Evening Scoop: Pistons Looking for a Splash
By:
Bill Ingram
Last Updated: 7/16/08 10:19 PM ET
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The Detroit Pistons aren't just blowing smoke when they feed media outlet after media outlet rumors that they're after big name players. The Carmelo Anthony rumors were very real, as were the Tracy McGrady rumors, it's just that they couldn't convince the Denver Nuggets or the Houston Rockets that they should get something done.
Don't give up on Dumars yet.
Now that the Clippers have their deal complete with the Denver Nuggets, acquiring Marcus Camby for . . .well . . .basically nothing (OK, it was a possible second round pick), the Pistons are trying to get something done with one of the two remaining players who they might have a legitimate shot at landing.
The Chicago Bulls would ideally love to keep Luol Deng, but with negotiations going the way they're going it's likely the Pistons get serious in talks with Chicago. Tayshaun Prince would come back in trade and he's a veteran who could make life easier for new head coach Vinny Del Negro. Prince isn't exactly a vocal leader, but he knows how to win and he's all business.
The other name you should expect to see bantered about by Dumars and Company is Andre Iguodala. Again, now that the Clippers are out of the picture it's likely he returns to Philly. The Sixers were waiting to see if someone else would establish Iggy's value - much as the Hawks have been doing with Josh Childress and Josh Smith, but so far no teams have been willing to play the role of pawn in what would ultimately be fruitless enterprise.
The bottom line is Dumars isn't just using trade rumors to get his players tuned in and focused - he is very serious about making a "splashy" move, and won't rest until he's done so.
The Ron Artest Chronicles - Day 432
OK, maybe 432 is a slight exaggeration, but since we're doomed to talk about Artest for the foreseeable future, let's get this thing done.
A source who would know shared some scenario with HOOPSWORLD today, basically saying there is a lot of interest in Artest.
The Dallas Mavericks are offering basically the same thing they did last year - Brandon Bass and Jerry Stackhouse for Ron-Ron. Rick Carlisle would love to have Ron back in his locker room, but he's not willing to part with Josh Howard to get it done. That likely means the Mavs don't have a deal. Stackhouse is a great locker room guy and probably a future coach, but his health is a huge concern. Brandon Bass has huge upside and was an important part of the Mavs' success last season, especially before the Kidd trade. But is he worth Artest? Maybe not.
The Lakers are, indeed, interested in Artest, but contrary to widespread rumors they have not yet made an offer. Not Lamar Odom, not anyone. They're waiting to see what happens with Ronny Turiaf, after which we could see some movement on the LA front.
The Boston Celtics offered up a James Posey sign-and-trade to land Artest, but obviously that's not going to happen. As HOOPSWORLD's Jessica Camerato broke earlier today, Posey is now a New Orleans Hornet.
Jawai Ramping Up
Nathan Jawai was at Impact Basketball today working out with new front court partner Jermaine O'Neal. The young man from Australia gave Sam Mitchell an eyeful as he went through a number of drills to demonstrate both his physical prowess under the basket and his soft shooting touch.
First was a serious of low post power moves - Jawai on one side and O'Neal on the other. Jawai is a huge physical specimen, and he showed right away that he has the footwork and the raw power to be lethal under the hoop. Next up was a series of shooting drills, one of which had him shooting one-handed from the free throw line extended. He made a high percentage of those shots, too, and definitely has the potential to be a mid-range threat. Together with his power game under the basket he could turn out to be an important player for the Raptors this season.
About the Author: BILL INGRAM
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Bill Ingram is a Senior Writer for HOOPSWORLD, powering HOOPSWORLD.com. Bill covers the entire NBA and the Western Conference from Dallas. He is a member of the Professional Basketball Writers Association and has been covering the NBA for ten seasons.
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Comments (3 posted)
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posted By zach, 16 July 2008 7:33:45 PM
why is it that i read on this site that the mcgrady pistons rumors were nothing serious, now you say that they were serious
posted By Bill Ingram, 16 July 2008 7:36:07 PM
I said the Rockets aren't trading McGrady. I didn't say Detroit doesn't want him. They offered Billups/Prince . . .Houston's not interested.
posted By E-ROC, 17 July 2008 5:30:45 PM
Why are the Lakers waiting on Turiaf? They "can" afford Turiaf but isn't worth it in luxury tax dollars. Just get the Artest trade done; be done with it. I'd try to trade for Luol Deng or a package of Hinrich and Noah or Tyrus Thomas.
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