The Detroit Pistons
GM: Denis998
Coach: Stan Van Gundy
Roster
Reggie Jackson --- Ish Smith
CJ McCollum --- Tim Hardaway Jr. --- RJ Hunter
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson --- Lance Thomas
Blake Griffin --- Jon Leuer - Montrezl Harrell – Brice Johnson
Gorgui Dieng --- Joel Embiid - Spencer Hawes
Draft Philosophy Blake Griffin With your first few draft picks the strategy should be to draft the BPA. Picking Blake was a no brainer here. I was really lucky to grab him with the 19th pick; he is easily a top 10 player in the NBA. Every single year he has made strides to improve his game. On top of his freak athleticism, he has added a killer post game, and has even stretched his game out to the 3-point line where he shot at an impressive 33% clip. My favorite aspect of his game is rarely seen, it is his amazing ball handling and passing ability; if need be he can be a point forward. During the time that Chris Paul was injured for an extended period of time, Blake’s name was often mentioned in the MVP race.
CJ McCollum Going into the 2nd round CJ was on the top of my draft board, was really excited to get him at #12. Coming into this previous season, he was a somewhat unknown prospect. He finally got his chance this season being the starting 2 guard alongside Lillard. He blossomed in that role and by seasons end earned the leagues MIP award, and rightly so. He is a player that is able to play both guard positions, often playing the point when Lillard was on the bench. Great passing ability, and a sharpshooter from the 3.
Reggie Jackson I mentioned that CJ was #1 on my depth chart, Reggie was #2. I pulled the trigger to trade for him when he was available late in the 2nd round. Reggie Jackson is nearly a carbon copy of our very own Isaiah Thomas, a player that was taken in the 1st round. All of their stats are nearly identical. Reggie Jackson is an ideal point guard to play with the players that were picked before him. He helps to space the floor and is also a threat for the dribble drive, as are CJ and Blake.
Quick Recap So far I have 3 players, averaging a combined 62 points, 14.8 rebounds, and 15.4 assists a game.
All of them have a good 3-point shot, averaging a combined 39%. What I like most about this team is the passing ability. This team is molding into a fast pace and space, ball movement offense. These 3 guys are my Big 3, and will go toe and toe with any other Big 3 in this league.
Gorgui Dieng He is where I started to mold the intricacies of the team. As I have mentioned with my depth chart of round 2, Dieng topped my list in the 5th round. I plan to have him as the starting center, as a result his numbers are going to take quite a boost, getting around 10 mpg extra playing time. I project him as a double-double kind of guy. What he brings to the table is defensive ability, averaging 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks in 27 mpg. What I like about Dieng is that he has the ability to run the floor, and have the energy to play in a high pace offense. On top of the Defensive abilities that he brings to the floor, he is also a quite a good player on the offensive end, having the ability to shoot from midrange and even from 3. He shoots 30% from the 3-point line, 83% from the free throw line, and sports a 112 Offensive Rating. In my eyes, he is the perfect center to play alongside my Big 3.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson He is a defensive stalwart, having the ability to guard multiple positions, and most importantly having the ability to guard the premier offensive players of the league. As a rookie in the league, he sported a 2.05 DRPM, right behind Tony Allen. In his second year in the league is going to make great strides, and will likely be considered for an All NBA Defensive Team. His offensive game has a way to go, but there is more than enough fire power on this team for that end.
BenchIsh Smith He is an optimal back up PG in the league. He made noise in NOLA this season, and after being traded to Philly mid-season he won them a few games. He has the ability to hold down the fort while CJ and Reggie are resting. He has respectable shooting ability, great passer, and rebounds well for a guard. Optimal glue guy off the bench.
Joel Embiid Joel is set to make his rookie debut this upcoming season, and by the looks of things he is healthy. A simple youtube search yields videos of his workout videos, and wow they are impressive. He has the tools to be a dominant center in the league. He has seemingly grown a few inches since being drafted; he looks as if he is currently 7’2. At least for the first half of the season, he will come off of the bench, however based on his play he can be upgraded to the starting center. I project him as a walking double-double machine. As he gets acclimated to the league, he is going to become a 19 points, 12 boards, and 2.5 blocks a game. I consider him a steal considering where in the draft I drafted him.
Jon Leuer He is an optimal stretch 4. He brings excellent 3-point shooting ability to the floor, all while being a respectable defender. I plan to use him in my small ball lineup when I put Blake at the 5.
Lance Thomas He is a 3 and D kind of guy. He is a great 3-point shooter, and does a great job defending. A real quality glue guy. 40% from 3
Tim Hardaway Jr. Similar player to that of Lance Thomas but is more of a 2 guard. Advanced Stats say that he is one of the best defenders in the league.
Spence Haws Decent backup to the backup center that shoots the 3 ball at a high clip. Holds his own on defense.
RJ Hunter He has potential, but I see him as a good practice guy. Can defend, shoot, and pass.
Brice Johnson and
Montrezl Harrell Will probably be in the D-League unless they are needed as a filler for injuries.
The System
I put a high emphasis on pace and space with good ball movement capabilities. The ball as going to be flying all over the court. There is going to be great space with the players I have, each and every one is a 3-point threat. There is going to be great pick and rolls/lobs with Dieng and Embiid. Within the starting lineup there will be 3 ball handlers to run pick and roll. With the floor spacing I have it is going to be easier for Reggie and CJ to drive to the rim, and Blake to post up. If any one of them is doubled, they will find the open man for the wide open shot. Versatility is key for this team, it has the ability to go both big and small, depending on if Blake is playing the 4 or the 5. When Blake is at the 5 I will play Jon Leuer as the stretch 4, and possibly Lance Thomas at the 3 for more shooting at the wing.