lamrock wrote:Nice pick-ups. Loved that back-court tandem.
Dmastawwe wrote:I was right!
hova- wrote:A team of seniors and corpse on the court. I don't know. I love West, he is a good pick up and I think in the game you will get something out of Hamilton and Billups.
For Jefferson's 11M$ contract you might pick up another solid player - not a star imho. It shows the RL problems of getting a star into a small market. You will have to build your team like the Pacers, which can be successfull either.
mpac wrote:when will the season start?
mp3 wrote:Both Billups and Hamilton still have gas in the tank, they might not be 30 minutes a night guys but can still do some damage, nice pick ups!
Axel. wrote:I like the acquisitions. Billups and Hamilton will provide instant offense (off the bench I'm guessing?).
Mark. wrote:Ah I guessed correctly
Good pickups you are pretty deep now assuming no injuries (which with those old legs are bound to happen)
I like the West signing a lot too, bring toughness to your team, pretty sure he has the bruiser skill eh?
REWARDS AND POINTS SYSTEMENTER THE DRAFT
Deadline to declare for upcoming NBA Draft: Conclusion of first round of NBA Playoffs
Declare your intention to join an upcoming draft class: 1
Enter NBA Draft as a projected undrafted prospect: 2
Enter NBA Draft as a projected second round pick: 5
Enter NBA Draft as a projected first round pick: 8
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
To raise your player’s rating by 5 in a skill based attribute: 3
To raise your player’s rating by 5 in a physical based attribute: 5
PLAYER DEMANDS
Complain about the coach: 1
Complain about a teammate: 2
Demand a trade: 3
Demand a trade and provide a shortlist of destinations: 4
Demand a trade and choose your next destination: 5
DECLARING FOR THE DRAFTWHEN?
You may declare any time before the conclusion of the first round of the Playoffs. You may also withdraw any time before then as well.
I will also allow you to report your intention to declare at any time. This means that I will start writing articles about your player.
HOW?
Post in this thread that you:
- intend to declare, and/or
- will declare
Declaring your intention to join an upcoming Draft class will cost you 1 point.
It will then cost you 2-8 points to enter the draft.
If you withdraw your intention to declare for the Draft, you do not get your 1 point back.
A CHANCE TO EARN POINTS
Every article written by you and PM’ed to me that gets posted will earn points. Give your draftee a backstory and a chance to improve his stock as well.
WHY DECLARE SOONER OR LATER
If you declare sooner, it means your player will make it into the L earlier. However, you may not be as good as a prospect as if you wait and accumulate points. If you declare later, you can have control over whether your player is a first or second round prospect.
Do not be disheartened about being drafted in the second round. The pros are that you can have some choice over your free agency destination/s after just one season! It also makes for a more interesting story.
UPCOMING DRAFT CLASSE
These are the NLSCers who have declared for the upcoming drafts – I will have a limit of six (6) per Draft.
Next: 2014 Draft (CLOSED)
Mark
Valor
Mattan
Mpac
Khanwarrior
Hova
Next: 2015 Draft (OPEN)
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant[/list]
POINTS LEADERBOARD
These points have been calculated as at 7 June 2013:
mpac – 16.5
Mark – 16.5
Martti – 15
Valor – 13.5
dare – 13
newc – 10.5
Justine. – 10
Khanwarrior – 9.5
hova – 9.5
Axel. – 8.5
Mattan – 8
Durant35 – 8
mrmoves20 – 7.5
Sasaki17 – 6.5
Superhueynewton – 5
Andrew_wiggins – 4.5
Thierry – 4
Woogie98 – 4
Houndy – 3
Kurotsugi – 2.5
Flower Chick – 2
Dmastawwe – 3
Lamrock – 1.5
PAST CHALLENGE
Points allocated for guessing the Pistons’ signings.
Thanks to everyone for participating!
NEW CHALLENGE
1. Guess the Starting Five for the opening game of the season for the Pistons from the following possible starters:
C Greg Oden
C Greg Monroe
PF David West
PF Jason Maxiell
PF Royce White
SF Vladimir Toroman
SF Tayshaun Prince
SG Rudy Fernandez
SG Rip Hamilton
SG Brandon Rush
PG Brandon Knight
PG Chauncey Billups
PG Vince Bellamy
PG Jay Connor
2. Guess how many wins the Pistons will have at the end of the season?
3. How far will the Pistons go in the playoffs (if they make it)?
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